Trying to be productive!

[WWSdreams]

Hi ya'll,

So instead of freaking out and incessantly refreshing my inbox, I have decided to use my energy on something more constructive.....

I haven't been in school in almost three years so I might have forgotten how to study, those graphs/formulae are long forgotten...I want to spend a few hours everyday going over micro/macroecon but I dont know where to start. What books do you suggest I use? How do I motivate myself? Any online lectures that cover econ concepts? Any other suggestions?

Alternately, what non-coursework books would you suggest an aspiring MPA/MPP student read?

Thanks much!

[avr2012]

Assuming you are intending to go to Woody Woo:

Basic economics:

Micro: Intermediate Microeconomics - Varian

Macro: Macroeconomics - Mankiw

Econometrics: Introductory Econometrics - Wooldridge

I wouldn't bother with many of the introductory micro and macroecononomcs textbooks. They're not really sufficient, and frankly a waste of time--just start with the intermediate stuff.

Math:

First: Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics - Chiang

Then: Mathematics for Economists - Simon/Blume

Each of these gives a good sampling of the methods normally used in an MPA program, without going into too much technical rigor.

For online courses, check out MIT's Open CourseWare site.

[ajl]

I know the feeling--let's not tear our hair out.

As a serial volunteer and thus connoisseur of all things free, I recommend Khan Academy, khanacademy.org

Also, explore the wealth of course options available online for free (textbooks, etc. not included, of course) from MIT, Yale, Stanford, UT, and so on.

I haven't begun this myself, but it might be a good idea to just follow the reading list of some friends who area already in a comparable program, cherry-picking whichever you feel that you need most. Even if Princeton passes you over this year, you'll be better off for your troubles...?

[fenderpete]

Start a blog maybe? Blog on international affairs related to your area of interest?

[domnulsl]

Hi ya'll,

So instead of freaking out and incessantly refreshing my inbox, I have decided to use my energy on something more constructive.....

I haven't been in school in almost three years so I might have forgotten how to study, those graphs/formulae are long forgotten...I want to spend a few hours everyday going over micro/macroecon but I dont know where to start. What books do you suggest I use? How do I motivate myself? Any online lectures that cover econ concepts? Any other suggestions?

Alternately, what non-coursework books would you suggest an aspiring MPA/MPP student read?

Thanks much!

Yeah, I'm in the same boat, trying to keep busy with books and weights. I'm reading "All the Devils Are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis" and "No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice. It keeps me entertain instead of checking my email continuously.