PhD in Economics

Graduate School
1

<p>Good afternoon, everyone. I'm currently a rising sophomore who, admittedly, knows a bit early that graduate school is the correct path forward. So fortunately for me, I can begin the process early, if only that were an easy task.</p>

<p>The more that I read about graduate schools - particularly in my field, though it appears to be a general rule across the spectrum - the more I'm coming to realize that extracurricular activities mean almost nothing. In fact, admissions pages for top universities don't even appear to mention them at all, so I'm left wondering how I can conceivably set myself apart from my other applicants. </p>

<p>I acknowledge that, especially for schools such as Harvard, MIT, Chicago, etc (my target schools), GPA, GRE scores, and overall academic prowess are likely to be among the most critical determinants, along with research experience. Thankfully, I'm enrolled in my university's honors program, so I do have a challenging curriculum to build on and an upcoming thesis to compose in my senior year. But I can't help but feel that I'm not doing enough. Unfortunately, the internship opportunities for undergraduate economics students, at least in my findings, are slim. The local Federal Reserve, even, would only consider applicants who have completed their sophomore year. Other opportunities, consulting firms perhaps, are looking for applicants with at least Bachelor degrees. </p>

<p>So I'm left to ponder what I ought to do. I have been keeping myself busy as well as I can - volunteering along with taking courses, particularly in Microsoft office, acknowledging how important Excel skills are for graduate-level economics, and utilizing courses provided via the edX initiative launched by Harvard and MIT. And though intellectually stimulating and without a doubt a phenomenal use of my time, I am left to wonder, "How does this pertain to my research in economics? Furthermore, will completion of these courses truly boost my standing as an applicant?" </p>

<p>My question, then, pertains to the ways in which I can prepare myself in advance for grad school, bearing in mind how high I have set the bar for myself. I have already begun preparing for the GRE using Magoosh (Any thoughts on the efficacy on it? Thus far, it has been an excellent resource), and have been preparing for my thesis project by reading as much as I can. But I know the importance of research, and the resulting relationships that ought to be formed with top professors in the field. Is there any advice that anyone could offer on any of these subjects?</p>

<p>Thanks so much for reading, and I appreciate whatever help can be offered.</p>

2

<p>Prepare for graduate school by excelling in your studies and trying to get the best gpa that you can. You might consider adding mathematics classes or a minor to your studies. Find out what kind of opportunities your college offers for undergraduate research. Talk to professors about joining their research. Look for summer opportunities at other institutions if yours doesn’t offer much.
[AEAweb:</a> Summer Study, Research, and Presentation Opportunities](<a href=“http://www.aeaweb.org/students/Opportunities.php]AEAweb:”>American Economic Association)</p>

<p>You might start your reading with the undergraduate journals referenced in the link. As you take your more advanced coursework you can move on to advanced reading topics. When you are at a higher level than you are now, you might think about what you will want to specialize in and make notes of the professors who are working and publishing in that area so that when it comes time to select grad schools you are going to be applying to places where you are a good fit.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much for the information and for the link. I’ll be sure to take into consideration your suggestions. </p>

<p>I have been considering a Math minor, even though my major - a joint degree in economics and finance - is already heavily quantitative. A lot of the courses, even those offered at the honors level, appear to be in line with what I would need for graduate school (linear algebra, differential equations, etc). </p>

<p>The idea of joining research projects with professors does appear daunting to me; and I could be saying that because the only economics professor I have had thus far didn’t have a PhD, and hence didn’t speak of his research. Maybe it will become progressively easier as I move forward in my major. Thanks so much for the suggestions.</p>

4

<p>Corporate internships aren’t really important for PhDs in economics - it’s more about research experience, quantitative skills and research experience. I second the recommendation to try to get research experience with a professor; as you take more classes, it will get easier to find someone to do this with.</p>

5

<p>Agreed. I have even considered self-guiding my own research, as I have found an area of focus that is quite fascinating to me. While it would be ideal that I find a professor who is also writing about it, I’m a bit worried about waiting for the time to arise that I meet him or her - especially since I won’t be beginning my major until the coming spring semester (Gen Eds can be tedious, but I’m almost done!).</p>