Index of Schools AnalysisAbout the Site 2012 20112010 20092008 2007all years
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Most Recently Selected profile:

The data below comes from testmagic forums and shows accepted, waitlisted, and rejected applicants for 2010 for economics graduate school. Clicking on points in the graph above will make the most recent profile appear in the space below the graph.


Acceptances:

EnviroEcon 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Mathematics and Economics; UCSD, Top20 Econ/Top10 Public University
Undergrad GPA: 3.73 Overall, 3.67 Major
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 770Q, 620V, 5.0AWA (5.5AWA the first time I took it, like they care)
Math Courses: Calc I,II (B+, A-) Mutil-Var Calc (A+), Diff Eqs (A-), Linear Alg (A), Real Analysis I,II (B,C), Math Stats I,II (A-,A), Probability (B), Adv Linear Alg (A+)
Econ Courses: Intro Econ (A), Inter. Macro I,II (A,A), Inter. Micro (A,A+), Game Theory (A-), Public Policy (A), Metrics III (A), Econ of Oceanic Resources (A)
Letters of Recommendation: Not "A" list profs, but I'm sure enthusiastic: Math prof (UCSD PhD) who I RAed for, History prof (Harvard PhD) from minor in Hebrew Lang and Lit, Senior Analyst from consulting firm
Research Interests: Environmental and Resource Economics
SOP: Relatively strong I'm told, then again, who's to judge but the adcoms.
Teaching Experience: None at the university level, but tutored for two years during BA at local elementary (math/reading/kickball).
Research Experience: Summer RA in Math dept studying mathematical transformations, Independent Research on Economic Sanctions
Work Experience: Research Analyst for 1+ year at consulting firm doing market/econometric research for the housing industry.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Maryland AREc, UCSB, Oregon St. ARE, Ohio St. AED, UArizona, Colorado @ Boulder, Riverside, Cornell AEM MS, Davis ARE MS
Rejections: Berkeley ARE, UCLA, UCSD
Pending: USC (don't care)
What would you have done differently?
Applied to some Top15-20 pure Econ programs. Gotten close to Econ profs for LORs (had 0 among my 3). Relieved at the time, my C in RA II killed me. Taken PhD Micro/Metrics in undergrad. Analogous to the job market, two people concurrently aiming for PhDs in different disciplines while wishing to wind up at the same school is beyond sanity. On a brighter note, I believe my SOP was essential at the margin as many programs noted its strength and appeal to their adcoms. Only found this forum after I sent in most of my apps. Glad I obliviously chose Math/Econ major, otherwise I'd be screwed.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Maryland AREc, UCSB, Oregon St. ARE, Ohio St. AED, UArizona, Colorado @ Boulder, Riverside, Cornell AEM MS, Davis ARE MS
  • Institution: University of Maryland ARE PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Unable to offer at this time Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: Email Comments: Holy
  • Institution: University of Oregon Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: 2/3 in the past 24 hours. Will be declining.
  • Institution: Oregon State University ARE PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "...We hope to know by April 1" Notification date: 3/6 Notified through: Postal Comments: Wish it was Cal
  • Institution: Cornell University AEM Masters Decision: Admitted Funding: None at all, isn't this a private Ivy with infinite funds?!? Notification date: 3/7 Notified through: Postal Comments: More blatant consolation after I initially applied for the PhD program
  • Institution: UCSB Economics PhD (shooting for the EES program) Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 2/10/09 Notified through: Website
  • Institution: Ohio State AED Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship decision in early March Notification date: 2/2/09 (Received the official letter 2/9) Notified through: Letter
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics Ph.D. Decision: Admitted Funding: TBD by April 15..that helps.. Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + Registration Fee Waiver Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email Comments: Unclear if there's TA/RA responsibilities. No stipend?
Rejects:
    Rejections: Berkeley ARE, UCLA, UCSD
  • Institution: UCLA Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail/attachment Comments: Wasn't good enough for Undergrad, either. Cal, please be different!
  • Institution: Berkeley ARE ARE PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I was so hopeful, too. Makes me 0-4 for Undergrad/Grad @ Cal/UCLA
  • Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: E-mail Comments: No love from undergrad institution.
Waitlists:
    Pending: USC (don't care)

