I’d say it’s close and depends on the courses you are missing from an econ minor instead of a major. If those classes are ‘economics of x’ classes (such as media or public finance), then your time is better spent on research. If those classes are still in the core (intermediate micro, macro, econometrics, maybe game theory) I’d probably take those before research.
Of course, you are right that admissions care a lot about research experience—but it seems the very best candidates have all those classes AND a lot of research experience.
I’d say it’s close and depends on the courses you are missing from an econ minor instead of a major. If those classes are ‘economics of x’ classes (such as media or public finance), then your time is better spent on research. If those classes are still in the core (intermediate micro, macro, econometrics, maybe game theory) I’d probably take those before research.
Of course, you are right that admissions care a lot about research experience—but it seems the very best candidates have all those classes AND a lot of research experience.