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Rejections:
ImProcrastinating 2009:
Profile: Type of Undergrad: Top 25 with a top 40ish econ program. BA in econ. Undergrad GPA: Overall: 3.74, Econ: 3.8ish, Math: bad. Type of Grad: Not highly ranked, top 100ish. MS in applied math. Grad GPA (at application time...): 3.9 GRE: 790Q / 740V / 5.0 AWA. Math Courses: Undergrad: Calc III (B+), ODE (C- (Ouch...)), Real Analysis (A-), Linear Algebra (A). Grad: Analysis (A-) (taken at the summer school of a top 10), Measure Theory (A-), Math Stats (A), ODE (A), Functional Analysis (A), General Topology (In progress at application time...) Econ Courses: Undergrad: Intro. Micro (A), Intro. Macro (A), Money and Banking (A), Economy of China (A-), Intro to Econ Stats (B+), Mathematical Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (B+), Econometrics (A), International Trade (A), Distinguished Majors Seminar (A), Independent Study (A) Grad: PhD Micro I (A-), PhD Micro II (A), PhD Micro III (IP) Letters of Recommendation: 1 from an undergraduate econ professor, not well known. 1 from a graduate math prof, very well known among mathematicians but I don't know if that counts... 1 from a graduate econ prof, very well known. Research Experience: Summer at the Fed, senior thesis, 1 year + 1 summer as an RA for a professor, RAing at the IMF while applying. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Micro Theory, I/O, International Finance Results: Acceptances: NYU ($$$) Waitlists: None Rejections: A lot, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Yale, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, and UPenn. Pending: None. What would you have done differently? If I could do it ALL over again, I'd probably go to an undergrad that was stronger in econ, take more math courses earlier on, and work as hard my first couple years in college as I did my last couple. But I was expecting to get rejected everywhere I applied this time around, so I'm ecstatic to be going to a dream school like NYU.
Accepts:
Rejects: Rejections: A lot, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Yale, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, and UPenn.
Waitlists:
MorgieLilly 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.A in Econ-Phil and Math. Ivy League, top 10ish in economics Uni. Undergrad GPA: 3.85, summa cum laude. GRE: 780Q, 510V, 3.0W Math Courses (undergrad): Cal I, Calc III, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Analysis and Optimization, Probability and Induction (P/F), Probability and Statistics, Advanced Logic, Independent Reading Course, (all As) Econ Courses (PhD-level): Micro-econometrics (A-) Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro/Macro(A-,B+), Advanced Econometrics (B+), Advanced Macro (A), Economic History (A-), International (C, took abroad in Ghana.) Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ, both well known. 1 math, well known in math. 1 philosophy, well known in the philosophy of science. Research Experience: REU Intern in geophysics at Lamont Earth Observatory, summer 2007 (My paper was accepted to the 2008 ASLO Conference). Full-time economics RA this year. Research Interests: Development, Economic History, Alternative Theories in Economics, Econometrics. SOP: Talked about why I chose interdisciplinary study, my work abroad in Ghana and my experience this year as a research assistant. I stated that I expected to change my mind about my specialization anyway, so I didn't want to state a particular one. Applied to: LSE, MIT, NYU, Harvard, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Chicago, Stanford, Columbia, UMich, Princeton, Yale Rejected: Everywhere Waitlisted/Accepted: Nada What would you have done differently? I dunno. Feedback from my home institutions admissions committee (where I was also rejected) says that I should have taken more econ (at the expense of my philosophy and science courses) but I would not give that knowledge and my resulting world outlook up for an admit to this discipline, because I feel that this will inform my research abilities more so than having taken much more economics. I have to do a lot of thinking now about whether I belong in this discipline, seeing as the adcoms don't seem to think so. Today is sad.
Accepts: admit to this discipline, because I feel that this will inform my research abilities more so than having taken much more economics. I have to do a lot of thinking now about whether I belong in this discipline, seeing as the adcoms don't seem to think so. Today is sad.
Rejects: - Institution: Yale Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 02/20
Notified through: e-mail directing me to website.
- Institution: Columbia Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/2
Notified through: I asked Jody.
- Institution: Berkeley Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/2
Notified through: e-mail
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: e-mail
- Institution: LSE Economics Phd.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 4th March
Notified through: E-mail. They said to forward my app to the masters program.
- Institution: Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6/09, 11:25AM California Time
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: I am currently 0-11. I only have two schools left. What did I do wrong????
- Institution: Chicago Economics
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/9
Notified through: Post.
- Institution: LSE Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/06
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Deferred me to masters applicant pile.
- Institution: NYU Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/09
Notified through: E-mail, from Marjorie after prodding.
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: A while ago, I forgot to post it.
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through:
postal service
- Institution: University of Michigan Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: I called.
That was my last chance. No phd. for me!
Waitlists:
myrrh 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: University of Maryland - Environmental Economics w/ Math minor Undergrad GPA: 3.77, magna cum laude Type of Grad: none Grad GPA: n/a GRE: 770Q 540V 4.0AWA Math Courses: Calc I-III (A-,B,A), Linear Algebra (A-), Differential Equations (A-), Number Theory (B), Advanced Calculus I (B), Probability Theory (B), Mathematical Statistics (TBD) Econ Courses: Intro Micro and Macro (A,B+), Intermediate Micro (B+), Economic Statistics (A+), Intro Econ & Environment (A), Econ of Nat'l Resources (A), Econ of Land Use (A), Public Finance (A+), Game Theory (A+), Econometrics I (A), Intermediate Macro (TBD), Econ of Climate Change (TBD) Other Courses: Environmental Policy and Philosophy courses, all A's Letters of Recommendation: 2 AREC and 1 ECON professor, well known and respected in their fields, should have been solid Research Experience: ~2-3 years as an undergrad RA in the AREC department. Currently and at time of application, working on honors thesis that has been described as "ambitious," hope to have a publishable version this summer. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Environmental/resource economics, computational economics, applied micro SOP: Tried to make it engaging, explained why I wanted to be an econimist (environmental research!), talked about my own research and what I wanted to in the future, etc. Other: n/a RESULTS: Acceptances: UC Davis ARE Ph.D. ($), UW Madison AAE MS (no$), Cornell AEM (no$) Waitlists: none Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Michigan, UT Austin, UC Berkeley ARE, UW Madison AAE Ph.D., Cornell AEM Ph.D. Pending: none What would you have done differently? On hand I would have done nothing differently: you really only need one good admit and I am more than satisfied with UC Davis. On the other hand, if I had to do it all over again I would have made sure to have a 4.0 Econ GPA (because I'm sure those 2 B+'s set off red flags), got at least ONE A in my upper level math and found the time/energy to take the graduate micro series. My QGRE was also at the lower bound of what I would have liked it to have been, but I do not think taking the GRE again would have been worth it. I also would have applied to more mid-range top 20-25 ECON schools instead of Harvard and Yale. All in all, I feel pretty good about how the whole thing went. I'll be attending UC Davis ARE in the fall!
Accepts: Acceptances: UC Davis ARE Ph.D. ($), UW Madison AAE MS (no$), Cornell AEM (no$)
- Institution: UW Madison AAE Phd.
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Don't know
Notification date: February 19th
Notified through: Checked web site
Comments: Ha this makes me feel better about my impending Yale rejection
- Institution: Cornell AEM Phd
Decision: Accepted to MS
Funding: None
Notification date: 3/6
Notified through: Mail
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Michigan, UT Austin, UC Berkeley ARE, UW Madison AAE Ph.D., Cornell AEM Ph.D.
- Institution: Berkeley ARE Phd
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Harvard Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Postal Service
Comments: THERE'S BEEN A HUGE MISTAKE [/sarc]
- Institution: University of Michigan Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Called Mary Braun when I had no link in my application status
Comments: No regrets
- Institution: University of Texas, Austin Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Website
Comments: I really would have liked to have received just one pure ECON acceptance just for pride's sake.
Oh well, I'm done!
