<p>Hi, I graduated in May from a large public university, majoring in economics and graduating with a 3.85 GPA. I knew that I wanted to take a year off, as I didn't really know what I wanted to do after I graduated. I have since decided that I would like to pursue a PhD. in economics.</p>
<p>However, I realized after graduating that I hadn't taken the necessary math courses in order to be a competitive applicant at a top program. In addition, my GRE Quant scores are a bit low. I got a 710, but was really disappointed as I had scored 790 the night before on a practice test, and 750 the night before that (different practice tests). I feel that I could do better, as I ran out of time after getting stuck on two problems, but I'm not certain I could get the 780-800 required by the top programs. Finally, I have no research experience in economics.</p>
<p>I am fairly certain I would get into the econ PhD. program at my alma mater with my current math background and GRE scores.</p>
<p>I was thinking about applying to my alma mater for an MA in economics, and taking the math courses I am missing in the spring and summer, and retaking the GRE's then. I would then attend the MA program in order to gain more research experience, and finally apply to some of the better PhD. programs.</p>
<p>Finally, the PhD. program at my alma mater has some fellowships and assistantships, but the MA is completely unfunded. In addition, the economics program has a large faculty, but it is unranked in the rankings done by US News.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice for me? Do you think I should invest the time and money needed for the math courses and the MA, or should I go for the PhD. program I could likely get into now?</p>