big_o12 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Good but not great liberal arts college, Econ.
Undergrad GPA: 3.80
Type of Grad: MPP, Minnesota
Grad GPA: 3.98
GRE: 750, 580, 5.5
Math Courses: Calc I & II, LA, Math for Economists, Intro to Proofs, Stats, all A's
Econ Courses: Undergrad: intros, intermediates, open-economy macro, econometrics. Masters level: micro, labor, econometrics I & II
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 2 great, one good, nobody famous. One was from a professor who had supervised my masters thesis and said it was the best he had seen, suggested that I send it to a field journal.
Research Experience: aforementioned master's thesis
Teaching Experience: semester each as TA for micro, macro, stats
Research Interests:
SOP:
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Riverside ($$), Oregon($), Minnesota Applied
(waitlisted for $-withdrew), UMass ($), U Washington (no $)
Waitlists:
Rejections: Berk ARE, Davis ARE
Pending: Never heard from UConn, I think i'll call and ask for my $80 back.
What would you have done differently? I have a strong heterodox streak, so UMass is really a nice admit for me. I feel like I just snuck in there given my low test scores, minimal math and unexceptional undergraduate institution, and i'm greatfull for that, so nothing different.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Riverside ($$), Oregon($), Minnesota Applied (waitlisted for $-withdrew), UMass ($), U Washington (no $)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Berk ARE, Davis ARE
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

corolla09 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Math/Econ Good Eastern liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.28 (3.45ish for Econ & Math)
GRE: 720Q, 470V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus Sequence, Vector Calculus, Intro to Proofs, Linear Algebra, Ring Theory, Real Analysis, Applied Stats, Probability, Mathematical Statistics, Stochastic Processes
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro & Macro, Labor, IO, Econometrics, Environmental, Experimental, Behavioral, Econ of Conflict
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ, 1 math all senior faculty whom I knew very well
Research Experience: Senior thesis in Probability Theory/Stochastic Processes
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Public, Labor, Experimental/Behavioral
SOP: I think this was a 'good' deciding factor for some schools showing a fit/common research interest with their program and I believe it matters a lot more for smaller non top-30 programs.
Concerns: A lot, low GRE/GPA low grade in Analysis
Other: had to wait a year to apply for good senior grades, take GRE
RESULTS:
Attending: Florida State Univ ($$)
Admitted, Declined: Binghamton ($), Kentucky (WL$), Oregon (WL$), NC State (no$), Mississippi ($), UNH-masters
Waitlists: Va Tech
Rejections: Vanderbilt, Virginia, Syracuse (never heard back)
No Word: Louisiana State
What would you have done differently? A lot, actually study in undergrad for one. Had difficulty figuring out where to apply with my profiles and increase in apps, should've applied to places like Purdue, Pitt, Riverside and research schools with experimental more. Results almost identical to what I thought they would be. Had random safety's. Originally started with math major then added econ very glad I did both. Very happy with results considering my profile and for those similar to mine it is possible to get a decent funded offer without perfect transcript especially if you're looking for a LACish placement like me.
Accepts:
    Attending: Florida State Univ ($$) Admitted, Declined: Binghamton ($), Kentucky (WL$), Oregon (WL$), NC State (no$), Mississippi ($), UNH-masters
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/5/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Very glad...details TBA
  • Institution nstitution: Florida State Economics, PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: TAship + Fellow! Notification date: 3/13 Comments: Stunned!! not top 50 but with my profile it'll be of serious consideration
  • Institution: NC State Econ (pure side), PhD Decision: Admit Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: website Comments: Interesting...no details yet
Rejects:
    Rejections: Vanderbilt, Virginia, Syracuse (
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Va Tech
  • Institution: Virginia Tech Economics, PhD Decision: wait-listed Notification date: 3/23 Notified through: e-mail (I e-mailed the grad secretary) Comments: ehhh, very very small program

