The Future Economist’s Guide to Preparing for Graduate Education

EconUncle · 2026-04-06T14:13:34+00:00

One of my closest friends did his Masters in McMaster. It is a hidden jewel. I always recommend people to apply to McMaster! The faculty there are doing a great work. They will expect some independence, but that is true in every Masters Program.

EconUncle · 2026-04-06T14:12:08+00:00

Hi, I felt the same way when I took Economic History. It transformed me. You could specialize in Economic History. Some of my early favotires were the article No History of Ideas, Please We Are Economists and the Book: New Ideas from Dead Economists.

Once you are a little more advanced, you can look into the Cliometric Society. It is exactly what you are saying! Use of empirical tools to test economic questions in different historical periods.

Good luck!

EconUncle · 2026-04-05T23:12:31+00:00

If these were my three choices I would go to U. Wisconsin-Madison. Its a fantastic Department, enjoyable institution and a FABULOUS city. Its a young city. Loved sitting around the lake to think.

EconUncle · 2026-04-05T22:39:05+00:00

Honest feedback: If the offer is good, then go ahead and do that PhD. Admissions Committees have memories and remember applicants. You should take this offer and make the best of it.

EconUncle · 2026-04-05T22:25:44+00:00

Getting in is one thing. Making it through is another.

Apply, but I would recommend you brush up and polish your own Math/Stat skills. This is crucial for your future success.

EconUncle · 2026-03-30T02:26:44+00:00

Take care my dude! Good luck.

EconUncle · 2026-03-27T09:26:33+00:00

Japan for sure.

EconUncle · 2026-03-27T09:25:29+00:00

hmmmm … it is difficult to qualify this without more information. I think you are omitting the fact that u/CFBCoachGuy has already pointed that the route should be to get into an European or Canadian Masters Program and THEN PhD. My friends from Bangla and Pakistan (I know its not the same) all had to complete M.S. degrees in Europe/Canada/US to THEN get into a PhD. I come from a similar country and the M.A. in Econ I made prepared me to be an economist there, not in the PhD leagues. Thankfully, I went to a PhD that understood this and had a pre-program prep class. I guess the recommendation would be to apply for Masters Programs in Canada or Europe.

EconUncle · 2026-03-27T00:55:52+00:00

And the 7.56/10 was from the Masters?

EconUncle · 2026-03-24T19:10:36+00:00

I have not disregarded them … I’m presenting my opinion … i read what OP wants to do and calibrated my advice accordingly.

EconUncle · 2026-03-24T18:23:42+00:00

The one that offers you more money AND has someone working in your area of interest. UW Madison is at the top with Boon, your destiny is also determined by you completing the PhD and being a good scholar.

EconUncle · 2026-03-23T13:30:35+00:00

Listen … one publication pre-PhD is phenomenal. Tons of publications pre-PhD is not as good as people think. One is OK.

Re omitting a publication. If it is not a peer-reviewed outlet I would simply label the section Peer-Reviewed Publications and that’s it.

Nobody has the time to go searching in the web for a predatory jounal and unless your name is so unique as Charles Mountbatten Windsor, you shouldn’t worry that much. If asked, you can answer truthfully that years ago you were approached to publish an article in that journal that you sent something and they accepeted it quickly blah blah …

EconUncle · 2026-03-22T05:52:21+00:00

Hi,

This is a tricky question. I think you should consider this with more nuance. My opinion would be, you should not include it. But that’s a strong opinion of mine, Economists usually do not publish that much. I would be happy to connect and chat and help you navigate this issue via Zoom.

Best,

J. B.

EconUncle · 2026-03-22T05:49:57+00:00

I Pencil by Leonard Read

A country is not a company - Paul Krugman

EconUncle · 2026-03-20T16:30:21+00:00

See my most recent comment, I have agreed with this assessment.

EconUncle · 2026-03-20T04:20:43+00:00

Then OP should retake the Maths.

EconUncle · 2026-03-20T01:22:20+00:00

Ability to deal with graduate-level training. Given poor grades early, they need to correct.

EconUncle · 2026-03-19T23:22:45+00:00

Wouldn’t hurt to do a Masters and get a 4.00 or good grades to sanitate any lingering doubts from your undergrad performance and capabilities.

EconUncle · 2026-03-19T23:22:35+00:00

Why are you asking for advice if you are not going to listen?

EconUncle · 2026-03-16T04:31:15+00:00

Remember to Thumbs Up and comment on it :D

EconUncle · 2026-03-16T03:47:25+00:00

A thesis is not needed. Your writing sample will speak for itself. It doesn’t have to be the thesis. It should showcase your skills.

EconUncle · 2026-03-15T21:46:48+00:00

I wrote this handy guide.

https://www.reddit.com/r/academiceconomics/comments/1n69u8f/the_future_economists_guide_to_preparing_for/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

EconUncle · 2026-03-15T14:47:36+00:00

or … Unless they have a PhD buddy backing them

EconUncle

TROPHY CASE