<p>Hi,
I have a masters in engineering from a top 20 university with some work ex in the same. I applied to nyu MA ECON this year in Feb for Fall 09 for a career change. My GPAs are average, however I have strong recommendations. Undegrad from a top intntl school in engineering. 2-3 introductory econ courses but strong math courses during undergrad.</p>
<p>Now, I took GRE a day before submitting application with no preparation. Got 640v, 720q, 3.5 awa, and I am sure it is because i took the test very lightly even as I took the test. I was sure i can get 800Q due to through and through engineering background. I mean I took GMAT and got 740/800, except that NYU MA econ does not accept GMAT.</p>
<p>At any rate: do you guys think GRE or the factor that i am coming from too much of engineering background will scuttle my application. Do I have a shot at getting in?</p>
<p>If you don’t get in this year, I saw study for it seriously, retake it, and reapply. Econ, whether it be masters or doctoral level, is very math-intensive, as you may know, and a 720 in GRE-Q does seem low. But then, the ad-com may think of that as a fluke having seen your academic record.</p>
<p>Next year is not an option - i am already way into my engg work ex (past 5 yrs) and need to change career path with MA econ ASAP. I am pretty sure if I took GRE again today I would get 780+ in quant. </p>
<p>However, do you think only GRE quant is the weak part in my app? I mean, i dont have much econ background. what i have is engineering background. Also my analytic writing is only 3.5. Do people with my background get accepted at NYU?</p>
<p>Math is generally stressed a lot more in Econ than actual undergraduate econ coursework. Also, your lower GPA will most likely be seen as a product of a demanding major, especially from a top institution. Hopefully the strong letters can help displace the weaknesses in your app.</p>
<p>Also, as far as I know, most Econ schools don’t place any considerable weight on the writing portion of the GRE.</p>
<p>This is what they say at their web page… So looks like I am right at cutoff for Q, but dont meet cutoff for analytical (mine is 3.5, requmt is 5.0). Can anyone confirm if they do/donot place important weight on analytical.</p>
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<p>What are the criteria for admission?</p>
<p>Admission to the MA program in economics is limited to students of outstanding promise. In general, we aim to admit the B+ student and above. More specifically, the type of student we are seeking to attract will meet the following minimum requirements:</p>
<pre><code>* GRE Quantitative and Analytical scores > 75th percentile (@720 for quantitative and 5.0 for analytical)