PhD in Economics at MIT

TheDad
Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:12:05 +0000

I think you’re asking the wrong questions. Yes, your GPA is problematic but not impossible. Here’s an applications datum for you: One Top 5 Econ PhD program (not MIT): 800+ applicants, cohort of 20. I assume MIT is in the same league, maybe a little tougher though at that point, what’s the difference.

All but one of the US students had significant work experience. N.B., not necessarily “research” as often bandied about on these boards but relevant and significant. The plum job is an RA position with the Federal Reserve; there are many substitutes. That experience, and associated LOR’s, is going to weigh more heavily than a .1 delta in GPA.

Real Analysis is not an absolute requirement but you make it more difficult without. Given the app numbers, how many minor dings can you afford? I’d throw in Complex Analysis for good measure. Electives like Topology and Combinatorics aren’t a bad idea either.