<p>I'd like advice about my chances of being accepted into a top PhD program for one of these 2 fields (top 50 for Poli Econ and top 75 for Econ). Here is some of my background info:</p>
<ul>
<li>Dual-degree: Poli Sci (concentration in Int'l Affairs, grad. Dec. 2010) & Economics (just declared in Summer 2010, graduation Spring/Summer 2011 [depending on what classes I can take Spring 2011 semester])</li>
<li>Super-duper undergrad senior at pretty big public institution that has medium-sized reputation (well known in Southern region for Economics program) because of full-time work through last November, when I voluntarily left my job to finish school full-time</li>
<li>Work experience of 8 years in business world (banking and insurance--completely unrelated to my fields of study and probably completely useless/irrelevant)</li>
<li>Cumulative GPA of 3.76, Poli Sci major GPA is 3.84 and Econ major GPA is 3.82.</li>
<li>Just got internship this semester doing politico-economic research and other admin. duties that come with a non-profit internship (first opportunity in my undergrad career due to prior full-time salaried job commitment)</li>
<li>Will take GRE in a month or so and based on practice tests, I anticipate a 1400 combined score</li>
<li>Area of interest: development (some say that Economists in US do not really consider this a respectable area of research... Please clarify this. Political economists are studying this phenomenon, albeit from the perspective of how political institutions affect countries' ability to lift themselves out of their economic rut, so to speak. I think I am more interested in policy recommendations about the role of markets vs. gov'ts and feel that an econ. degree is more appropriate for this.)</li>
</ul>
<p>My problem with economics and the reason that I am looking at top 75 vs. top 50 (like I am for Poli Sci) is that I am weak in the math area. I will take Calculus next semester and could try to squeeze in a 2nd semester in the summer, if required. However, prior to declaring my econ. major, I solely considered going to grad school for Poli Sci; thus I did not feel the need to take more math classes. Top programs are looking for a minimum of 2 semesters of calc (some want 2 years!!), linear algebra, and differential equations. I will have 2 semesters of calc MAX and they will be squeezed in at the end. Do I even have a chance in hell or will I waste my and profs' time (having them write my LoRs), and equally important, money (considering that I am now an unpaid college bum)? Please give me the cold, hard truth here. Talked to grad director of my school's econ program and he was a bit concerned and said that I need to take at least 2 semesters of calculus to be remotely considered for an econ. program anywhere. Luckily for me, I had class with him and averaged over 100 (due to curve) and he'd vouched for me (big deal, since he's grad director). I just don't want to commit academic in-breeding by staying at my undergrad school for grad studies. Is this as problematic as people have made it out to be?</p>
<p>Okay, super wordy so far, but on to Poli Sci. I figured that the closest that I can get to studying economics with my non-technical/mathematical background is Political Economy. Now, I think that I am slightly more competitive in this area, as I have gotten good grades in the major and study Economics as well. One caveat: do not have any independent research... I am starting this but I am at the tail-end of my undergrad career. How big of a barrier will this be in regards to admission to a top poli sci program (let's be funny and say top 25)?</p>
<p>I understand rankings are important, as much as some people hate them. This will determine where I can go on to work/research/teach in the future.</p>
<p>Am I being delusional about grad school prospects?</p>
<p>Here are the poli sci programs that I am considering:
-University of MD
-University of PA
-FL State University
-University of GA</p>
<p>Econ programs
-GA State University
-FL State University
-Emory
-University of FL</p>
<p>Obviously, I am trying to stay in the Southeast, and more generally on the East coast. I'd consider other areas upon convincing suggestions.</p>
<p>Lay it on me. Rip me to shreds, if need be. I am applying this cycle for next fall and need brutal sincerity.</p>