<p>What kind of undergraduate research projects are there for undergraduates? I know that it depends on the school; I will be attending one of the UCs.</p>
<p>To attend grad school for econ is research necessary, or would internships get you just as far?</p>
<p>anyone?</p>
<p>(ten)</p>
<p>Research is more valuable than internships but math is more valuable than both. Unless you write a paper that shows real talent or high levels of mathematical sophistication or gets published in a good journal, the research component is not going to be very impressive. Internships matter very little except for MBA programs.</p>
<p>When applying to Phd programs, the most important thing is how much high level math you've had. e.g. Real analysis, probability and stats, game theory, advanced econometrics, or topology. A 3.7 with a major in physics and a few econ courses beats out a 4.0 from econ with minimal advanced math courses. Make sure to go way beyond differential equations and linear algebra. Any less than the latter and don't bother to apply to grad school.</p>
<p>I was planning on minoring in mathematics, should I just double major? Also, one of the schools I am applying to has a joint major in math/econ, should I do this instead of a math minor?</p>
<p>Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>u shouldn't pick up another major or minor just because it will help you get into some school or some program. you are going about it backwards; major in what u want then apply in the future accordingly... in general, if u find urself taking tons of extra classes that u arent interested in just for the sake of trying to get into something, then maybe u are trying to get into the wrong thing.</p>
<p>well, I like math anyways... I just wasn't sure if I wanted to delay my graduation, because I'm pretty sure that I will have to if I pick up a double major</p>
<p>edit: if I pick up a double major</p>
<p>thats good that u like math.</p>
<p>i was a late double-major'er:
i originalyl was just majoring in comp sci. but by my sophomore year i couldn't silence my interest in math... it was fun and i dindt wanna stop takign teh courses. i took courses my junior yr and i only officially had the double major by when my senior yr started. so, it took me 4.5 yrs to graduate, as this is finalyl my LASt semester. <bleep> yea!</bleep></p>
<p>sweet, grats</p>
<p>The major vs minor issue is relatively unimportant. For PhD programs the question is whether you've taken the kinds of math classes that economists feel students should have before going for a doctorate.</p>
<p>For MBA or similar, advanced math is nearly irrelevant.</p>
<p>So take what you want to, but if going for a Phd, there are certain things you must do.</p>
<p>Someone at the UC you attend should be able to advise you on this. Look up whomever is in charge of graduate admissions for the econ department and make an appointment to see him.</p>
<p>Find a particular niche within economics that appeals to you. Seek out proffesors in that field, try to connect with those whose research you admire. </p>
<p>I'm interested in decision theory. Thus, I must spend the rest of my undergrad focusing on stats/probability to develop the sort of quant. abilities required at the grad level. An MIT decision theory phD reccomended that I also take some behavioural psych classes as well. The general math courses I must take to be prepared are: Calc 1,2,3, Advanced calc., linear algebra, differential equations, 3 semesters of stats and probability, + adv. game theory and honours econometrics. </p>
<p>Someone interested in development economics would have a different focus.</p>
<p>Wutangfinancial, what school are you currently attending? I'm not sure what niche I want to work in because I have only taken the two intro courses, though I really like macro so far. From what it sounds like math is more important than research for grad school admissions; is this true?</p>
<p>Mathematics is key, but research can take you far as well, as 1-it is a signal that your professors see great potential in you and 2-you develop great relationships with profs, allowing them to write meaningful LOR's when time comes due.</p>
<p>That being said, however, and especially with you being at a UC, it may be hard for you to work with a prof., as you'll be competing with grad students for their attention. Furthermore, you'll likely not have a substantial enough of a background to do meaningful research. I would keep pressing them, however, but not until you've developed your mathematics background some.</p>
<p>So...let's say that I do have a research assistant job for this summer, but all it's going to be is collecting data -- tediously huge amounts of data. Should I not be worried? Is this what I should have expected as an undergrad?</p>
<p>Or should I try to find another research assistant job? What about with a professor in statistics or something else related - does it have to be econ? </p>
<p>In my experience, econ professors either want undergrads to find data, enter data, reorganize data, consolidate data, or proofread papers. I know that I won't get published or anything within the next couple months, but if I want to go to grad school, should I be more forward and aim a little higher, or will this suffice?</p>
<p>bluestarling,</p>
<p>I was always under the impression that research assistanships were better when applying to hard sciences, I.E. physics or something. I may very well be wrong, though.</p>
<p>I think it all depends on the type of research, and who you research with. Both elements determine the quality of experience you get from the RA position and possible LORs. At my university, there're "intense" RA positions for undergrad that requires substantial dedication, background knowledge, and the like (the pay's nicer, too). And then there are the "paperwork" RA positions. The difference in workload/expectations is of course, HUGE.</p>
<p>well, my job does require patience and dedication and it pays well, but I don't think I'm going to be allowed to do anything with the data after I gather it. I'm considering trying to find another research position for this summer, but a few people I know think I'm being foolish because the professor I'm doing research with is supposedly a big-shot and they think he'll write me a great recommendation for grad school. But if I don't really get any contact with him, and I'm not doing anything challenging...how is he going to write a good letter?</p>