Waitlists:
ilikefreefood 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Econ major from a top 5-10 liberal arts college. Undergrad GPA: 3.73/4, magna cum laude with distinction in major for senior thesis research. Type of Grad: none Grad GPA: n/a GRE: 800Q 640V 5.5AWA Math Courses: Calc II-III (A,B+), Linear Algebra (Pass), Statistics (A), Mathematical Structures (A-), Real Analysis (B, taken as a non-degree student at a local school this Fall) Econ Courses: Principles Micro/Macro (A-,A), Intermediate Micro (A) Intermediate Macro (B), Econometrics (B+), pre-thesis seminar (A-), Ag. & Food Econ. (A), Development Econ. (B+), Econ. of Inequality (A), Econ. of Water Policy (B+), British Econ. history (B+) Other Courses: A pass/fail seminar on game theory, a Poli. Sci. course on agent-based computer modeling (A) Letters of Recommendation: 3 ECON professors (liberal arts college profs but with Chicago/Stanford Ph.Ds), including my thesis adviser who has previously stated that my thesis was one of the best he's ever advised. Where possible, 1 VP at my Econ. consulting firm with whom I've worked extensively on econometric analyses. Research Experience: ~3 years as an RA in a major Econ. consulting firm; I specialize in statistical and econometric analysis within my office. Awards: Thesis award from state Economics association, thesis presentation award from state science association, college fellowship for (non-research) work in development related to microfinance. Research Interests: Development, environmental/resource economics, urban economics, general applied micro. SOP: Well-written but fairly standard; mentioned specifically my interest in development and applied micro fields. Other Concerns: Didn't anticipate the B in analysis and received it after I had submitted applications; I don't think I have enough additional math coursework to make up for exercising a pass/fail option in linear algebra way back when. RESULTS: Acceptances: Minnesota ARE ($$) Waitlists: none Rejections: Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, MIT, NWU, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, Yale Pending: Chicago, Cornell What would you have done differently? Applied to Berkeley ARE and not Berkeley ECON when they made me pick just one; applied to more schools in the 20-30 range and not limited myself by the fact that I applied to 15 programs; discounted the advice of my former professors w.r.t. how far my school's reputation would get me; learned of and read the TestMagic forum earlier in the process.
Accepts: Acceptances: Minnesota ARE ($$)
Rejects: Rejections: Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, MIT, NWU, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, Yale
Waitlists:
LagrangeJames 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.A. econ, B.A. math, large state university, EconPhD top 60 Undergrad GPA: 3.9/4.0 GRE: 800Q, 650V, 4.5AWA Math Courses: Calc III (A+), Linear algebra (A+), Differential equations I, II (A-, A), Introductory probability theory (A, fall), Math modeling (A, fall) Econ Courses (PhD-level): Optimization theory (A-, fall), Econometrics II (spring) Econ Courses (undergrad-level): All of them, including two econometrics courses and game theory; A- in intermediate microeconomics, A's otherwise Other Courses: Spanish minor Letters of Recommendation: Four economics professors -- nobody famous, but I had collaborated on research projects (that I had initiated) with three of them Research Experience: Two working papers co-authored with faculty Teaching Experience: Teaching assistant for introductory microeconomics, spring Research Interests: Growth and development, specifically microeconomic development SOP: Used a standard template for all statements but tailored last couple paragraphs to specific program, mentioning examples of faculty research I was interested in (but did not mention any faculty by name) Concerns: No real analysis, but optimization theory provided a good crash course Applying to: Maryland, Brown, MIT, Harvard, Yale, UCSD, Berkeley, Minnesota, Michigan, NYU, Boston, Columbia, LSE (M.Sc.) RESULTS: Acceptances: Yale (with funding), Michigan (no first-year funding), Boston (with funding), UCSD (with funding) Waitlists: Minnesota Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Columbia, Maryland, Brown, NYU Withdrawn: LSE What would you have done differently? If I had discovered this forum sooner, I probably would have taken more proof-based math courses, which most likely would have boosted my chances at top top schools. However, I think research experience, letters of recommendation from faculty involved in that research and a good "fit" (in terms of my research interests) -- factors that are often overlooked, including by myself -- helped my chances at several schools. Good luck, everyone.
Accepts: Acceptances: Yale (with funding), Michigan (no first-year funding), Boston (with funding), UCSD (with funding)
- Institution: Yale Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Full
Notification date: 2/19
Notified through: E-mail, with Word document attached, detailing funding
- Institution: UC-San Diego Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted (Provisionally)
Funding: Not mentioned
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: E-mail says I have been admitted provisionally but must submit official transcript confirming receipt of undergraduate degree before I can be officially admitted.
Good luck, everyone
- Institution: University of Michigan Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted
Notification date: 3/18
Notified through: Website (U-M Friend)
Comments: "We are happy to report that the Admissions Committee of the Department of Economics has enthusiastically recommended to Rackham Graduate School that you be admitted to our PhD program.
A letter outlining the specific details of this offer is being sent to you shortly."
- Institution: Boston University Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: E-mail
Funding: $18,700 + $5000 summer stipend
Comments: Good luck, everyone
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Columbia, Maryland, Brown, NYU
Withdrawn: LSE- Institution: Berkeley Economics Ph.D
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/a
Notification date: 3/2
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:Good luck, everyone
- Institution: MIT Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Good luck, everyone
- Institution: Harvard University Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/18
Notified through: U.S. Postal Service
Comments: Good luck, everyone
- Institution: Brown University Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/20
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: If it's brown, flush it down. Good luck, everyone.
- Institution: NYU Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/24
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Good luck, everyone.
Waitlists: Waitlists: Minnesota
- Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/24/09, 11:58 Indiana time
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Good luck, everyone
Internationalstudent08 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Top-5 Undergrad GPA: 3.7 Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: Q800, V670, A4.5 Math Courses: Real Analysis, Optimization (As) Econ Courses: Typical undergrad courses, intro+field courses Letters of Recommendation: 3 good ones Research Experience: 1 year RA (+2 summers as an undergrad) Teaching Experience: Some tutoring Research Interests: Mostly applied micro SOP: Must have been good Other: RESULTS: Acceptances: UChicago (waiting to hear about funding), UMaryland (18k), Penn State (25k) Waitlists: Wharton AE Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Northwestern, Columbia, NYU, Brown Total Score: 10-1-3 Pending: None What would you have done differently? I really didn't take advantage of my undergrad school as I should have. I should have started RAing earlier, and I should have taken graduate-level courses as an undergrad, instead of being a chicken. Also, I made some bad thesis-related choices hehe However, since last year's admission cycle, I did everything that I could to improve my profile, and ended up working with some great people. I learned a lot- perhaps more than what I'm going to learn in grad school. The only significant econ-phd-related mistake I made was to apply to all top-10 schools and almost none of the schools between 10 and 20 (except for UMaryland). I rejected most of the schools in that range based on location preferences. Since my profile was not clear-cut top10, I should have been more careful. Anyway, I'm glad I made it!!!!!
Accepts: Acceptances: UChicago (waiting to hear about funding), UMaryland (18k), Penn State (25k)
- Institution: Penn State
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 25k
Notification date: Today
Notified through: Email
Comments: Very happy
- Institution: UMaryland Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted, 18k
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Third admit!
Rejects: Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Northwestern, Columbia, NYU, Brown
Total Score: 10-1-3
- Institution: Northwestern Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100
Notification date: 2/25/09
Notified through: Website
Comments:The battle rages on
- Institution: Yale Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100
Notification date: a few days ago
Notified through: E-mail to check website.
(Kinda worried that not only top-5 is impossible, but top-10 is a stretch too)
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: They should never complain that I didn't give them a second chance . These days I celebrate the anniversary of the last rejection they sent me!!!
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: e-mail
Comments: Another donation to support the top 10 schools
- Institution: Princeton University Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Columbia Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail directing me to website.
Comments: Same sweet letter
- Institution: Harvard Business School Business Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: Letter
Comments: Not a surprise...
Waitlists:
icebear 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Econ (2006), large state university, poorly ranked economics department
Undergrad GPA: 3.89
Type of Grad: A few courses during my BA
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 750/570/4.5 (2006)
Math Courses: Calc 1 (A), Calc 2 (B+), Matrices and Linear Equations (A), Statistical Methods (A), Foundations of Quant Econ Analysis (graduate level math/econ course intended as a refresher for incoming PhD students) (A+)
Econ Courses: Micro Prin & Inter, Macro Prin & Inter, Econometrics, Independent Study x 2, Comparative Economic Systems, Recent Economic Thought (i.e. History of Academic Economics), Transformation of Central and Eastern European Countries, Privatization and Foreign Capital (B), Globalization - Social and Economic Aspects (B), Games and Decisions (B), Senior Seminar on Globalization and Trade, Political Economy I (graduate level) [Note: all A's except where noted, the 3 B's were received while studying abroad if that's worth anything].
Other Courses: Java Programming, Electrical Engineering courses for one year (A's, if these helpfully display math/computer competency...?)
Letters of Recommendation: PhDs from MIT, Cambridge, and Harvard. The first was my advisor in University, the latter two colleagues on a research project during 2007/2008 (see below).
Research Experience: Working at a European consultancy (China office) for about 18 months in 2007/2008, as a project manager for government funded economic development/trade research projects dealing with China. The job had me doing about 500usiness related tasks, 50% working with our PhD economists who did the modeling/analysis in a RA type of capacity.
Teaching Experience: ~1 year teaching English in China between my BA and the research listed above.
Research Interests: International trade, economic development in Asia (China/ASEAN), political economy in China
SOP: Talked about my strong interest in being involved in trade policy, emphasized my research experience and particular interest in each respective department (faculty, papers, topics, etc), and provided a few interesting research questions which I had brushed upon with previously and would like to continue working on as examples. Maybe a bit weak, should have sought more advice here.
