<p>The Question:</p>
<p>I am looking to progress towards a Graduate Degree in Economics / Development Economics and (slowly if need be) work my way into a Tier 1 / Top 50 program. [Example: Getting into JHU’s M.A. in Applied Econ program, and (a lot)later entering into Berkeley’s ARE program for a PhD…]</p>
<p>For an application to a Master’s program, Would it look better to:</p>
<p>A) Take pre-requisites like Econometrics, Linear Algebra, Calculus I & II at the USDA Graduate School (my most economical option)?</p>
<p>B) Apply to another satellite branch of the University of Maryland(Baltimore) and work towards completing a Bachelors in Econ? Or, simply take pre-requisite courses here?</p>
<p>C) Re-enroll as a student at my old University, (University of Maryland) which has a top- ranked Econ program, and work towards a Bachelor’s despite my disadvantaged GPA? Or, simply take pre-requisite courses here?</p>
<p>Here’s some background:</p>
<p>Undergrad: 2002-2007</p>
<p>I graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland with a cumulative GPA of 2.47. (3.0 at a previous institution. 2.1 at UMD, for a combined 2.47)</p>
<p>Post-Undergrad: 2009-2010</p>
<p>I have taken Intro to Macroeconomics / Microeconomics at a community college: Received A’s in both. </p>
<p>I have taken Intermediate Microeconomics / Macroeconomics and Pre-calculus at the University of Maryland University College (satellite branch): Received A’s in all.</p>
<p>Work Experience: 2005-Present</p>
<p>I have 5 years work experience, with 2 years relevant work experience due to my AmeriCorps Service Year and from my Internship at a leading Economic / Community Development firm doing Economic and Political Science Research.</p>
<p>*Qualifiers:</p>
<p>*I know that many of you are going to point towards recommendations, personal statements, and GRE scores. Don’t worry, I have that covered. I simply want to quantitatively prove that I am now FIT for graduate school, as I was not before due to personal issues and immaturity. Unless any of you have concerns</p>
<p>**Please don’t hit me with the age old counter-question, “Why do you want to go to grad school? It’s hard work, etc…” If you want me to explain, I’ll go into detail with a Private Message. :)</p>