<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I'm currently a junior student at UM-Ann Arbor majoring in math and econ. This is my 4th year in college and second semester in UM because I transferred from UW-Madison after completing 6 semesters there. I wasn't very interested in econ at the first time, but as I learned more in depth I found it very interesting and worth dedicating my life for it. So I set my goal as getting into one of top five econ PhD programs which seems extremely competitive and little chance for me to make it.(My GPA is not good) Anyway I hope some of you guys can estimate my chances or give me any advices. Sarcastic replies would also be very welcomed.(I just want to be realistic)</p>
<p>GPA from UW-Madison
About 3.4 overall, Major GPA would probably be higher than this.
GPA from Ann Arbor
Slightly above 3.3..Major GPA is lower. which is pretty bad(?)</p>
<p>Math courses so far
Calc 1,2,3 (grades are A,A,AB respectively in UW-Madison)
Diff equ(got B in Madison)
Linear Algebra(got AB in Madison)
Mathematical statistics(got AB in Madison)
Discrete Math(got C at the first time and A by retaking it in Madison)
Abstract Algebra(got BC in Madison)
Advanced Calculus1 also called first course in Analysis(got B in Madison)
Math for Finance(B- in Ann Arbor)
Topology(Taking right now, expecting B or higher)</p>
<p>And for the next 2 semesters, I would probably take Advanced calc2 +1 or 2 more courses..</p>
<p>Econ courses so far
Elem Micro(got A in Madison)
Elem Macro(got B in Madison)
Interm Micro(got B in Ann Arbor)
Interm Macro(taking right now)
Labor Econ at sophomore level(which means less rigorous, taking)
Money and Banking at sophomore level(taking)</p>
<p>I found that getting decent grades from Michigan econ courses is pretty hard and backbreaking.. I'm not that confident about the grade I'm gonna have from Inter Macro.</p>
<p>During this year's summer I would probably do: take more econ courses + some research under a econ professor(Not in Michigan department but in my country).</p>
<p>For those who see this thread, I hope you guys at least put some short comments. If you can see my advantage/disadvantage regarding anything I listed above, please let me know! If you think you're good at estimating chances, please have me realistic.</p>
<p>The reason that I aim at top econ program is not only because I want to be a good economist but also because I want to have some connections with great scholars from whom I could permanently be inspired, motivated and stimulated in my life. So I would not care if applying for Master degree is the only hope that I can get into one of those schools.Even if I have to end up with getting into less rigorous PhD program, I should at least spend 2 or more years in top schools to see and learn from big scholars and peers.</p>