Other: I decided to apply late last fall as my job was expressing an interest in fast tracking me along a management path and I knew research was more my goal. I knew my math was deficient and sought the advice of my LORs, whom all strongly encouraged me to apply to fewer, higher ranked schools with the explanation that my research experience should outweigh my deficiency in math and hiatus from formal education. This cut my plans of applying to 6-10 schools with a range of competitiveness to only 4 reach schools. Knew my GRE Q score was very low but was unable to retake once I had decided to "go for it" as China only has several mass-test dates per year and the next one wouldn't be available in time for that round of applications (definitely was not interested in the $1500+ option of flying home for a weekend to take the GRE )
RESULTS:
Acceptances: -
Waitlists: -
Rejections: Harvard, NYU, Columbia, Princeton
Pending: -
What would you have done differently?
I knew my math was deficient (both coursework and GRE) and a likely sticking point, but went for it due to encouragement from LORs. In the next 8-9 months I guess my goal is to rectify that situation as best as possible, although my circumstances make that a bit more complicated (will cover that and ask some questions in another thread).
Also, I should have included a few 'safer' options, as only top 10/20 doesn't seem realistic given my profile now that I've read a bit on TM over the past few weeks. More broadly, should have taken more math as an undergrad and perhaps considered transferring schools once I switched majors (my school was pretty good for engineering) - although my scholarship there would have made any transfer unlikely.
Accepts:
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, NYU, Columbia, Princeton
Waitlists:
Swingkid 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: University of California, BA Econ & Applied Math, French Minor Undergrad GPA: 3.85 Type of Grad: micro Grad GPA: 4.0 GRE: 800/700/6.0 Math Courses: Multi-var Calc, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Probability Econ Courses: Grad Micro, Intermediate Micro and Macro, Metrics, Applied Metrics, Corporate Finance, Game Theory, Contract Theory, Development Other Courses: a lot of French Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, one of which was from a fecund researcher that I've worked with for two years. The other two are from my grad micro professor and my undergrad development professor; the former barely knows me, the latter I've spoken to about my research ideas. Research Experience: Two years undergrad RA. Thesis (?) Teaching Experience: Does dance count? =P Research Interests: Development, Applied Micro SOP: I don't think it was that special. In any case, it probably didn't carry much weight. Other: RESULTS: Acceptances: UCLA, Yale, Berkeley, Brown Waitlists: U Penn Rejections: MIT, Columbia, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern, NYU What would you have done differently? I would have definitely submitted a better-prepared application for the NSF, since funding is kind of an issue for me. I found out about the fellowship a week before the deadline and decided to apply anyway. That said, I wouldn't have done much else differently, since I'm really ecstatic about my acceptances! :-)
Accepts: Acceptances: UCLA, Yale, Berkeley, Brown
- Institution: UCLA Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: nominated for Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship
Notification date: Feb 13, 2009
Notified through: Website, email
- Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 36.5K altogether
Notification date: 2/19/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: I am still in shock...
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: no first year funding, then TA
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: I almost cried from happiness!
- Institution: Brown Economics, PhD
Decision: Admitted
Funding: 19k + summer stipend
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: e-mail (personal)
Comments:
I will probably decline soon though.
Rejects: Rejections: MIT, Columbia, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern, NYU
- Institution: MIT Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: HA!
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: 20-22 spots, 700 or so applicants
Waitlists:
veryshuai 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Nicely ranked midwest LA Undergrad GPA: 3.62 Type of Grad:Econ Grad GPA: ~85/100 GRE: 800/700/4.5 Math Courses: Calc 1-3 (A,A,A-), Stats (A), Real Analysis (A) Econ Courses: Grad series Macro, Micro, and Econometrics and some other stuff...A's except Micro 1 (B) and Time Series (B) (no pluses or minuses in our program) Other Courses: Nothing that should matter Letters of Recommendation: UCLA (thesis advisor), Brown, U Mich Research Experience: RA for a semester, Master's Thesis Teaching Experience: Nope Research Interests: Development, Applied Macro Theory, not sure...goal to work in the research dept. of international organization SOP: Spent a lot of time on it, but who knows... Other: Fulbright fellowship and some other money awards... RESULTS: Acceptances:Penn State ($$),BU (no$), UW Madison(no$) Waitlists: none Rejections:Michigan, Minnesota, Brown, Harvard, U Chicago, NYU, Columbia, UPenn, Berkeley, UCLA, Pending:Georgetown What would you have done differently? Applied to a few more mid-ranked schools...it would be nice to have another funded option or two. Having said that, I am glad that I got firm rejections from all the top 20's, so that I don't have to wonder "What if?"
Accepts: Acceptances:Penn State ($$),BU (no$), UW Madison(no$)
Rejects: Rejections:Michigan, Minnesota, Brown, Harvard, U Chicago, NYU, Columbia, UPenn, Berkeley, UCLA,
Waitlists:
Ecolocomex 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BA Economics top LATAM university Undergrad GPA: 3.78 Type of Grad: None Grad GPA: None GRE: 740Q, 410V 3.5 AWA Math Courses: Throughout then whole BA studies, never knew about real analysis. Lots of Statistics. Econ Courses: Advanced Micro, Advanced Micro, Monetary Policy, Industrial Organization, International Trade, Public Sector Economics, Econometrics Other Courses: Environmental economics, financial markets, etc. Letters of Recommendation: Professors of economics who also happen to be directors of the graduate school I attended. Research Experience: Issues in international trade and industrial organization at the construction sector firm. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: International Economics, Monetary Policy, Financial markets SOP: Application of economics in public policy issues. RESULTS: Acceptances: UBC MA (no$), McGill MA ($) Waitlists: None Rejections: Yale Phd, LSE MA, Columbia Phd, Harvard Phd, UT Austin Phd. Pending: UofT What would you have done differently? I’d have improved my GRE, and done more research. Perhaps that’s the way the cookie crumbles, and I’m rather into applied economics than a PhD. Perhaps I needed to improve my knowledge of economics through a MA program first, and then decide over MBA or PhD.
Accepts: Acceptances: UBC MA (no$), McGill MA ($)
Rejects: Rejections: Yale Phd, LSE MA, Columbia Phd, Harvard Phd, UT Austin Phd.
Waitlists:
wind up bird 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Large Public University, Top 50 Econ Undergrad GPA: 3.82 Type of Grad: Masters in Statistics at same school Grad GPA: 3.75 GRE: 800Q, 700V, 5.5AWA Math Courses: Calc Sequence, Linear Algebra, Intro to Abstract Math (Baby proofs), Cryptology (Baby Number Theory), Real Analysis I & II, Algebra I, Lots of probability and stats. Econ Courses: Intro, Intermediate sequences, Econometrics, Public econ, Game Theory, Asymmetric Info, Economic Anthropology, Economic History (graduate), Empirical Methods (graduate), Math camp Other Courses: Sociology of Sexuality Letters of Recommendation: 1 Berkeley, 1 UCSD, 1 Stanford. All apparently pretty strong. Research Experience: 2+ Years of RAing, summer research internship at Fed, crappy honors thesis and undergrad presentations Teaching Experience: Tutoring for intermdiate micror, TA-ing for stats (only made it to my Cornell application) Research Interests: Micro theory, decision theory, game theory, mech. design, experimental, economic history, social choice, public economics, etc etc. Short answer is "not macro" SOP: It was kind of bad, I'm not going to lie. Mostly I tried to demonstrate how I have been gearing myself up for research. Then the last paragraph was tailored for each school; I dropped names at all of them. RESULTS: Acceptances: Caltech($$$), Northwestern(WL$), UCSD(No$), BU($$$), University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign($$), UNC-Chapel Hill (?$), Boston College($$), UW-Seatte(WL$) Waitlists: None! Awesome. Rejections: Berkeley, Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, UCLA, Cornell What would you have done differently? Besides working harder in school? Probably nothing. I have an acceptance with funding at my dream school and have some other ego-boosting admits as well. Comments: Italos is right, letter of recommendation is everything Might as well document some of my weird admissions cycle happenings as well: - Boston College sends me an email saying I am not being offered admission because I will get into "superior" schools. - UW-Seattle pulls the same thing - Northwestern rejects me, then admits me a week and a half later. Looks like my one top 10 admit really did involve a clerical error. Attending: Caltech!
Accepts: Acceptances: Caltech($$$), Northwestern(WL$), UCSD(No$), BU($$$), University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign($$), UNC-Chapel Hill (?$), Boston College($$), UW-Seatte(WL$)
- Institution: Caltech Social Sciences PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 28k fellowship first year, TA/RA next four years
Notification date: Feb 5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Still stunned and ecstatic.
- Institution: UNC Chapel Hill Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Will be decided in March, apparently.
