<p>I have a 4.0 gpa, but my day is:
-Wake up at 8am
-Eat
-Go to class
-Eat
-Study
.
.
.
Eat
-Go to martial arts class on Tues/Thurs
-Study
-Go to sleep at 1am</p>
<p>My biggest goal is to get into Harvard's econ PhD program. I feel like I'm just missing out on so much though, because there is so much going on at UNC. I have not been to any sports games; I skipped the famous Halloween on Franklin Street to prepare for a conference presentation... do you think it is worth it?</p>
<p>The point is, you’re beginning to think it isn’t worth it. </p>
<p>You need to schedule some fun like the game or a party. If you burn out now, not only will you not get into your dream program, but once you’re there you won’t know how to network with your new colleagues. </p>
<p>It’s not all all-or-nothing choice (all study, no fun) (all fun, no study) - you can find a mix that works for you. One afternoon a weekend? One night a week after 8:00?</p>
<p>First of all, a 4.0 is great, but in my experience, anything above a 3.7/3.8 is generally the same as far as grad schools are concerned. Obviously, the higher, the better, but if you have to sacrifice your sanity for it, no, it’s probably not worth it. Also, generally, phD programs tend to heavily consider research experience over GPA, so having below a 4.0 GPA won’t make or break you. Students with lower GPAs may very well get in over you, if they have more significant research experience that fits better with the school.</p>
<p>I got a 4.0 in undergrad, and I still had time for going out with friends and parties. You make time for things that are important to you. It’s important to find that balance now before you go to grad school and have even more things to juggle. Even during my busiest weeks, I still always had mental health night, where I would just do whatever I wanted, guilt free. Even having just one night a week can do you wonders.</p>
<p>Higher GPA’s are obviously good, but grad schools are interested in a lot more than just a number. They want to you that you’ve demonstrated an ability to apply your knowledge in the form of research. Internships and such can be every bit as important, if not more so.</p>
<p>It’s important to enjoy college. You’ve gotta get out and socialize. If you don’t, you’re going to regret it.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s worth it if you will begin to regret it later on. It will be worth if it you don’t care about any of the events and stuff going on. </p>
<p>I have a 3.85 right now and I kind of regret missing some things to study or not really experiencing college more (now in my junior year). I would say if you even have the slightest doubt, you should sacrifice a little bit of studying and do something fun. It might also benefit you by relieving some stress!</p>
<p>Not worth it. YOU are worth WAY more than your GPA. Whilst your GPA is an indicator of your book smarts, there are other things that will make you much more valuable to a grad school. Others have already given you great advice. Get out, do more than martial arts. Sacrifice a bit of your GPA, but do so wisely. Internships, research, references, etc. are very important. Facilitate relationships with people, professors, etc. Good luck and RELAX. :)</p>
<p>It depends on the price.</p>
<p>If you get the same thing for a lower price it’s definitely more worthier.</p>
<p>A more important question is whether you’re taking the right courses for doctoral study in economics. Calculus I-III, Differential Equations, Calc-based probability & statistics, real analysis.</p>
<p>No, that’s not a more important question because I’m doing that and much more</p>
<p>I got a 3.4 in undergrad and am studying in a top 5 PhD program in my field. I definitely had a lot of fun in undergrad, lol.</p>
<p>I’m not saying get a 3.4 (because typically you do need to be more competitive; my major GPA was higher, my GRE scores were high and I had a lot of research) but I think as long as you get a 3.5-3.6+ you’ll be fine. You definitely don’t <em>need</em> a 4.0.</p>
<p>Also, don’t set sights on one PhD program so early; Harvard’s program is extremely competitive and even if you are a fine, qualified candidate, you might not get in just because of the vagaries of the application season. Focus, instead, on getting into a top-ranked economics PhD program in general.</p>