<p>I'm an undergrad sophomore math/economics double major (financial emphasis) interested in applying to a graduate school (Phd level) in economics in three years. My ultimate goal is to become an econometrics professor or some type of researcher in the field. Although my experience with economics is limited, and I know that most of the undergrad programs are simplified and theoretical, I'm looking forward to the rigor and exploration that the major involves.</p>
<p>To keep things short, I'm wondering what would be some necessary steps to prepare for grad school? The GRE? What can I do in order to stand out from other applicants? I come from a 2nd-tier liberal arts school so my access to grad-level courses and other typical university advantages are limited. I do, however, have a 3.9 GPA and I'm great at math (so far at the differential equations, linear algebra etc. level).</p>
<p>Even though I have a long way to go, what are my realistic chances of getting into a top grad school from a moderate-level college?</p>
<p>As much as I dislike Mankiw, he has several helpful posts for aspiring economists. Arguably if your interest is in econometrics you might need even more math.</p>
<p>Here is a brief list of qualifications that you may consider to be a good guide.</p>
<p>1) High GPA- Definitely above a 3.0 for any school and above a 3.5 if you want to get into a top 50.</p>
<p>2) Lots of math classes- multivariable calculus, linear algebra and intro to stats is necessary. Other classes worth taking include: real analysis, differential equations, probability and statistic theory, and optimization.</p>
<p>3) Adequate GRE score- he bare minimum for the quantitative portion is 700, but you should strive to get as close to perfect as possible. Most top 30 places have the median in th 780-790 range. The verbal and writing portion aren’t as crucial. However anything below 500 in the former and 4 in the latter will send a bad signal.</p>
<p>4) Good LORs- As a sophomore you should start looking for potential letter writers now. Once you find someone who would be a good reference take classes with him/her. Since you are from a second tier LAC which graduate admission people may not be familiar with, it is important to get strong recommendations.</p>
<p>5) Do some research- This is more of a corollary to number four. If you can obtain an RA position, then you increase your chances of receiving a good recommendation. Also, write a senior thesis if your school has that option.</p>
<p>6) Take lots of math classes and excel in them- I know this is redundant, but it is really, really important. It would mean a lot to an admissions representative if you have a math recommender who says something like, “Timmy was the brightest student I’ve seen in ten years. He really aced my PhD analysis class.”</p>
<p>As you progress, towards your senior year you can start thinking about less significant things like the statement of purpose (from what I understand it rarely gets looked at). How much you emphasize each point depends on the type of program you are shooting for. This list probably doesn’t contain everything, so suggestions are welcome.</p>
<p>Thanks Rob! Based on a lot of the posts I’ve read on this site I figured it’s better to ask questions now than later. Out of curiosity… why is the RA position such a helpful tool recommendation wise?</p>
<p>KK, Rob has given you very good advice. Taking lots more math (real analysis, topology, etc.) is the best thing you can do to get into a top Ph.D. program. The statement of purpose is something that rarely helps you, but it can hurt you. Being interested in a faculty position where you can do research is the right answer. Saying that you want to work for a consulting firm or an agency such as the World Bank or IMF is not what most admissions committees want to hear. They want students who are interested in research careers. </p>
<p>I do not know precisely what you mean by a second-tier LAC, but my (highly ranked) Ph.D. program had students from a range of schools. I had classmates from Berkeley, Chicago, MIT and Swarthmore, but also Denison, University of Missouri-St. Louis and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Good luck.</p>
<p>The Letters of rec are really important when coming from a LAC (especially an unknown one) because the adcoms probably don’t have much of an idea about the rigor of the classes in the math and econ department. So having a math professor say you aced some graduate course that he testifies is very difficult will help you immensely. Kids coming from Berkeley, Chicago or some other big time program have the advantage of not needing to send that particular signal. Admission people already know that a topology class at one of these institutions is the real deal.</p>