Notification date: 2/26/09 11:14 am
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Surprised again. It'll take the edge off Athey not calling me too
- Institution: University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition waiver + fellowship
Notification date: 3/09/2009
Notified through: Post
- Institution: UC San Diego Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted (Provisionally)
Funding: Not mentioned
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Yay!
- Institution: BU Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: e-mail
Funding:$18700+tution waiver+summer stipend($5000)
Rejects: Rejections: Berkeley, Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, UCLA, Cornell- Institution: Northwestern Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/a
Notification date: 2/25/09
Notified through: website
Comments: Not surprising, hehe
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Well at least they were snappy about it.
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: email
- Institution: UCLA Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: Heh.
Notification date: Today (5 minutes ago)
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Man, UCLA really hates me. Second time I've been rejected. Luckily I MUCH prefer Caltech.
- Institution: Chicago Economics
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/9/09
Notified through: Mail
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Postal Service
Comments: Letter dated March 13
- Institution: Cornell University Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 4/6/2009
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Wasn't gonna go here anyway!
Waitlists: Waitlists: None! Awesome.
anx1ous 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. Econ & Int'l Affairs from top 10 U.S. public (with an 'unranked' econ dept.) Undergrad GPA: 4.0 GRE: 800Q, 680V, 5.5 AWA Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Diff Eqs, Stats I, grad Prob & Stats Econ Courses (undergrad-level): the usual suspects Other Courses: lots of poli sci/int'l affairs Letters of Recommendation: all econ, 2 'unknown' (Berkeley ARE & Michigan State) and 1 'known' (MIT)...probably 2/3 were 'really' strong Research Experience: in my 4th semester as an RA, worked on 2 projects that led (or rather, are leading) to a working paper & a senior thesis Teaching Experience: none Research Interests: applied micro--labor (specifically education) & development SOP: standard? Other: did a summer research program at a top 20 dept. (which I think was incredibly instrumental in my outcomes); tried to show that despite my weak math background I at least had some programming skills Concerns: LACK OF MATH...everything else was ok, I think What I would have done different: TAKEN MORE MATH, but I didn't know I wanted to do an econ PhD until 2nd semester junior year and was always drawn more to the social sciences than math (and had no idea they could be one and the same!) RESULTS: Acceptances: Columbia ($), Maryland ($), Berkeley ARE ($), Texas ($), Vanderbilt ($), Georgetown (waitlisted w/ $), GW (no $) Rejections: Harvard, Yale, NYU, Brown ATTENDING: Columbia What could I have done differently? In terms of the application process: applied to 2-3 fewer lower ranked depts. and put that money/time/effort towards applying to a few more top 10 schools (probably just to cover my bases, as I have no reason to believe that I would've done any 'better'). Also: stayed away from TM/Gradcafe during admissions season! In terms of preparation: again, done a math minor/double major (for admissions as much as self-preparation--I'm pretty worried now!), but you can only take this 'should've/would've/could've' question so far, since I simply didn't know until later that I wanted to pursue this path or what was required of me. All in all, however, I am extremely happy with my outcomes. I obviously had zero expectations or I wouldn't have applied to such a wide-ranging group of schools.
Accepts: Acceptances: Columbia ($), Maryland ($), Berkeley ARE ($), Texas ($), Vanderbilt ($), Georgetown (- Institution: Vanderbilt Econ PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: $15.9K
Notification date: 2/9
Notified through: Email
- Institution: UC-Berkeley ARE PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: fellowship nomination
Notification date: 2/5
Notified through: Email
Anxiously waiting on: lots
- Institution: U Texas-Austin Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Notification date: 02/25
Funding: ??
Notified through: E-mail, but via a grad school flyout invitation
Comments: Been hearing some negative things about the department recently...
- Institution: Columbia Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition + $22K
Notification date: 02/27
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
- Institution: Maryland Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: $18K + $5K first summer
Notification date: 3/5/09
Notified through: Email
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, Yale, NYU, Brown
- Institution: Yale Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 02/20
Notified through: E-mail link
Comments: No surprise, but still sad (first rejection)
Waitlists: waitlisted w/ $), GW (no $)
- Institution: Georgetown Economics PhD
Decision: Waitlisted for admission w/ funding
Funding: $18.5K if accepted
Notification date: 3/6/09
Notified through: Email
Comments: Oh well?
FierceEconDR 2009:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Math & Econ from the Poor's people Harvard aka CUNY Undergrad GPA: 3.92/4, Summa Cum Laude Type of Grad: M.S. Economics courses Grad GPA: ? GRE: 790Q, 540V, 5 AWA Math Courses: All required courses for math degree, Calc I-III + Real Analysis I (B), Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra 1 and 2, Probability Theory(B+), Statistics (Theory) (A+) All others A's Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro and Macro Theory, Labor, International Finance(Macro), Development theory- All A's Advanced econ stats (A+) Grad courses: Took the Macro, Micro, Econometrics, and some other stuff at a masters in europe. Not in my applications. Letters of Recommendation: 4 econ professors=1 Berkeley ('semi-known') + 1 Harvard + 1 Kansas/NBER +1 Queen's ('Known'), I am confident they were solid and very enthusiastic. Research Experience: AEA Summer Training Program, some development research in Paris IX Teaching Experience: Macro & Micro, Math Tutor Research Interests: Labor, Development, Applied Micro-econometrics SOP: I think it was ok, I did it alla S. Athey: Why I want it (duh research!) what research have I done, what papers did i like, some questions I would like to answer, why U X is good. Name dropped in all of them (2 names). RESULTS: Acceptances: Maryland ($),Texas ($) Withdrawn: UC Davis Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Yale, Chicago, UPenn, Berkeley, Michigan, NYU, Cornell, Northwestern, UCSD, Brown, Penn State ATTENDING: Maryland What could I have done differently? In terms of the application process: not apply to PSU and apply to Columbia for my NY Bias (not that I would've gotten into!). I have to second: stayed away from TM/Gradcafe during admissions season! I am extremely happy with UMD so in the end it payed off.
Accepts: Acceptances: Maryland ($),Texas ($)
Withdrawn: UC Davis
- Institution: UT- Austin Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: TBD
Notification date: 2/25/09
Notified through: Email
Comments: Relieved!
- Institution: Maryland - College Park Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: $18+(5K first year)+tuition waiver+health insurance
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Some wiggle room for me!!!
Rejects: Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Yale, Chicago, UPenn, Berkeley, Michigan, NYU, Cornell, Northwestern, UCSD, Brown, Penn State
- Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20/09
Notified through: Email directing me to status on website.
Comments: My first rejection.
- Institution: PSU Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/24/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Good luck!
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: E-mail
Commentsevastated...
- Institution: MIT Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Good luck, everyone
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Don't really care at this point...
- Institution: UPenn Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6/09
Notified through: E-mail to check website
- Institution: NYU Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100$
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Email to Marjorie
- Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Website
Comment: It is becoming clearer where I am going to be.
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: postal
Comment: Guess I will not be naming my dog Elle Woods!
- Institution: Chicago Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Postal dated
Comments: Would not have gone even if I gotten in, whatever....
- Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/18
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: No surprise at this point
- Institution: Brown University Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/20
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution
nstitution: Cornell Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 4/14/2009
Notified through: E-Mail
Comments: As if I care...JA
Waitlists:
mermel 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. Math, B.S. Econ honors from top 40 public school, Math semester abroad at strong Russian math program Undergrad GPA: 3.94, Econ 4.0, Math 3.93 GRE: 800Q, 600V, 5.5AWA Math Courses: Multivar Calc, DiffEq, Number Theory, Matrices (Linear Algebra), Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Probability, Topology, Complex Analysis, Computability and Complexity (all A's), Combinatorics (B), Integer Partitions (B+) Econ Courses: All those required for undergrad econ, was in Honors Economics program my senior year Letters of Recommendation: 3 from econ professors, one from Econ PhD partner at the firm where I work, PhD's from Chicago, Princeton, Harvard, and Berkeley, 2 I am sure are very strong, and others are probably strong as well Research Experience: Not any good research experience undergrad. Have been working in econ consulting since, so that sort of counts. Teaching Experience: just tutoring Research Interests: Micro theory, game theory, decision theory SOP: I'm not really sure how to judge my SOP, I think it told a good story of why I want to get econ PhD. Concerns: Lack of research experience, I had a withdrawal passing from graduate level analysis when I decided to do a second major in econ rather than doing a masters in math. I stated this in many of my essays, so hopefully that's ok. Other: Working for past 2.5 years in economics litigation consulting RESULTS: Attending: Northwestern Admitted, Declined: UPenn Waitlists: Princeton(eventually rejected), Chicago(Admitted without funding for first 2 years) Rejections: Harvard, MIT, NYU, Berkeley, Stanford, NSF What would you have done differently? I think some RA'ing as an undergraduate would have helped, but I am very happy with Northwestern and don't really have any regrets.
