profile evaluation and some advice

[mpmpmp3]

hey guys! I was wondering if you could give me some insight about how to best use my next few years as an undergrad.

i go to a top school in the US, and i'm double majoring in math/econ. I have an OK GPA, but i've already worked as a research assistant for two professors and hope to do my own research next year (i'm a rising junior). is it best to use the next two years to take upper-level math and graduate-level econ classes, or to focus on raising my gpa? i've already taken real analysis, linear algebra, probability theory, and two semesters of calculus, so i don't need much more math.

[jblsmith]

hey guys! I was wondering if you could give me some insight about how to best use my next few years as an undergrad.

i go to a top school in the US, and i'm double majoring in math/econ. I have an OK GPA, but i've already worked as a research assistant for two professors and hope to do my own research next year (i'm a rising junior). is it best to use the next two years to take upper-level math and graduate-level econ classes, or to focus on raising my gpa? i've already taken real analysis, linear algebra, probability theory, and two semesters of calculus, so i don't need much more math.

IMHO don't worry about your GPA too much; GPA's (especially at the ivies) are notoriouslly over-inflated and adcomms know this. I suspect adcomms use GPA's only as a cut-off but after that they don't matter too much. I'm sure a 3.7 is above any cut-off even for a top-10 program. That being said, grades still matter. Therefore, if you think you can pass the advanced classes you would be better served spending your last two years taking upper-level math and econ courses and getting B's and C's rather than padding your GPA with Music Appreciation and Intro to Art. Taking these advanced courses signals to admissions committees that you will be able to survive these classes in graduate school and gives you a leg-up when you get there because you've already seen the material.

Also, the research experience is a HUGE plus in your favor. The more research you can do, the better. The Ph.D. is a research degree, so do as much independent research as possible and try to defend an honors thesis before you graduate.

Finally, being a female, US-citizen is another credit to your case. I'm sure universities have to comply with certain Federal guidlines that dictate the mix of male/female funded students. Also, being fluent in English is another huge advantage that is often overlooked. In graduate school you see so many brilliant Asian and European students who wash out because they can't overcome the cultural and language bariers. Chinese students for instance come from a communal society where

everything is done in groups, even taking tests. They don't understand that when you come to America there is no passing notes or talking to one another in the middle of an exam.