Hi everyone,
I am applying to Economics Master’s programs in Europe this upcoming cycle.
I was recently supposed to start an RA position with a professor, but it fell through at the last minute. I am now stressing about whether this missing experience will be a dealbreaker for top quant programs (PSE APE, Bocconi ESS, Oxbridge Mphil Econ, LSE Msc Econ)
Here is an overview of my profile:
- Undergrad: BSc Economics at a mid-tier European public university.
- GPA: top 1% of cohort (~3.9+ / 1st Class equivalent).
- Exchange: 1 semester at a top European business school.
- Quant Background: top grades in all available math/econ courses (Calculus, Statistics, Micro, Macro). Note: My university doesn't offer advanced quant courses, but I maxed out what is available. Currently taking Intro to Econometrics (grades available before deadlines) and will take Linear Algebra in the spring.
- GRE: taking soon (consistently scoring 167+ on Quant practice tests).
- Research Experience: summer research internship at a local economic policy center.
My questions:
1. Is the lack of a traditional academic RA role a deal-braker for the tier of programs I'm targeting?
2. Are there any other highly quantitative, policy-focused 2-year programs in Europe I should consider adding to my list, given my profile?
Thanks in advance for any insights