cjw10 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: liberal arts college Economics, BA (with honors) + English minor
Undergrad GPA: 3.65
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 760Q, 540V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: (3.73 average) Calc I-III, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, Stats, Differential Equations (Audit), Real Analysis (spring 09).
Econ Courses: (4.0 average) Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Public Finance, Environmental Econ, Market Experiments, International Econ, Money and Banking, Econometrics I, Senior Thesis
Other Courses: English minor, Env. Studies, Scuba Diving.
Letters of Recommendation: 4 Econ profs -- exceptional. 1 well known.
Research Experience: REU at top 50 econ Program. Research internship at consulting firm in London. Honors Thesis.
Teaching Experience: TA for Prin. Micro + Market Experiments; Academic Tutor (Micro + Macro)
Research Interests: Environmental/Resource, Experimental, Development, Applied Econometrics
SOP: Why I want a PhD + career goals + research experience + research interests matched with faculty. 2.25 pages, 1.5 spaced.
Other: 1 conference presentation + internship at investment bank
Post-doc goals: Academia.
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
NC State (RA 17k + 5k fellowship + tuition + health insurance)
UC Santa Barbara (TA 16.6k + 5k fellowship + tuition + health insurance)
Iowa State (TA 14.4k + 2.5k scholarship + in-state tuition + health insurance)
Oregon State AE (RA 12.6k + tuition + health insurance)
UC Davis ARE MS (readership)
Washington-Seattle (waitlisted for funding)
Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for funding)
Oregon (no funding)
Rejections: Berkeley ARE, Maryland AREc, Wisconsin AAE
Will be attending: North Carolina State University
What would you have done differently? Im satisfied.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: NC State (RA 17k + 5k fellowship + tuition + health insurance) UC Santa Barbara (TA 16.6k + 5k fellowship + tuition + health insurance) Iowa State (TA 14.4k + 2.5k scholarship + in-state tuition + health insurance) Oregon State AE (RA 12.6k + tuition + health insurance) UC Davis ARE MS (readership) Washington-Seattle (waitlisted for funding) Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for funding) Oregon (no funding)
  • Institution: UCSB Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Decision in March Notification date: 2/17 Notified through: Website status Comments: Thrilled that my profile is competitive outside of ARE... Re-posting from other thread
  • Institution: Oregon State AREc PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: RA - 15K+tuition+health insurance Notification date: 1/22 Notified through: Phone Comments:
  • Institution: University of Oregon Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decision in March Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through: Informal email from Grad. Secretary Comments: 3/4. Pretty satisfied. Fingers crossed for TA.
  • Institution: UC Davis Agricultural and Resource Economics - MS Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing stated--do they fund MS students? Notification date: 2/23/09 Notified through: Email Comments: I applied to the PHD program, but didn't make the cut... Better than a rejection, I guess!
  • Institution: University of Oregon Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Currently being evaluated for GTF Notification date: 3/5 (I was offered an informal admission before this. Notified through: E-mail Comments: Will most likely decline--although I hear Eugene is great.
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Unable to offer funding at this time. Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: Very cool. Wish it were funded--makes my decision easier...
  • Institution: North Carolina State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: RA, details to come! Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: Glad to hear it! Big day!
  • Institution: Iowa State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Grad Asst: $1600/mo Notification Date: 3/24 by Email Comments: Just when I thought my decision was getting easier....
  • Institution: Washington-Seattle Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Cannot offer you funding right now" Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Same as Texcards. Well. That's my application season. Time to make a decision.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Berkeley ARE, Maryland AREc, Wisconsin AAE Will be
  • Institution: Wisconsin AAE PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/17 Notified through: Email Comments: Can't win em all...
  • Institution: Berkeley ARE ARE PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Shocked. I thought UCB was a safety for me...
  • Institution: Maryland AREc Decision: Rejected Funding: Zing Notification date: 3/23 Notified through: Testudo, my boy. Comments: Now 85ure I'm headed to UCSB.
Waitlists:

