Potential Econ PhD Applicant: Would love feedback

[Mike P.]

So, I'm thinking about applying to PhD programs in Economics and potentially Finance in the coming year. My background is sort of non-traditional, as I worked for about 4 years after I graduated, and for the past year have been earning my master's in mathematics education. I originally thought I would teach math for a few years before going back to get my PhD, but considering the job market for teaching, have decided to apply straight out this year.

Anyway, I haven't taken the GRE yet, but think I will do well (knock on wood - I got an 800 on my math SAT I).

Other than that:

Cornell University, Policy Analysis and Management B.S. with Honors (3.91 GPA)

Math Courses: Calc I, II, III, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, Intro Stats, Econometrics, currently taking Real Analysis at CUNY (A or A+ in all of these to date, though I took Group Theory Pass/Fail and just received a Pass)

Economics Courses: Intro/Intermediate Micro and Macro, and numerous others, mostly related to public policy (A or A+ in all the core economics classes, and mostly B+ to A+ in public policy and other courses)

I also did an honors thesis undergrad, but it didn't generate any tremendous results. It was interesting and used some basic financial econometrics, but was not published. I did research for two years in undergrad.

I worked in investment banking after college, and then at a hedge/private equity fund for 3 years, before deciding to go do something more intellectually stimulating (not to knock finance, but just not for me). From what I understand, for whatever reason, admissions committees tend to not care about "applied economics" experience like I had.

I have seen some rejections that, based on the candidates' backgrounds, seem absurd. So, though I think I'm a pretty smart guy, I don't expect to necessarily attend a top 5 school. That said, I would like to think I have a shot at the top 25. Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!

-Mike

[gredreams]

You have a great profile. You are coming from Cornell, that is a big plus and on top of that investment banking experience.

I think you should apply to only top 15 universities. You can estimate your chances of getting in at http://www.missiongre.com/demo_apt.php

Thanks

[lhfields]

Go Big Red!

I know a friend from Cornell who got into a Business Economics PhD with a very similar background (e.g. even a degree). The only thing I think you might want to add is few quantitative courses. I am not sure if you have time to take more courses, but a legit probability course and differential equations (e.g. ordinary would suffice) class would polish up your specs. Also, highlighting your industry experience seems like the crux of your personal statement.

LHF