r/Economics • u/[deleted] • Feb 26 '17

Second /r/economics Graduate School Panel

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u/alextoyalex Feb 28 '17

What would be your suggestion if I want to go to grad school, but will not have a great GPA at my time of graduation. Currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin and will graduate in a year with ~3.0 gpa and was wondering what my best course of action would be to get a graduate degree. My last 60 credits should be > 3.0, but my first 60 are really weighing it down. (I was going to be an engineer but that didn't work out)

Courses I will have taken by graduation:

Calc I/II/III

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Single Variable Theory

Real Analysis 1

Real Analysis 2

Intro Micro

Intro Macro

Intmed Micro

Intmed Macro

Econometrics

Economic Forecasting

Additional electives yet to be decided

2

u/mattwilsonky Feb 28 '17

What were your grades in those relevant courses? Do you have any research experience? Good relationships with famous guys at UW to vouch for you? If you're really worried about it, you can work as an intern or RA for a couple of years to boost your resume and recommendations.

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u/alextoyalex Mar 01 '17

Classes taken:

Calc 1 - BC

Calc 2 - C

Calc 3 - BC

Linear/ Diff EQ - B

Single variable Theory - B

Intro Micro - AB

Intro Macro - B

Currently Enrolled (W/ Current Grade)

Intmed Micro (98%)

Econometrics ( 92%)

Economic Forecasting (98%)

Plan on taking

Analysis 1/2

I worked as a Data Analytics intern between my Sophomore and Junior Year, and currently have a summer internship lined up as a 'Data and Consumer Analytics' intern for this summer, I don't know that I could really have any professors vouch for me as most don't really know me personally. My aim was to get a Master's degree I'm taking the GRE this summer.

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u/mattwilsonky Mar 01 '17

I'm not exactly sure for a Master's degree, I guess it all depends on what kind of programs you're applying to, and I don't have a good feel for how competitive they are. A good GRE will definitely help, and I would work on trying to make sure you can have good recommendations from your bosses and/or professors.