ELM616

What areas are you interested in? Are you looking for a more quant based policy analysis program?

@imhotep "Use your Marine Corps background to sell yourself, that and your econ MA. I think you could apply to some top programs" Thank you for the reply! I'm interested in Policy analysis and International Affairs, could you recommend some schools that might be a good fit for me? I've been thinking about UPitt. Until recently I've wanted to apply to Econ Phd's but like others have noted here, the admissions are very competitive in Econ and I believe I may have a comparative advantage by going for Public Policy, plus it suits my interests more. However I'm just starting to research public policy programs so I'd like to hear any suggestions you might have. How about Indiana University?

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. Business Admin/Minor Econ ( flagship university and long standing member of AAU) Undergrad GPA: 3.03 Type of Grad: Applied Economics (well known urban research university with several top ranked programs) (Not in Econ though) Grad GPA: 3.742 GRE: 640Q 520V 4.0 AWA (I know its low, I'm retaking early fall) Math Courses: Calc I-III (A,B,C+) Linear Algebra ( Discrete Math ( Econ Courses (grad-level):Adv Micro ( Adv Macro (A) Mathematical Econ ( Regional Econ (A) Econmetrics I-II (A, A) Econ Forecasting (A) Econ Theory and Policy (A-) Seminar in Econ Research I-II (A, A) [ Completed all MA coursework with just thesis left ] Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro and Macro (A, A) Principles of Statistics II (A) Issues in Public Economics ( Issues in Industrial Organizations (B-) Other Courses: Currently taking two grad courses in my schools Public Policy department, Origins and Development of Policy, Solar and Renewable Energy Utilization. Along with intro to Spanish. Letters of Recommendation: Presumably all strong. I wasn't a star in the program but did well and had good relations with my professors from my MA program. None of the professors are famous or anything but they are well established and connected in their respective fields. Research Experience: MA level Thesis. Title of thesis is Solidarity Lending in Microfinance. Focus is on asymmetric information. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Energy Policy and Environmental, particularly Marine/Coastal Policy, and Social/Development/Poverty Policy SOP: Will highlight my research interests and what has led to my interest in Public Policy. Other: Work experience includes 4 years in the Marine Corps Infantry before undergrad. 2 years at a Fortune 500 in the sales and marketing dept after undergrad. Maybe my military experience will be a plus, not sure about my corporate experience. Also I'm well traveled, I've been to 5 different continents and 17 different countries. Applying to: Oregon State School of PP, University of Washington, Portland State, and not sure where else. I'm from the Northwest so would love to get back there, but I don't know how competitive I'll be. Should I apply to higher ranking schools other than UW? I figure UW would be my reach and since Oregon State has a brand new program thats not even accredited, which would be my safety. Can you suggest some other schools for me? In other words, is a school like Oregon State about right for me or am I selling myself short?