<p>Hi everyone! I’m been reading the CC board for a LONG time (since I was in HS, now I’m in grad school) and I think it’s time to make a post… </p>
<p>I’m currently in a economics master of science program. A few classmates and I were discussing things “we wish we would’ve known” before matriculating. </p>
<p>A few things that jumped out were:</p>
<p>“I wish I would’ve known how crazy econ professors are - especially the ones with the best research”</p>
<p>“I wish I would’ve majored in math” </p>
<p>“I wish I would’ve skipped the MS and gone right into a lower ranked PhD program”</p>
<p>The last one especially surprised me. Econ people - anything to contribute? Whether you are in a PhD or MA/MS program? I think tidbits like this are the most useful. Coming from a non-technical background, I wish I would’ve taken time off (a summer) before entering the program. The difference in the level of math can really tire you out between undergrad and grad.</p>
<p>I’m applying for an MS in econ next summer. I can relate to ‘I wish I would’ve majored in math’. All of my profs have been properly mad as well.</p>
<p>Why do you wish you’d skipped the MS and gone for a PhD? Do you want to stay in academia or is an MS worthless? I was planning to jump straight into work after the MS.</p>
<p>Oh, it wasn’t me who said they wish they would’ve gone straight into PhD. I’m super happy that I’m doing a MS. I come from a non-technical, non-econ background, so it’s great for me. A classmate shared that and I’m sharing it here. </p>
<p>The reason they did a MS first is because they weren’t that competitive for a top PhD program. Not enough research, amazing GRE but so-so grades… </p>
<p>They said they regret it because they “don’t really care about being at a top school anymore” and could be starting research for their dissertation at a good but not AMAZING school right now. </p>
<p>I guess it poses the question of how important it is where you go for PhD? They don’t want to teach, which I think adds to that frustration.</p>