Accepts: Attending: Northwestern
Admitted, Declined: UPenn
- Institution: Northwestern Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: ? Application site doesnt say, maybe waitlisted like others?
Notification date: 2/26/09
Notified through: Checked the application website
Comments: First one, woohoo
- Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 25k a year or so, they make it confusing
Notification date: March 2
Notified through: e-mail
- Institution: Chicago Econ PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: No funding first 2 years
Notification date: April 15, 5:07 pm
Notified through: e-mail
Comments: I emailed them last week saying they could take me off the waitlist. I figured if I got anything after that it would be a spiteful rejection.
Rejects: rejected), Chicago(- Institution: Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: n/a
Notification date: March 2
Notified through: email
Comments: Gotta give them kudos for getting rejects out so fast after accepts, but I still gotta say .... damn hippies.
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: e-mail
- Institution: Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6/09
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: NYU Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: I e-mailed and asked
Comments:If you haven't heard I would recommend e-mailing Marjorie, she replied in short time and said to take one of my other offers (which I didn't say I had any)
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Postal Service
Comments:
Waitlists: Waitlists: Princeton(eventually - Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding:
25,750 if admitted
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: They said they are targeting admitting 22-23 people, 15 people are on waitlist and number that get offers varies by year
- Institution: Chicago
Decision: Waitlist
Funding: some sort of funding if admitted, but it's unclear
Notification date: 3/10
Notified through: snail mail
Comment: "In a normal year, I would be offering you admission and financial aid at this time."
jeeves0923 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. Math, B.A. Economics (Both Honors), Virginia Tech Undergrad GPA: 3.90 Type of Grad: M.S. Math, Virginia Tech Grad GPA: 3.90 GRE: 800Q, 610V, 4.5AWA Math Courses(undergrad): through Real Analysis I & II. Math Courses(PhD): Abstract Algebra, Stochastic Processes, Measure Theory, Matrix Theory Econ Courses: Lots of electives + PhD Micro, Metrics, Labor. Other Courses: Half an engineering degree, history minor. Letters of Recommendation: 3 Econ Profs (didn't end up using the math prof). All extremely good (at least that's what a couple adcoms told me) Research Experience: A couple of papers, 4 semesters of econ research, one math theory paper, a bunch of presentations Teaching Experience:Quite a lot- Calculus, Vector Geometry, Writing Coach, Micro Econ Theory, and some tutoring Research Interests: Micro Theory, Political Economy, IO... maybe some other applied micro SOP: I think it was too long, and I would have done a bit differently (see the link below) Other: I fly airplanes and cook, but not at the same time RESULTS: Attending: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Accepted: NSF, MIT($$), Kellogg (MEcS) ($$), UChicago ($$), Minnesota($$), Duke ($$), Michigan(no $), Berkeley Law School Wait List: Princeton, not eventually admitted Rejections: Stanford GSB, Yale, NYU, Columbia, Penn, Harvard, Berkeley What would you have done differently? http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-econo...te-school.html (And What A Strange Ride It's Been- Advice if you Come from an Unknown State School) I did better than I expected Nothing too drastic. I'm so happy!
Accepts: Attending: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Accepted: NSF, MIT($$), Kellogg (MEcS) ($$), UChicago ($$), Minnesota($$), Duke ($$), Michigan(no $), Berkeley Law School
- Institution: Northwestern Kellogg Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 30K for 5 years
Notification date: 2/23/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Life couldn't get much better right now.
- Institution: Duke University Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Fully Funded - specifics in the mail
Notification date: 2/26/09
Notified through: e-mail
Comments: Withdrawing once I get official Kellogg offer
- Institution: University of Michigan
Programme: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Notification Date: 31/03/2009
Funding: None
Comments: Same as Fille.
I will be declining.
- Institution: University of Minnesota Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Complicated with NSF
Notification date: 4/9/2009
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Said they were going to accept me anyway
- Institution: MIT Econ PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Yes
Notification date: April 15, 11:59 AM
Notified through: Phone Call
Comments: I will be attending!
Rejects: Rejections: Stanford GSB, Yale, NYU, Columbia, Penn, Harvard, Berkeley
- Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20/09
Notified through: Email to check website
Comments: Even though it wasn't a good match for me, it stings bigtime.
- Institution: Stanford GSB EA&P
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 2/23/09
Notified through: Email/website
Comments: Psh... Still too happy about Kellogg to let this get me down
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: This one hurts a lot, actually... but it will probably end up making my final decision easier...
- Institution: MIT Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Came home after a 16.5 hour drive today to this...I guess they liked me better last year without graduate math classes... one step closer to Evanston...
- Institution: Columbia Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail directing me to website.
Comments: Shazam! Bam! Out at Columbia!
- Institution: UPenn Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
That makes 0-4 on target schools! 1-3-1 on reaches. 1-1-1 on safeties.
What a strange year!
1 safety, 2 targets left...
- Institution: Harvard Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Postal dated 3/13
Comments: I compared it to last year's rejection.
There are only two differences: 1. The date in the top left.
2.
We regret to inform you that you have not been admitted for 2009 (last year it said 2008).
Nice.
Waitlists: Wait List: Princeton, not eventually - Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/24/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: What a random process!
I'm surprised, but not upset.
Nothing can upset me after yesterday
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding:
25,750 if admitted
Notification date: 3/5
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Ecstatic!
This is fantastic news!
- Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics, PhD
Decision: Waitlisted
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Phone
Comments: Joining Fille.
4 waitlists.
2 from reaches and 2 from safeties.
What an odd year.
funkychinamen 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Top 10 Econ program, transfer from top 40 Econ program, Econ major Undergrad GPA: 3.892 /4.000 Type of Grad: None Grad GPA: N/A GRE: 780Q 480V 4.5AWA Math Courses: Calc I, Calc II, Calc III, Vector Calc, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability Theory, Linear Algebra - proof-based, Intro to Proofs, Real Analysis, Math Stats (Spring) Econ Courses: Intermed Micro, Intermed Macro, Topics in Macro, Analysis of Econ Data, I.O., International Micro, International Macro, Labor, Intro to Mathematical Econ, Game Theory, Econometrics, Grad Micro I, Applied Econometrics (Spring) Letters of Recommendation: One from an associate professor in the Ag Econ department who I researched with, one from an assistant professor at Business School who I researched with, one from professor who taught grad course Research Experience: One year with an associate professor in the Ag Econ department, One semester with assistant professor in Business school, senior thesis in progress Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: I.O., Micro Theory, Labor SOP: Looked back at it the other day. I HOPE they didn’t read it. RESULTS: Acceptances: USC Marshall ($), Duke ($), Northwestern ($), UCSD (No $), Texas (No $), Boston U (No $) Waitlists: UPenn (rejected), Caltech (rejected) Rejections: Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Minnesota, Maryland, UCLA Anderson, Harvard, Michigan, NYU, Cornell, Brown What would you have done differently? I would have studied harder for the GRE, finished a major in applied math, and applied to UCLA econ. (Not-so) Fun Facts: -Not accepted to any Ivy League school (UPenn waitlist) -Not accepted to any school that used the Embark system (Caltech waitlist) Attending: Northwestern!
Accepts: Acceptances:
USC Marshall ($), Duke ($), Northwestern ($), UCSD (No $), Texas (No $), Boston U (No $)
- Institution: Duke University Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: In the mail
Notification date: 2/25/09
Notified through: email to website
Comments: Hoo- and -ray!
- Institution: Northwestern University Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Doesn't say
Notification date: 2/26/09 9:00PM PST
Notified through: Checked applyyourself
Comments: Take that, Minnesota!
- Institution: UC San Diego Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted (Provisionally)
Funding: Not mentioned
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: YAY! One of my top choices! Feels good after a whole week of Top 10 rejections
- Institution: UT Austin Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Dunno... still confused.
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: Website
Comments: No e-mail...just checked the website. It says:
"We're pleased to inform you that you've been accepted to The University of Texas
at Austin. We recommend that you contact your graduate adviser as soon as possible.
It's a pleasure to welcome you as a graduate student."
Although, I did receive an e-mail from Eugenio J. Miravete making a correction to an e-mail he sent earlier regarding the date of the flyout...I never received the first e-mail...
- Institution: Boston University Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: "Financial Aid Alternate"
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: I think getting accepted without aid to schools that are lower on your list than ones you've already been accepted to is absolutely great. You don't feel bad about being rejected, but it doesn't really change the set of schools you have to make a decision on. Will probably decline soon.
Rejects: rejected), Caltech (rejected)
Rejections:
Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Minnesota, Maryland, UCLA Anderson, Harvard, Michigan, NYU, Cornell, Brown
- Institution: Stanford University Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6/09
Notified through: E-mail AND Postal
Comments: What a better way to end a week of 5 rejections and 1 wait-list (not to mention 2 problem sets, and a Stat lab report), except with, not only another rejection from my dream school, but the official rejection letter in my mailbox when I come home? YAY!
- Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Website
Comments: Kind of feeling like Northwestern was a fluke...granted, the most AMAZING fluke of my life.
- Institution: Cornell University Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 4/6/2009
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Not an Ivy-Leaguer
Waitlists: Waitlists:
UPenn (- Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics PhD
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/4
Notified through: Email
Cricketer 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BA Economics - Top British Uni Undergrad GPA: First Class Type of Grad: MA Economics - Top Brit. Uni Grad GPA: (Exp. Distinction) GRE: 780Q, 600V, 5.5AWA Econ Courses: Lots of courses + Grad Micro, Macro, Metrics, Networks. Letters of Recommendation: 3 economic professors. All know me pretty well Research Experience: Not much - only undergrad dissertation Teaching Experience:None Research Interests: Micro Theory, Development SOP: Wrote what I am interested in and who I would like to work with. Why that uni Other: Cricket. RESULTS: Attending: MIT Accepted: MIT($$) - after waitlist, LSE ($$$), Cambridge ($$$) Rejections: Stanford, Chicago, Harvard Comments: Was apparently very close at Stanford. What would you have done differently? Nothing much, except apply to a few more places perhaps. Twas a tad risky only applying to four US places I guess
Accepts: Attending: MIT
Accepted: MIT($$) - after
Rejects: Rejections: Stanford, Chicago, Harvard
Comments: Was apparently very close at Stanford.
Waitlists: waitlist, LSE ($$$), Cambridge ($$$)
Nebuchadrezzar 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: european, gpa scale Undergrad GPA: 3.8/4.0 Type of Grad: european masters Grad GPA: n/a GRE: 800 q, 440 verbal, 4.0 awa Math Courses: calculus 1, 2, 3, diff eq, real analysis 1 2, topology, lin alg Econ Courses: int mic, int mac, labor, game theory, io, phd micro 1 2, phd macro 1,2 , phd metrics 1, 2, optimization Other Courses: - Letters of Recommendation: 3 from home inst, at least 2 of them should be good Research Experience: term paper, honors thesis Teaching Experience: ta in several courses Research Interests: micro-macro theory, game theory SOP: standard sop summarizing my profle Other: - RESULTS: Acceptances: rochester($), wisconsin(no $), michigan($) Waitlists: wustl Rejections: harvard, mit, chicago, nw, upenn, nyu, columbia, stanford, berkeley, caltech, cornell, yale, princeton...!! Pending: - going to: university of michigan What would you have done differently? i could study more in masters and send my transcript and get a letter of recommendation from there maybe. i don't know if that would help with the top 10. but i am happy to go to michigan!
Accepts: Acceptances: rochester($), wisconsin(no $), michigan($)
Rejects: Rejections: harvard, mit, chicago, nw, upenn, nyu, columbia, stanford, berkeley, caltech, cornell, yale, princeton...!!
Waitlists:
calgrad08 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: UC Berkeley, double major in Economics and Applied Math (with high honors) Undergrad GPA: 3.9 GRE: 800Q, 710V, 5.5A Math Courses (Undergrad level): multivariable calc, linear algebra (2 semesters), abstract algebra, numerical analysis, real analysis, complex analysis Econ Courses (Undergrad level): micro, advanced micro, macro, metrics, applied metrics, game theory, development, psych & econ Econ Courses (PhD level): metrics (2 semesters) Other Courses: probability theory; operations research courses for applied math concentration Letters of Recommendation: 1 from prof for whom I’d worked for years as an RA, 1 from advanced micro prof, and 1 from grad metrics prof Research Experience: 3 years (including summers) working for Berkeley profs; 1 summer at Treasury Dept; 1 year at Federal Reserve Bank Teaching Experience: none Research Interests: metrics, applied micro SOP: nothing special, and I didn't customize it at all for the different schools Other: submitted NSF app but didn’t win RESULTS: Acceptances: Berkeley, Chicago, Michigan, Northwestern, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, UCSD, Wisconsin Waitlists: Brown Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Yale Pending: none Attending: Princeton What would you have done differently? --Senior honors thesis, both for the sake of submitting it along with my apps and being able to say that I'd done one, and for the good practice it would have been to have done my own research. I also would have tried to coauthor something with my profs, or at least get more involved in the analysis/writing of their papers rather than the (mostly) data-prep work I did for them as an RA. --Attend office hours. I got quite good letters from my recommenders, but I can't help but think it would have been good to get to know them (and other professors) better. --Grad-level micro. Metrics was great and I would certainly take it again if I was doing things over, but it would have been nice to have had micro under my belt as well. But honestly I've had great luck in the admissions process and I'm thrilled to be heading to Princeton this fall. These "things I would have done differently" are really minor in the grand scheme of things, and with so much noise in the process anyway, would hardly have made much of a difference. The admissions game is as much a mystery to me now as it was before I applied!
Accepts: Acceptances: Berkeley, Chicago, Michigan, Northwestern, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, UCSD, Wisconsin
- Institution: Wisconsin Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: to be worked out if I respond with serious interest in attending
Notification date: 2/25/09
Notified through: email
Comments: first acceptance!
- Institution: Northwestern Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: waitlisted for 1st yr funding; full tuition plus stipend in subsequent years
Notification date: 2/26/09
Notified through: Email with attached pdf
Comments:
- Institution: University of Chicago Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: ??
Notification date: received by mail today
Notified through: postal service
Comments:
- Institution: U Penn Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: tuition, fees, health insurance, plus $21,630 stipend for 5 yrs
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: e-mail
Comments:
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: ??
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: short mass email without any details. official letter of admission and other information will be sent via US mail tomorrow
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 28,5k+tuition waiver+TA
Notification date: 3/4
Notified through: Email
- Institution: Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Admitted
Notification date: 3/6
Funding: forthcoming
Notified through: email
Comments :
- Institution: Michigan Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: ?
Notification date: 3/11
Notified through: Email
Comments: the offer letter wasn't attached to the email as it should have been. I'm emailing them back about it.
- Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Like the others, no mention.
Notification date: 3/11
Notified through: Email
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Yale
- Institution: Yale Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 2/20/09
Notified through: email directing to website
Comments:
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: e-mail
Comments:
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Postal Service
Comments: Letter dated March 13
Waitlists: Waitlists: Brown
- Institution: Brown Economics PhD
Decision: waitlisted
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: e-mail
Comments:
untitled 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. Math, BA International Studies (mid ranked Midwest Flagship State School) Undergrad GPA: 3.65 Type of Grad: M.S. Math (mid ranked but slightly better Midwest Flagship State School) Grad GPA: 3.6 GRE: 800Q, 600V, 5.5AW (scored 800, 590, 6 before MS degree) Math Courses (undergrad): Lots, some Bs, B+/A- average Math (grad): Lots, still a couple Bs, A- average Econ Courses (grad): Few Econ Courses (undergrad): None Other Courses: Physics Minor, once, lots of Poli Sci before I realized math + poli sci =~ econ Letters of Recommendation: Two Math, One Poli Sci, One Econ. Econ was extremely strong Research Experience: Math Thesis, RA at academic leaning econ consulting firm Teaching Experience: Taught micro, macro, math econ, and econ stats principles courses during two year stint at local university while working as a consultant Research Interests: Econometrics, Resource Economics, Decision Theory, Development SOP: Focused on work/research experience - probably would have done it differently Concerns: yes, mostly private. RESULTS: Acceptances: University of Washington - Seattle Waitlists: none Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Duke, Boston University, Davis, Pittsburgh, UCSD, UBC What would you have done differently? I can think of one or two classes where an A might have made a difference. Also, it might have been helpful to take at least some econ classes as an undergrad, but I'm glad I didn't, as I enjoyed my undergrad enough. Many private things.
Accepts: Acceptances: University of Washington - Seattle
- Institution: University of Washington - Seattle Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Pending (I hope)
Notification date: 3/14
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
Rejects: Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Duke, Boston University, Davis, Pittsburgh, UCSD, UBC
- Institution: Duke Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 2/17
Notified through: E-mail / Website
Comments:
- Institution: Yale Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 2/20
Notified through: E-mail/Website
Comments:
- Institution: Stanford Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
- Institution: UC-Davis Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/11
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
- Institution: Pittsburgh Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:
- Institution: UCSD Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/19
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:There were a couple other top 10 schools, but you get the picture.
