Preparation for PhD Econ: Harvard AM Stat or LSE Msc EME?

[alexzhu]

Hey everyone,

I recently got admissions to Harvard's AM Stat program (1~2 years) as well as LSE's Msc EME 2 year program, and I am deciding on which school to go.

I plan to pursue PhD (say Financial Economics) after my master degree, and I believe both programs are great:

for LSE: high reputation in the field, really rigorous training and close field of study. Quite limited available courses (4 courses for each year, 1st year undergrad level courses and 2nd year grad level, mostly PhD level econometrics, micro & macro.

for Harvard: strong preparation in quantitative & mathematical field, high flexibility (besides 8 half courses required, one can elect almost ANY course all over Harvard), nice place ( I do prefer Boston to London), while the major field is somehow away from Economics. Besides, it is less risky (rumor says that only 1 out of 9 2-year program student from LSE succeeded in going to 2nd year)

Currently I haven't done any research work, teamworking or independent. And I believe such opportunities are also important. Anyone knows any info about the 2 programs?

thx