I am applying to Harvard’s doctoral program in economics in pursuit of a career in academic research. I entered economics research because I enjoy modeling realworld situations with math. This interest was confirmed by my research work, which included projects on mortgages, optimal surveys, and consumer savings. These research experiences also led me to discover that I enjoy theory work, especially theory fields that see wide use in empirical research, fields like game theory and mechanism design. My interest in game theory and behavioral economics recently led me to explore the subfield of learning in games, in which I have a few research ideas. I entered economics research because I enjoy the process of modeling social situations, the process …show more content…
Sample Graduate School Statement of Purpose Three In addition to giving me ideas, my past work has also given me the skills needed for graduate school. To build a technical toolbox, I have taken theoretical math, graduate statistics, and graduate economics classes, culminating in earning an A on the graduate micro generals last year. To experience working with real research, I have done research in behavioral economics and consumer finance with John Jonson and in auction theory work Barbara Babson. I have been exposed to many parts of the research process: I have solved mathematical models in mortgage refinancing work; I have advanced theoretical proofs in my optimal survey research; and I have analyzed large data sets including US Census for behavioral research. These experiences have given me skills for graduate work and have confirmed that research work is something I enjoy. Overall, I am fascinated with economics and very much enjoy research. I especially enjoy building models and doing theory work with empirical impact. I am interested game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics, and would like to explore these and other economic fields in graduate school. My fascination