Texcards 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minor Economics and Math at very large state school (top 15 engineering, top 50 economics)
Undergrad GPA: 3.35/4.0 (3.65 Math, 4.0 Econ)
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 550V, 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(A,B,A), Differential Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (A), Fund Discrete Math (Spring 09)
Econ Courses: Principles of Micro and Macro (A, CR by exam), Intermediate Micro and Macro theory, Econometrics (A,A,A)
Other Courses: Lots of engineering
Letters of Recommendation: 2 not well known assistant econ professors (UT-Austin, Rice) but excelled in their classes, 1 associate engr professor (Berkeley) that I went on a study abroad trip with
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: International and Development
SOP: Paragraph about why I wanted to do econ even though I did engineering as an undergrad, another on my interests, and another on why I wanted to be an academic. Slightly altered my interests paragraph depending on the school, but for the most part the same for each one.
Other: Didnt start considering this until fall of last year.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding
Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
Pending: Toronto MA, Queens MA
What would you have done differently?
I wouldnt have applied to the Canadian MAs (1 year wouldnt have been enough to help me), Michigan State, UCSC, or UI-Chicago and maybe applied to a couple more reaches instead, but I really didn't think I would get into as many as I did. I dont know if it would have changed anything though, after really thinking about it I think an MA is a very good choice for me. Ive realized that my 3 economics courses hasnt given me enough of a background in general economics knowledge. Yes I could learn it in the course of a PhD but I think strengthening my economics background will allow me to have more focus on what field I want to go into and give me more ideas when I eventually start to write my dissertation. An MA will also allow me to improve 3 big weaknesses in my profile: (1) Do some research which will allow me to have (2) stronger letter of recommendations and (3) a more focused SOP.
I think I learned a lot in this application process and feel like I will be able to put together a much better application in 2 years after an MA.
Attending:
University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
  • Institution: UC-Riverside Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship: 13.5K stipend first year, 16.6K TA/RA next 4 + Health Insurance Notification date: 1/22/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: My super safety
  • Institution: UC-Davis Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: End of March Notification date: 2/4/09 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Very Excited! Especially if I get funded!
  • Institution: UC Santa Cruz International Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "I regret that I am unable to offer you any financial support at this time" Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through:Email Comments: Surprised again... too bad there is no funding
  • Institution: Oregon Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Currently being evaluated for a graduate teaching fellowship" Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Kind of expected after the UCSC and Davis admits. I'm hoping it will replace Riverside as my best funded offer. Even if I am funded, will likely decline in favor of Davis
  • Institution: UI-Chicago Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Mid-March Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: USPS letter dated 2/26, postmarked 3/3 Comments: I applied to far too many safeties.
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: I was hoping I would get funded...
  • Institution: Washington-Seattle Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Cannot offer you funds right now" Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: e-mail Comments: I e-mailed the grad director and got a response saying I was "very appealing" and if I wanted an unfunded offer they would send me a letter of admission "right away."
  • Institution: University of San Francisco International and Development Economics (IDEC), Master's Decision: Accepted Funding: Didn't say anything about it Notification date: 4/11/2009 Notified through: Postal Mail Comments: Would actually consider this if they fund me...but will definitely decline if not (EDIT: No funding, will decline)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Website Comments: Oh well...
  • Institution: Maryland Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Website Comments: Expected...
  • Institution: UBC Economics, MA Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Wasn't ever really sure I would want to go this route and go through this whole process again anyways...
  • Institution: Boston College Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Agora Comments: Grad A+S Decision Letter mailed, I am assuming this is a rejection but I'm on spring break so I can't check my mail! Edit: officially a rejection!
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: response to my inquiry email Comments: I don't think I would have liked living in East Lansing anyways
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Continuing the trend of no East Coast love
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/13/2009 Notified through: E-Mail Comments: Finally after sending 2 e-mails.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding

