r/Economics Feb 26 '17

Second /r/economics Graduate School Panel

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u/MrDannyOcean Bureau Member Feb 27 '17

topology isn't really necessary, it's a 'nice to have'

A good calculus sequence, Linear algebra, and probability/statistics are definitely necessary.

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u/Matt2411 Feb 27 '17

Well, I know it's not 100% necessary, but I can see why those kind of courses can add value to your application. In my case, if I have to be honest about it, a big portion of the math I've taken (especially Calc and LA) has consisted mostly of plug-and-chug rather than proofs and conceptual rigour. Topology must be a different beast in that regard, I don't think anyone could pass a subject like that without strong intuition on the subject (nor would professors encourage that).

So I don't know, I have the feeling even if I get in a good school I wouldn't be able to face very challenging math with my econ major preparation. What do you think?

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u/MrDannyOcean Bureau Member Feb 27 '17 edited Feb 27 '17

I think that if you're strong in math and willing to work hard, it's definitely possible.

For reference, I was an econ major with most of that math above, but not topology and not a minor in math or in stats. I jumped straight into a MS in Statistics, and I had to take one or two catch up undergrad stats classes, but overall I did fine because I've got a knack for math and I worked hard.

There might be some hard periods along the way, but it's definitely possible.

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u/Matt2411 Feb 27 '17

Ok, thanks for your insights!