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:

FilleNouvelle 2009:
I'll post this now, since my decision is not going to be made especially soon, and it could eventually change.
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Economics MA (Hons), Scottish University (ranked overall #23 in the world)
Undergrad GPA: 1st Class (distinction), ranked 1 (tied with one other student) out of 98.
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800Q, 580V, 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Mathematical Methods (A), Applicable Mathematics (A), Linear Algebra (A), self-study of Real Analysis, private tutoring (Economics classes were very math-based as well)
Econ Courses: Everything there was to take, pretty much
Letters of Recommendation: 1 Oxford, 1 Cambridge, 1 LSE (2 with US teaching experience)
Research Experience: Econometrics research papers, senior thesis on convergence
Teaching Experience: TA for Econometrics
Research Interests: Development, Applied Econometrics, IO
SOP: standard
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UNC ($$), UVA ($?), UT-Austin (no $), BU (no $), Michigan (no $, off waitlist)
Rejections: Stanford, Princeton, NWU (initially waitlisted), Columbia, Berkeley, NYU, MIT, Harvard, Cornell (assumed), UChicago
Waitlist: UPenn, Georgetown
Withdrawn: LSE
What would you have done differently? Obviously, when choosing my undergraduate institution, I didn't know I wanted to do a PhD. If I had known, I probably would have chosen a different undergrad. Also, I think staying in the US may have made things a bit easier. My results show that it's very possible to get good results when your institution is international and perhaps not that well-known, but that sometimes schools do not know how to view you. I ended up with 4 waitlists this cycle and a few unfunded admits. Anyway, other than that, wouldn't have done anything differently.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UNC ($$), UVA ($?), UT-Austin (no $), BU (no $), Michigan (no $, off
  • Institution: UNC-Chapel Hill Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 02/03/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: UT Austin Decision: Accepted Funding: Not at this time Notification date: 3/10 Notified through: Email Comment: Fiddlesticks...I love UT, but I need $$!
  • Institution: Boston University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail Funding: None Comments: Really needed money...doesn't sound like there's any chance of funding
  • Institution: University of Michigan Programme: Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification Date: 31/03/2009 Funding: None Comments: They said their budget makes it 'impossible' to offer me even a tuition waiver. I don't know what to do here.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Stanford, Princeton, NWU (initially
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Couldn't care any less...Berkeley was probably my top choice, but I was drunkenly celebrating handing in my dissertation, so nothing could've knocked me down, lol.
  • Institution: MIT Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Good to know
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: check the website Comments: Soooo disappointed
Waitlists:
    waitlist)
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: Email First waitlist...dunno how I feel about that!
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted for admission Notification date: 3/6 Funding: Full funding if accepted Notified through: email Comments: Gah...admissions make no sense to me!
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics, PhD Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: Phone Comments: That makes 4 waitlists I've received this cycle...

mjsmith1986 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ from small but respectable liberal arts college with well known Econ researchers; they don't do minors but I have taken enough math to qualify for a "minor" at other schools
Undergrad GPA: 3.67 cumulative, 3.83 econ
GRE: 800Q, 590V, 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I (A-), Calc II (A), Calc III (A), Linear Algebra (A), Proofs and Fundamentals (B), Stats (A), Real Analysis I (A), Topology (A), Real Analysis II (Spring '09), Dynamical Systems (Spring '09)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): The relevant ones: Intermediate Micro (B+), Intermediate Macro (A), Advanced Micro (A), Econometrics (A), Senior Thesis (A)
Other Courses: Some political studies/physics
Letters of Recommendation: Two from Econ Profs (UT-Austin and Yale), one from Math Prof (head of Math dept.)
Research Experience: RA for Econometrics professor; Awarded summer research grant (co-authored a paper with a professor, in publishing stages); senior thesis
Teaching Experience: TA for intro micro
Research Interests: Labor Economics (specifically Economics of Education), Behavioral Economics, basically Applied Micro and Econometrics stuff.
SOP: Just talked about my research experience and interests.
Other: Applied for an NSF grant to build on some conclusions from my undergraduate thesis.
Concerns: That my Verbal score might be a little low. I was easily testing in the high 600s but I basically rushed through it on the GRE to get to the Quant. I also declared a late major in Econ (in my junior year) and have spent the last year and a half rushing to make up the appropriate math/econ courses for grad school, so I don't know whether that sends a good or bad signal to the adcomms. Also, high volume of apps this year with rather homegenous profiles.
What I would have done different: Majored in math from the start. Curse my fickle interests!
Applying to: Princeton (Woodrow Wilson School), Cornell, Brown, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, George Mason, Carnegie Mellon, Boston U, Boston College, Virginia, Duke
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Boston College ($$), Johns Hopkins ($), UVA ($?)
Rejections: Princeton, Brown, Maryland, George Mason, Boston U, Duke, CMU
Pending: Cornell (Probably rejected)
ATTENDING: Boston College
What could I have done differently?
As I said before, I would have majored in math from the start rather than rushing in my last semesters to make up the appropriate coursework. Aside from that, not much; I am pleased to have the offer that I do and am looking forward to graduate school!

