<p>I'm currently facing very important trade-offs, as I am considering to join a graduate program (Ph.D.) in economics in a few years. First, the mathematics that are involved. This is how my math route 'has' to look like for most, top-tier graduate programs (correct me if I'm mistaken):</p>
<ol>
<li>Calculus I, II and III</li>
<li>Linear Algebra</li>
<li>Probability</li>
<li>Real Analysis</li>
</ol>
<p>The problem is:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>UC</a> Irvine 'strongly' recommends to have at least taken intermediate macro/micro, but doesn't expect too much math, as it seems.</p></li>
<li><p>[url=<a href="http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/graduate-program/admissions-information%5DUPenn%5B/url">http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/graduate-program/admissions-information]UPenn[/url</a>] doesn't mention any econ courses, only math-intensive courses.</p></li>
<li><p>[url=<a href="http://econ.columbia.edu/graduate-course-information%5DColumbia%5B/url">http://econ.columbia.edu/graduate-course-information]Columbia[/url</a>] mentions linear algebra, calculus, real analysis and probability, no econ courses.</p></li>
<li><p>[url=<a href="https://catalogue.usc.edu/schools/college/econ/graduate/%5DUSC%5B/url">https://catalogue.usc.edu/schools/college/econ/graduate/]USC[/url</a>] doesn't mention Ph.D. minimum requirements, but mentions that a year of calculus, intermediate macro/micro and a semester of statistics is for a master's program. </p></li>
<li><p>[url=<a href="http://www.econ.ucla.edu/graduate/?p=admissions%5DUCLA%5B/url">http://www.econ.ucla.edu/graduate/?p=admissions]UCLA[/url</a>] mentions that applications should have 'formal' coursework in intermediate macro/micro, two years of calculus (3 semesters?) and one year of probability and statistics (these are two separate courses at my institution).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>So, I'm in a position where I'd really like to maximize my chances but also not make stupid course choices over the next few years. At my institution, Real Analysis and Linear Algebra has the following course and course description as its prerequisite:</p>
<p>*Transition to Advanced Mathematics:</p>
<p>Introduces abstraction in math. Includes set theory, symbolic logic, number theory, abstract algebra, and analysis. Explores rigorous proof and oral and written expression of mathematical concepts.*</p>
<p>So I'm only able to take 3 semesters of calculus, if needed, differential equations and probability/statistics. I may be able to talk to the department chair, but I also don't know whether more math courses or coursework in intermediate econ is more important. Some say yes, some don't.</p>