ladypemberley

Hi, I've recently been trying to decide whether to apply for PhD programs or to pursue a MA/MSc degree first to up my chances. I don't know whether I'll be able to get into a PhD program for econ with my current stats. GPA: 3.27/4.00 (last year gpa: 3.9 - first years were disastrous) (from a top university in Turkey that isn't known worldwide) Math Courses: Mainly C's and Bs. Last year Math electives: A+. Research experience: Worked with a prof. at another university on a Math project - mainly using probability theory along with some game theory. Senior thesis: unpublished, but solid research on International Economics. Teaching experience: none. i can gain some this year but it wont be in time for the applications GRE: practicing, i expect high scores. The problem: My first years in school were terrible. I failed important courses like Calculus and Statistics. I have improved considerably since then (ever since I've decided to apply for grad school) but is it too late now? My questions are the following: Should I even apply for a PhD in the US (I know I can't aim tier 1 schools but even for others)? Or should I do a Master's degree in elsewhere and then apply for a PhD? Europe-wise: Could I get into schools like LSE, Tilburg etc? Thank you