Waitlists:
tmdruie 2009:
So I can get on the shiny charts! PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.A. Physics and Economics from a top 10 liberal arts college Undergrad GPA: 3.14/4.0 Type of Grad: One stats class Grad GPA: 3.3 GRE: 790Q, 600V, 5.0AW Math Courses: Calc I-III(I took them in high school, I really dont remember and nor do my transcripts), Linear Algebra (B), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (B-, B), Real Analyst(A, at a different school then my undergrad), Stochastic Processes (B+, grad course, at a different school then my undergrad) Econ Courses: AP Micro and Macro (A, in high school), European Economic History (B+), Law and Economics (B), Intermediate Price Theory (B), Intermediate Macro Theory (B), Econometrics (B), Contemporary British Economy (B), Industrial Revolution-Britain (A-), Econ of Multinational Corps (A-), Thesis (labor econ) Other Courses: Physics, which I put in my math lists. Quantum Mechanics I, Partial Differential Equations (B+), etc. I only did the bare minimum for a liberal arts major Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors (my thesis advisor and the person who led my study abroad), 1 physics professor (thesis advisor), 1 economist who is my supervisor Research Experience: RA for 2.5 years at a central bank Teaching Experience: Tutored, graded and lab assisted for two years for physics in college Research Interests: All over the place. Labor, policy, experimental, applied micro, development, etc. SOP: Intro, I did physics I can do math!, I wrote a thesis in economic and liked doing research, Im working as an RA and like doing research, I took extra math and can write proofs, I was part of an econ paper reading group and like reading papers, interests (changed a bit depending on what the school had, and more policy oriented for ag econ schools). Also a few sentences about things I did that I removed or added depending on the school. The 500 word schools were hard, the 1000 word schools were easy. I also had a Personal History Statement about being a female doing math for the schools that wanted it. Other: Applied for the NSF. I tried not to say anything to risky, and not say much about interest in policy to non policy/ ag econ schools. I like Aikido. RESULTS: Acceptances: Boston University (waitlist for $), Michigan State(no $), University of Essex (ISER), Ohio State (Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics) ($-Fellowship), Indiana University ($-TA), Iowa State University ($-TA) Waitlists: University of Minnesota Rejections: MIT, Harvard (Econ and Political Economy and Government), Yale, Berkeley (Agricultural & Resource Economics), Northwestern, NYU, U Penn (Econ and Wharton), University of Wisconsin Madison (Econ and Agricultural and Applied Economics ), Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, University of British Columbia , Ohio State, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Econ and Public Policy and Economics), University of Maryland (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of Minnesota (Applied Economics), University of California Davis (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Duke, University of Essex, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon (Econ, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Public Policy and Economics) Pending: Toronto MA, Queens MA What would you have done differently? Gotten better grades in undergrad. When I really started understanding what the things I need to do for a PhD I think I did the best I could, took real analysis, applied for the NSF (if only to write a SoP for them), read papers etc. I probably could have gotten more research experience at my job (co-author), and I defiantly could have gotten better grades and taken more math as an undergrad. But over all Im happy. Attending: Boston University
Accepts: Acceptances: Boston University (
Rejects: Rejections: MIT, Harvard (Econ and Political Economy and Government), Yale, Berkeley (Agricultural & Resource Economics), Northwestern, NYU, U Penn (Econ and Wharton), University of Wisconsin Madison (Econ and Agricultural and Applied Economics ), Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, University of British Columbia , Ohio State, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Econ and Public Policy and Economics), University of Maryland (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of Minnesota (Applied Economics), University of California Davis (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Duke, University of Essex, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon (Econ, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Public Policy and Economics)
Waitlists: waitlist for $), Michigan State(no $), University of Essex (ISER), Ohio State (Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics) ($-Fellowship), Indiana University ($-TA), Iowa State University ($-TA)
Waitlists: University of Minnesota
DreamFactory 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BBA (minor Econ), International applicant, not top but one of the best schools in my country. Undergrad GPA: 3.83/4.00 after rescale, summa cum laude (within 2% of the graduates, but the transcripts doesn't offer the rank anymore) Type of Grad: Same school, MA econ - major:Economic theory (expected aug. 2009) Grad GPA: 4.0/4.0 after rescale GRE: 800Q, 670V, 4.0AWA Math/Stat Courses: Calculus I (B+),II (A), Intro to Probability (A+), Differential Equations I (B+), Linear Algebra I (Aced all exams, A+), II (A+), Analysis I (A+), II(A+), Topology I (A+), Stochastic Processes (A+), grad Real Analysis I (A) Econ Courses: undergraduate - Principles I (A+),II (A), Biz Econ (A), Monetary (A), Financial (B+), Micro (A+), Macro (A), Metrics (B+)/ graduate - Micro I (A+) II (A), Macro I (A), II (A+), Metrics I (A+), Financial Economics (A), Micro Seminar (A+), Public Sector Economics II (A+) Other Courses: Bunch in biz. especially in finance (mostly A's or A+'s in finance) Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ (both micro), 2 biz (both finance), 1 math (analysis 1,2, topology 1), all very strong but not so famous Research Experience: RA for 2 semesters (participated in a project), 1 working paper, conference participation etc. Teaching Experience: grad Micro I (MWG) - 2 semesters Research Interests: Behavioral Finance/Economics/Experimental, Market Microstructure, various topics in Micro Theory......actually almost everything in Finance and Economics since most of them are interesting (I'll choose them after I get to know more) SOP: no idea how it look like to the adcoms. Other: External fellowship.(5 years of tuition+health+18k) RESULTS: Acceptances/Attending: U of Chicago (Econ, very late admission!) Waitlists: none Rejections: 4 econ (actually I was rejected from Chicago econ in March) - Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia 17 finance - Booth, Kellogg, Wharton, Stanford GSB, Sloan, Stern, Haas, Fuqua, Tepper, Simon, Anderson, UIUC, OSU, UMinn-TC, Eli Broad, Wisc-Madison, Johnson Pending: LSE MSc Finance and Economics (Applied after all those dings) What would you have done differently? I would've concentrated more on my SOPs. Should've had different major in my undergrad (changing major is not allowed in my alma mater, and Biz major had toooooooo many required courses back then). Also, I should have gone for exchange student in the U.S. when young...get some LORs from famous faculties there...BUT I DON'T CARE ex-post, I got into one of my favorite school!
Accepts: Acceptances/Attending: U of Chicago (Econ, very late admission!)
Rejects: Rejections: 4 econ (actually I was rejected from Chicago econ in March) - Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia
17 finance - Booth, Kellogg, Wharton, Stanford GSB, Sloan, Stern, Haas, Fuqua, Tepper, Simon, Anderson, UIUC, OSU, UMinn-TC, Eli Broad, Wisc-Madison, Johnson
Waitlists:
Mobius Strip 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Mathematics and Economics from a top 10-15 liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.87/4.0
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 800Q, 570V, 5.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Alg, Modern Alg, Adv Modern Alg, Real Analysis, Game Theory (in Math Dept), Topology, Chaos Theory. Received department honors in Math.
Econ Courses: Basically all of them, 4.0 GPA, Thesis (A), Department Honors, Brownell Prize for Distinction in the Study of Political Economy
Other Courses: NA
Letters of Recommendation: 2 from Federal Reserve, 1 Math from Undergrad
Research Experience: RA for 3 years at FRB in DC. Co-authored published paper on racial discrimination in credit markets.
Teaching Experience: NA
Research Interests: Labor (Education), Real Estate, Financial Markets
SOP: Talked about my volunteer activities in tough, urban schools and how it shaped my interests in research in education. Transition to work at the Fed regarding discrimination in the credit markets. Final, throw-away paragraph naming some profs at schools who I'd be interested in working with.
Other: Crushed by NSF
RESULTS:
Acceptances: U Michigan (off waitlist, after 0-14 start)
Waitlists: NA
Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Berkeley, Princeton, Chicago, Chicago Booth, Northwestern, Wharton, U Penn, NYU, Columbia, Duke
Pending: NA
Outside Fellowship: Received a $20k fellowship from undergrad college to supplement lack of funding from UM
What would you have done differently?
After receiving NSF results and reading Jeeves's posts, spelling out the broader impacts to make it easier to checklist. I scored fairly well on intellectual merit, but only average on the broader impacts.
Other than that, it's hard to say. I had nearly a 3.9 GPA with a Math and Econ double major, 3 years at the Federal Reserve, a published paper, and a presented working paper. I did spend 3 years in the private sector at a major bank, which probably hurt my admissions results, but gave me a broader personal, real-world experience that I do not regret taking.
Attending: U Michigan - Ann Arbor
Accepts: Acceptances: U Michigan (off - Institution: University of Michigan
Programme: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Notification Date: 31/03/2009
Funding: None
Comments: Now 1 for 15!
Rejects: Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Berkeley, Princeton, Chicago, Chicago Booth, Northwestern, Wharton, U Penn, NYU, Columbia, Duke
- Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20/09
Notified through: Email to check website
Comments: Did Yale and Duke have to be my first two responses?
- Institution: Chicago Booth Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 2/24/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Getting frustrated ...
