Economics PhD Prospectives

[suspensionhooker]

Howdy,

I've been looking up and down many many forums about admissions statistics and the different degrees of applicants. However, I have a few questions about the competitiveness of my application. But first, a background of my studies and general statistics. I was originally a chemistry major at University of Oregon, and I applied to three different graduate schools in Canada during my senior year. Unfortunately, life happened: I was banned from Canada (caught with a joint in Louisiana several years earlier), had a major break-up, several deaths, etc... and so not only was I effectively banned from graduate school, I ended up failing an organic chemistry lab course my final term. So I never graduated with that degree, but my GPA was sitting at 3.3 with nearly all A's in physics and mathematics. I took some time off (a year) and choose to go back to school. Fast forward to today...

I'm a math major at a not-so-outstanding state school, and I'll be taking econ courses throughout the next year and a half. Current stats:

cGPA: 3.4

Math GPA: 3.8

GRE: 800Q, 500V, 5.0AW

Econ GPA: none yet

Research: (1) Worked as a undergraduate research assistant in theoretical chemistry laboratory. Received "A's" in the course for 1.5 years. (2) Plan on pursuing undergraduate research in computational mathematics during next summer, similar to what I will be pursuing in graduate school, (3) Been independently developing economic theory, submitted for publication. It's not especially professional, but it is an interesting idea and the subject matter I intend to pursue.

SOP: Have not written, but I have a clear and concise idea. I actually plan on writing it over the next year for future graduate applications.

Courses: Linear Algebra (A), Differential EQ (A), Foundations of Mathematics ( , Calculus I-III (A), Modern Geometry (A)

Plan to take: Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Operations Research, 4 semesters of micro/macro, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Topology, Econometrics, and possibly undergraduate mathematics research

For what it's worth: Made B's in year-long sequence of physical chemistry courses, A's in year-long physics courses and modern physics course, B+ in graduate-level advanced organic chemistry course, and A's in computer science. B's in nearly all chemistry and physics lab courses.

letter of recommendation: Likely 2-3 strong letters from respected mathematics professors, another letter from slightly weaker economics professor if I only have 2 other recommendations.

I believe that I will likely be able to pull cGPA up to 3.5 by the time I apply, and maintain math GPA at 3.7/3.8 by the time of admissions applications. I also intend to study my arse off and ensure A's in at least 4/5 econ courses. Graduation date of May 2013.

My questions:

Do I have a decent shot at Cornell, assuming I make nearly all A's in remaining courses?

Will my chemistry credits have any consideration in the admit process? They are good grades for chemistry, but they admittedly are dragging down my GPA.

Will my change of degree so way late in the game affect my admissions? Should I double major in math and chem?

Similarly, not only that, but my current GPA (3.87 at my current institution) is significantly higher than previous GPA. Approximately to what degree will this spike in GPA be recognized?

If not Cornell, how about UW Seattle and UW Madison?

Any recommendations?