irancontra 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Grad: BS in Economics Liberal Arts University
Grad GPA: Summa Cum Laude
GRE: 770Q, 630V, 5.0 AWA
Letters of Recommendation: 3 undergraduate econ professors (1 well known)
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: Undergraduate TA
Research Interests: development, resource economics, remittances.
SOP: pretty standard
Concerns: I have been out of academics for 5 years. Two spent working abroad in development, not the Peace Corps, and 3 in business.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
Rejections: ASU
Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: I asked them, they told me. Comments: It was strange, I emailed to make sure that they had recieved my GTF application and they said, oh yeah we have it and by the way your admitted with funding pending.
  • Institution: UW-Seattle Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding at this time. Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Comments: Rain = good study weather.
Rejects:
    Rejections: ASU
  • Institution: UCLA Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail/attachment Comments: Rats, I really like Westwood.
  • Institution: Stanford Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09, 11:58 AM Pacific Notified through: E-mail Comments: I much prefer rejection to lingering uncertainty.
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Would be ironic if there were. Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Email Comments: I like the sun.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: E-mail Comments: You have been judged and found wanting.
Waitlists:
    Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona


Rejections:

The MAN 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Bachelors at an unranked non-PhD state school
Undergrad GPA: 3.4
Type of Grad: none
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800 Q, 560 V, 4.0 AWA
Math Courses: Calc 1 and 2
Econ Courses: All the prerequisites, Environ. Econ, Econometrics 1 and 2, Law and Econ, Telecom Econ, and a bunch of others
Other Courses: Computer Programming in C++, Physics
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from instructors at unranked state school
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: Some tutoring experience
Research Interests: Public econ, environ. econ, tech. econ
SOP: Pretty standard SOP talking about why I want to pursue econ grad school, details on why I am a good candidate, and details on why I like the particular school.
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: NIU, U. of Delaware, UNM, Colorado State, Nevada-Reno, IUPUI, and Illinois State
Waitlists: none
Rejections: USF and Oregon
Pending: none
What would you have done differently? I would have taken more math classes as an undergrad. I'm planning on going for a masters and picking up some missing math classes before applying to PhD programs.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: NIU, U. of Delaware, UNM, Colorado State, Nevada-Reno, IUPUI, and Illinois State
  • Institution: University of New Mexico - MA Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA March 1 Notification date: Feb. 17 Notified through: E-Mail Comments:
  • Institution: University of Delaware Economics, MA Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA Notification date: 3/9/2009 Notified through: Postal Service
Rejects:
    Rejections: USF and Oregon
  • Institution: University of Oregon Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/24/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: This was my stretch school, so I'm not too shocked (and yes, I know everyone on this board is looking down on me for having Oregon as a stretch school). My lack of math background killed my application.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: none


Waitlists:

