Hi all,
I just want to ask for everyone's opinion on which type of program I should apply to. An upfront disclaimer is that I won't be applying for at least the next two years as I am joining one of the top Economics Consulting firms in June after graduation and intend to stay there for at least two years.
In any case, here are my stats:
School: One of the top liberal arts schools in the US
Major: Mathematics and Economics; Pursuing honors thesis with the Mathematics department. My thesis focus on the statistical analysis of the long memory property in stock volatilities.
Cumulative GPA: 3.94. Major GPA: 4.00
Relevant Coursework in Math: Introduction to Analysis A+ Mathematical Statistics A+ (placed out of Probability Theory) Time Series Analysis A+ (Placed out of Intermediate Statistics (Regression Analysis)) Mathematical Finance A+ Applied DE for Finance A Currently taking Measure Theory
Relevant Coursework in Economics: Advanced Econometrics A Dynamic Macroeconomics (essentially Macroeconometrics) A Currently taking Evaluating Social Policy (essentially Microeconometrics)
I haven't taken the GRE yet but plan to do so in early June before I start work. As is probably obvious, my interest lies in the intersection between statistics and finance. What school tier should I aim for? How much chance do you think I will have if I apply for a PhD? I am leaning towards the Master now just because I don't have much academic research experience. In all of my past summers I've been working in various capacities for the investment banks.
Would appreciate any advice & feedback.
Best regards,
Anthony