lam426

Hello! I have always been determined to get a PhD in economics. I am in a position where I get 2-years of research experience at a Federal Reserve Bank with the option of staying for a third. While there are benefits to staying a third year, there is the con of delaying a PhD program back a year. I wanted to get insight if I am a competitive candidate to apply this Fall 2019 (semester start Fall 2020). Applying to: Top 30, but ideally aiming top 15.!Dream! schools would be Stanford, MIT, Northwestern and UCSD but know that may not be realistic. Undergrad: B.S. in Economics, minor in Mathematics at state-university (I was three classes away from the major but I decided to focus on writing my thesis instead). Did a graded year abroad at prestigious university (Russel Group) in the UK taking mathematics and upper-level economics. Math background: Calculus, Multi-variable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Statistical, Differential Equations (only ODEs), Real Analysis. GPA: 3.85/4.2 cumulative, 4.0 Econ, 3.85 Math GRE: 152V, 159Q, 4.0W (retaking GRE in April, feeling way more prepared in the quant section. Will focus on improve other scores as well) Languages: English, (elementary) French Work Experience: Intern at Federal Reserve Bank, Research Associate at another Federal Reserve Bank, Research Assistant to 2 associate professors in undergrad, Investment Group Analyst in undergrad LORs: Assistant VP in research at a Federal Reserve, Editor of Economic Journal/Professor (mid-ranked), Director of Economic Forum, Research assistance professors (associate level) SOP: TBD Thoughts: Ideally I would like to apply this upcoming Fall 2019 to enter the following year. However, if it is in my best interest to gain another year of research and improve my candidacy I would. I know coming from a state-school counts against me and that my GRE needs to improve. Let me know any thoughts