Texcards 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minor Economics and Math at very large state school (top 15 engineering, top 50 economics)
Undergrad GPA: 3.35/4.0 (3.65 Math, 4.0 Econ)
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 550V, 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(A,B,A), Differential Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (A), Fund Discrete Math (Spring 09)
Econ Courses: Principles of Micro and Macro (A, CR by exam), Intermediate Micro and Macro theory, Econometrics (A,A,A)
Other Courses: Lots of engineering
Letters of Recommendation: 2 not well known assistant econ professors (UT-Austin, Rice) but excelled in their classes, 1 associate engr professor (Berkeley) that I went on a study abroad trip with
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: International and Development
SOP: Paragraph about why I wanted to do econ even though I did engineering as an undergrad, another on my interests, and another on why I wanted to be an academic. Slightly altered my interests paragraph depending on the school, but for the most part the same for each one.
Other: Didnt start considering this until fall of last year.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding
Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
Pending: Toronto MA, Queens MA
What would you have done differently?
I wouldnt have applied to the Canadian MAs (1 year wouldnt have been enough to help me), Michigan State, UCSC, or UI-Chicago and maybe applied to a couple more reaches instead, but I really didn't think I would get into as many as I did. I dont know if it would have changed anything though, after really thinking about it I think an MA is a very good choice for me. Ive realized that my 3 economics courses hasnt given me enough of a background in general economics knowledge. Yes I could learn it in the course of a PhD but I think strengthening my economics background will allow me to have more focus on what field I want to go into and give me more ideas when I eventually start to write my dissertation. An MA will also allow me to improve 3 big weaknesses in my profile: (1) Do some research which will allow me to have (2) stronger letter of recommendations and (3) a more focused SOP.
I think I learned a lot in this application process and feel like I will be able to put together a much better application in 2 years after an MA.
Attending:
University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
  • Institution: UC-Riverside Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship: 13.5K stipend first year, 16.6K TA/RA next 4 + Health Insurance Notification date: 1/22/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: My super safety
  • Institution: UC-Davis Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: End of March Notification date: 2/4/09 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Very Excited! Especially if I get funded!
  • Institution: UC Santa Cruz International Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "I regret that I am unable to offer you any financial support at this time" Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through:Email Comments: Surprised again... too bad there is no funding
  • Institution: Oregon Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Currently being evaluated for a graduate teaching fellowship" Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Kind of expected after the UCSC and Davis admits. I'm hoping it will replace Riverside as my best funded offer. Even if I am funded, will likely decline in favor of Davis
  • Institution: UI-Chicago Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Mid-March Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: USPS letter dated 2/26, postmarked 3/3 Comments: I applied to far too many safeties.
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: I was hoping I would get funded...
  • Institution: Washington-Seattle Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Cannot offer you funds right now" Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: e-mail Comments: I e-mailed the grad director and got a response saying I was "very appealing" and if I wanted an unfunded offer they would send me a letter of admission "right away."
  • Institution: University of San Francisco International and Development Economics (IDEC), Master's Decision: Accepted Funding: Didn't say anything about it Notification date: 4/11/2009 Notified through: Postal Mail Comments: Would actually consider this if they fund me...but will definitely decline if not (EDIT: No funding, will decline)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Website Comments: Oh well...
  • Institution: Maryland Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Website Comments: Expected...
  • Institution: UBC Economics, MA Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Wasn't ever really sure I would want to go this route and go through this whole process again anyways...
  • Institution: Boston College Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Agora Comments: Grad A+S Decision Letter mailed, I am assuming this is a rejection but I'm on spring break so I can't check my mail! Edit: officially a rejection!
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: response to my inquiry email Comments: I don't think I would have liked living in East Lansing anyways
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Continuing the trend of no East Coast love
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/13/2009 Notified through: E-Mail Comments: Finally after sending 2 e-mails.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding

irancontra 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Grad: BS in Economics Liberal Arts University
Grad GPA: Summa Cum Laude
GRE: 770Q, 630V, 5.0 AWA
Letters of Recommendation: 3 undergraduate econ professors (1 well known)
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: Undergraduate TA
Research Interests: development, resource economics, remittances.
SOP: pretty standard
Concerns: I have been out of academics for 5 years. Two spent working abroad in development, not the Peace Corps, and 3 in business.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
Rejections: ASU
Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: I asked them, they told me. Comments: It was strange, I emailed to make sure that they had recieved my GTF application and they said, oh yeah we have it and by the way your admitted with funding pending.
  • Institution: UW-Seattle Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding at this time. Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Comments: Rain = good study weather.
Rejects:
    Rejections: ASU
  • Institution: UCLA Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail/attachment Comments: Rats, I really like Westwood.
  • Institution: Stanford Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09, 11:58 AM Pacific Notified through: E-mail Comments: I much prefer rejection to lingering uncertainty.
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Would be ironic if there were. Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Email Comments: I like the sun.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: E-mail Comments: You have been judged and found wanting.
Waitlists:
    Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 6 accepted out of 9 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.56, average GREQ was 761.7.
No link to department posted statistics has been added, please let me know if these exist and I will add them.

Links:
Test Magic Econ Forums
econphd.econwiki.com
Last Updated: 14:57:51, Fri May 11, 2012