- Institution: Northwestern Ph.D. Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 2/26/09
Notified through: ApplyYourself Website, No email
- Institution: Wharton Applied Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Checked website
Comments: Probably was my last shot:
800Q, 3.9 GPA, Math/Econ double major, and 3 years at the FRB -- but no graduate school in the Fall.
$#@!
Waitlists: waitlist, after 0-14 start)
Waitlists: NA
- Institution: Michigan Economics, PhD
Decision: Waitlist
Notification date: 3/20
Notified through: snail mail
Comments: Tease!
Just when I got past anger and denial and into acceptance ...
softsquirrel 2009:
PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: France's top Grandes Ecoles(2 years in a top "Classe Princeton Reviewépa" if anyone knows it) Undergrad GPA: 4.35/4.4, 1st out of 500 (Our school thinks its students merit a 10% bonus on GPA and that's why they add that, which made me some trouble as I always have to explain that) Type of Grad: Same school(The system is weird in France, basically it's 2+3 years after high school and they deliver a somewhat Master-equivalent degree at the end) Grad GPA: FALL GRE: 800Q, 720V, 4.5AWA TOEFL IBT: 115(27Speaking and 28Writing) Math Courses: basically everything, almost like a math majoring student Econ Courses (undergrad-level): baby micro+macro+corporate finance Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro, Macro, Econometrics, Development , Growth, Game Theory, Financial Economics etc. Letters of Recommendation: 1 from a well-known French prof teaching economics in US top universities, 1 Oxford Phd (eco), 1 School prof(eco), another 1 schoolprof(math) Research Experience: only one team-based research on auction theory Teaching Experience: 2 years TA on maths for 2nd-year math students (the so-called "colle" in our argot) Research Interests: macro+international SOP: quitewell-written, I think Applying to: Princeton, Yale, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Stanford, NYU, UPenn, Columbia Commnet: little research experience, but it's the problem for all candidates from French Grandes Ecoles
Accepts: - Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Fellowship: 25.5K from University fellowship +11k from growth center for at least 4 years + Health Insurance
Notification date: 2/19/09
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: now I can wait for the rest with much more patience
- Institution: Columbia Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: no funding but placed #1 on the wait list for funding...
Notification date: 02/27
Notified through: Email
Comments: now I start to have the intuition that I'm out at Harvard...
- Institution: MIT Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 28k for 2 years + TA + tuition
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: e-mail
Comments: I woke up and saw the email, it was great!!!!!
- Institution: Chicago Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Not mentioned
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: snail mail
Comments: and I went downstairs to check the mailbox and found THIS, now it's marvelous!!!!!!!
- Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: "high on the waiting list"
Notification date: 3/4
Notified through: Email
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 28,5k+tuition waiver+TA
Notification date: 3/4
Notified through: Email
- Institution: Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Admitted
Notification date: 3/6
Funding: info coming in letter
Notified through: email
Rejects: - Institution: Harvard Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Postal dated 3/13
- Institution: NYU Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/18
Notified through: email
Comments: I was just looking for how to withdraw the application and received this....
Waitlists:
italos 2009:
In this thread please post only your results.For further comments please refer to other threads in the forum Institution: Program: Decision: Funding: Notification date: Notified through: Comments:
Accepts: - Institution: UC Santa Cruze In International Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: TBA
Notification date: 2/20/09
Notified through:Email
Comments: European Union citizen, Security school where I also have a personal connection
- Institution: UW-Madison Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding:
unable to offer financial support for the first year of study.They can provide support in the three years of study following the first year,conditional to satisfactory progress
Notification date: 3/12
Notified through: Email
Comments: I need funding also for the first year!!!!
- Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 0
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: E-mail
Comments:WTF I need funding!!!!!
- Institution: University Of Maryland, College Park Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 0
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: I emailed Vickie
Comments:WTF once again! I need funding!!!!
- Institution: European University Institute(EUI) Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted for Interview
Funding: full if admitted
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: I called
Comments:Going to Florence!
- Institution: JHU Economics, PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding None
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: I emailed
Comments: WTF once again no funding.I think I deserve the Antichorn award for the most unfunded applicant!!!
Rejects: - Institution: UC Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100+DHL
expenditures
Notification date: Today(10 minutes ago)
Notified through: Email
Comments: A kinda of expected. It seems to be a mass email
- Institution: Princeton Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100 +DHL cost
Notification date: Today (10 minutes ago)
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: that was something I was expecting since December as they were already in posses of last years LORs..
- Institution: Columbia Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5,
Funding -51 Euro paid to DHL
Notified through: I emailed Jody
Comments: At least I saved my money on the application fee as I preferred to sent later a check.I was told that they were going to read my file anyway and if admitted I could pay it later
- Institution:Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/6
Cost: Application fee+GRE and TOEFL score reports +DHL
Notified through: email
Comments :I I was expecting that.....
- Institution: University of Chicago
Decision: Rejected
Cost:
application fee+TOEFL+GRE reports+ DHL
Notification date: Today, Letter dated March 6 2009
Notified through: postal service
- Institution: NYU Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Cost: usual application fee +TOEFL and GRE reports +DHL
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: I emailed Marjorie Lesser(very nice lady)
Comments:I was hoping something more from NYU as I had a stellar letter of recommendation from an NYU alumni who happens to be also my coauthor.But just let me say that I know what is the real reason not only for NYU but for all the other outcomes
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through:
postal service
Comment : Not much to say
- Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/18
Notified through: Website
Comments: I had an alumni as a letter of recommendation writer who has strongly supported me but I think it has more to do with another issue on my profile which is also confirmed by the other results
- Institution: University of Minnesota
Programme: Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected (e-mail)
Notification Date: 04/01/2009
Comments: I was on the waiting list and just got the email form Kara that I am out.I am disappointed but my options now seem to be clear!Let's say that the only thing that makes me laugh is that I will not have to spend
the next 5 years under -40 °C!
Waitlists:
jnaecker 2009:
Institution: Caltech Program: Social Science Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: 28k plus tuition and fees Notification date: Feb 5, 4 pm PST Notified through: Email Comments: Institution: UCLA Program: Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition and fees totaling 10,000 in year 1, plus eligible for department supplementary fellowship. Tuition, fees, and living expenses in years 2-4. Notification date: 2/10/09, 1 pm PST Notified through: email Notes: 2 for 2!
Accepts: - Institution:
Caltech Social Science Ph.D.
Decision:
Accepted
Funding:
28k plus tuition and fees
Notification date:
Feb 5, 4 pm PST
Notified through: Email
Comments:
- Institution: UCLA Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition and fees totaling 10,000 in year 1, plus eligible for department supplementary fellowship. Tuition, fees, and living expenses in years 2-4.
Notification date: 2/10/09, 1 pm PST
Notified through: email
Notes: 2 for 2!
- Institution: Northwestern Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 20.5 K fellowship
Notification date: 2/25/09, 1:22 pm Pacific Time
Notified through: Email with attached pdf.
Comments: Back to a winning average!
- Institution: UC Berkeley Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: TBA
Notification date: 3/3, 3:43 pm Pacific
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: short mass email without any details. official letter of admission and other information will be sent via US mail tomorrow
- Institution: Penn Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: High on waitlist for fellowship
Notification date: 3/5, 2:00 pm Pacific
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Stanford Economics PhD
Decision: Admitted
Notification date: 3/6, 4 pm pacific time
Funding: info coming in letter
Notified through: email
Comments :
hells yeah
- Institution: UC San Diego Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Admitted
Funding: Not mentioned
Notification date: 3/12, 9:20 am Pacific time
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Accepted
Notification date: 3/17
Notified through: Email
Rejects: - Institution: Yale University Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20/09, 9:30 am Pacific
Notified through: Email directing me to status on website
Comments: My first rejection.
- Institution: Stanford GSB Organizational Behavior
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 2/23/09
Notified through: Email directing me to status onwebsite
Comments: Oh well.
- Institution: MIT Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/3, 12:19 pm Pacific
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Princeton University Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5, 11:45 am Pacific time.
Notified through: E-mail
- Institution: Columbia Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/5, 5:00 pm PST
Notified through: E-mail directing me to website.
Comments: Phooey.
- Institution: Chicago Economics Ph.D.
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/9
Notified through: Postal service.
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/16
Notified through: Postal Service
Comments: Letter dated March 13.
Waitlists:
averageall 2009:
Accepts: - Institution: UC Santa Cruz In International Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: TBA
Notification date: 2/21/09 (10 mins ago)
Notified through: Email
Comments: I am an international student.
Out for Yale.
Rejects: - Institution: NYU Economics, PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -100$
Notification date: 3/13
Notified through: E-mail
Comments: Email to Marjorie and got reply, "I am afraid you are not on our current admissions list." Only 18 slots for more than 800 applicants.
- Institution: Harvard Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: 3/19 (Official letter)
Notified through: Mail
Funding: -100$
Comments: Expected!
Waitlists:
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