MICRO/MACRO-ECON, HOW IMPORTANT IN APPLICATION?

[EliZhang]

Hi, guys

 

     I'm preparing to apply for SIPA and SAIS for 2014 fall. 

     I noticed that almost every top MPA/MIR program requires some degree of training in micro/macroeconomics as prerequisite for enrollment. I never took such courses on an undergraduate level. But one or two courses such as the Economics of Money, Banking and Financial System, were taken as an elective back in college. 

     How important are these courses in the application? I knew some people got admitted without taking any of them, but were required to finish online courses in econ before matriculation. Is that a common case? 

     Any point of view is welcome. Many thanks:)

[MPPgal]

Most times they will admit you but make it contingent on youi geting the prerequisite done before classes start, which you can do online etc, economics of money sounds like macro but you will need micro

[deadhead47]

at SAIS, its not uncommon.

ive seen many people getting in without taking micro/macro and i was one of them.

also, as far as im concerned, a LOT of people took the online course over summer.

however, since it IS an requirement, you must pass the online course to be enrolled officially (meaning if you fail, you get kicked out).

[carpecc]

For some schools this is a dealbreaker. Of course it depends on the rest of your app: grades, test scores, recs, work experience.

 

The econ is hard at the competitive schools. If they think you're ability to handle the intro econ classes is a liability to your success, you might get excluded. It's not as important where you get these classes as if or if not you get these classes.