<p>There was an old thread about how to get into good econ programs. That emphasized research, math and good grades. Has anything changed? Does studying abroad in third world countries help...ie economics in developing countries. Can anyone recommend good research programs or anything else that might help. Courses to date include the following:</p>
<p>Macroeconomic Development, Microeconomics,
Quantitative Macroeconomics, Quantitative Microeconomics,<br>
Calculus I and II, Econometrics,
Monetary Economics, Statistics,
Current Economic Affairs/China, Renewable Energy/China.
Economic History of West Africa, and Foreign Trade and Investment in China </p>
<p>You need a lot more math. You are going to need calc 3, linear algebra, and real analysis/advanced calculus at a minimum. If you want to ge rock solid you probably want probability theory and stochastic calc along with real analysis/advanced calc 2 and maybe topology (some dispute on how important topology is). I'd look into getting a math major. You should at least have real analysis/advanced calc.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if studying abroad will help, even for economics in developing countries. I don't think much has changed since you read the earlier post.</p>
<p>I am not an econ phd. However, for a couple years I was seriously considering that route. I majored in math and econ because of it. I have researched it extensively online, talked to several of my econ TAs, and talked to my econ advisor. All of them were in agreement on these facts. Also, one of my old RAs is now an Econ phd with a full scholarship and stipend and he took the math/econ path. I also know a few people who have taken or are taking the introductory grad theory sequences (currently undergrads). In order to even sign up for the classes you need real analysis/advanced calc. Having a working knowledge of topology is essential for at least the micro, but real analysis/advanced calc sounds like it is enough to do well (without taking a course in topology). I'm not entirely certain where the stocastic stuff comes in, probably not until you start getting into grad level econometrics or other statistical methods type courses.</p>
<p>I had some TAs who weren't math majors. I asked one of them how much math he did before starting for his phd and he said that he was one class away from fulfilling the math major requirements. So you don't necessarily need a math major, but as long as you take the classes you are good.</p>
<p>LogicWarrior:</p>
<p>Those are both great schools, so I think it is fair to assume they will give you a great preparation. Both of those schools have top 15 econ phd programs so I doubt prominent faculty will be in short supply. </p>
<p>To both:</p>
<p>Just make sure you do well on your quantitative GRE. Econ phd programs are very competitive. They are pretty much expecting you get an 800.</p>
<p>I would say calc 1-3, linear algebra, and introductory calc based probability/stats is the bare minimum for getting into a top 50 program. There are always exceptions, but this is usually what is recommended.</p>
<p>Thanks for your suggestions. Excuse my ignorance but what entrance tests are required...is there a general GRE and a subject test in quantitative economics? Is there anything else I need to take or that would be helpful. Can you retake like the undergraduates do if you want to try and improve your scores? Any courses out there that help or is it just a matter of reviewing past exams? Thanks.</p>
<p>I could be wrong but I think usually just the General GRE is expected</p>
<p>And take Real Analysis. I used to be en route towards an Econ PhD (current math/econ in UCSD), and eventually gave up because Real Analysis was too much. I asked some of my econ professors if that was going to be a problem, and most said that graduate level econ gets harder and harder than those math classes.</p>
<p>...now I'm leaning towards a PhD in psychology (focus on behavioral economics/game theory analysis)</p>