Accepts:
    Acceptances: Boston College ($$), Johns Hopkins ($), UVA ($?)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Princeton, Brown, Maryland, George Mason, Boston U, Duke, CMU
Waitlists:
    Pending: Cornell (Probably

JasonEcon 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Industrial Engineering with honors; U.S. top 5 engineering program
Undergrad GPA: Overall: 3.2/4.0, Econ: almost none, Math: 3.1/4.0
Type of Grad/Post-Bac: M.S. Economics at large state non-Ph D granting university
Grad/Post-Bac GPA: 3.9/4.0
GRE: 800Q 630V 5.0AWA
Undergrad Courses: Calculus II-III (A/B), Linear Algebra (B)
Grad & Post-Bac Courses: Grad Micro (A), Grad Macro (A), Grad Metrics (A), 3 grad field courses (As); Diff Eq (A), Adv Calc (A), Grad Analysis (B)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Econ, 1 Math, good professors but not well known.
Research Experience: Only a directed study on growth at the time of application.
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: International/Development
SOP: discussed my very late interest in Economics and thus my five year hiatus between undergrad and returning to school, other than that boilerplate.
RESULTS:
Attending: Vanderbilt (Fellowship year 1, TA years 2 - 5)
Acceptances: Vanderbilt ($), NC St ($), Virginia
Rejections: Duke, Maryland, UNC-CH, Arizona St, Georgetown (never heard)
What would you have done differently? I would of done more research with professors as part of my grad program. I think my professors were able to write solid but not exceptional recommendations because they just did not know me well enough to elaborate extensively. That said, Vanderbilt is the best fit for me in terms of fields and as a personal fit, so I am thrilled with going there!
Accepts:
    Attending: Vanderbilt (Fellowship year 1, TA years 2 - 5) Acceptances: Vanderbilt ($), NC St ($), Virginia
  • Institution: NC St Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD in March Notification date: 2/1/09 Notified through: Grad coordinator Comments: Notified at open house
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $15.9 fellowship 1st year/assistantship next 4 Notification date: 2/9/09 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: Website Comments: Just randomly checked the website. I expect there will not be funding, but don't actually know that.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Duke, Maryland, UNC-CH, Arizona St, Georgetown (
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 2/17/09 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: Arizona St Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 2/23/09 Notified through: Website Comments:
  • Institution: University of Maryland Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: ~ Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Website Comments:
  • Institution: UNC Chapel Hill Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/9/2009 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
Waitlists:

Zmoney 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Large U.S. Public University ranked 40-55 (best in state) typically known for Football not Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.93 overall 4.0 in Econ 3.69 in Math Graduating Summa
GRE: 800 Q 540 V 5.0 AWA
Math Courses: Calc 1-3 1,2 tested out 3(B+), Differential Equations(B), Stat 1(A), Probability(A) Lin Alg (A) Math Stats 2 in Spring
Econ Courses: Intros, Intermediates, Public Econ, Sports Econ, Empirical Research, Independent Study (for research) Labor, Empirical Public Econ I (PhD field) All A's
Other Courses: Minors in Food and Resource Economics, and History
Letters of Recommendation: 3 LORS 2 excellent letters from pretty well known Econ faculty in their concentrations (one Phd Chicago the other Wisconsin) and 1 very good letter from a senior member of the Ag Econ Department (Purdue well known in Ag econ)
Research Experience: 2 written empirical papers one for the class in research and the other (to be my thesis) I want to get published. Database work and research at Fed
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Public Econ, Public Choice, Taxation Policy, Political Economy
SOP: Solid i think, had multiple profs say they wouldn't change a thing
Other: Internship at the Federal Reserve, Strong Undergraduate leadership positions
Concerns: My B in Diffy Q, Coming from a big public school, No Real Analysis.
RESULTS:
Attending: Virginia
Admitted, Declined: Michigan State, Boston College, Florida
Waitlists: none
Rejections: Northwestern, NYU, Penn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maryland, Texas-Austin, Cornell, Duke
What would you have done differently?
Started taking math freshman year as opposed to junior year. Double majored in Stats
Accepts:
    Attending: Virginia Admitted, Declined: Michigan State, Boston College, Florida
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No word on funding should be last week of march though Notification date: 2/13/2009 Notified through: WEBSITE Comments: ITS MY FIRST ADMIT!!!!!!! Tears in my eyes
  • Institution: University of Florida Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No word but historically fund all candidates Notification date: Feb 18 Notified through: Mail Comments: 2 for 3 so far. Admitted student day March 27th
  • Institution: Boston College Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted Funding: $$$ 15.6K RAship Notification date: 02/28 Notified through: Email. with a formal letter in the mail
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted Funding: tuition+health insurance+13.4Kmin TAship Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: email from dept.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Northwestern, NYU, Penn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maryland, Texas-Austin, Cornell, Duke
  • Institution: Duke Econ PhD Decision: Rejection Funding: I funded their loss endowment Notification date: 2/17/09 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: sigh... Had connections there too...
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/01 Notified through: checked apply yourself Comments: sigh there goes my number one choice
  • Institution: UPenn Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail to check website Comments: sigh.... another rejection
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Website Comments: soul crushing....
  • Institution: NYU Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail, personalized though eh figured as much
  • Institution: Texas Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Website Comments: glad I didnt pick them in my march madness bracket
  • Institution: Cornell Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/15/2009 Notified through: E-Mail Comments: UVA thats all sorry Cornell
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: none

crangeon8214 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, large top 25 American research university
Undergrad GPA: 3.4
Type of Grad: none
Grad GPA: none
GRE: 760Q, 620V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A,A,B), Linear Algebra (C), Diff Eq's (C), Probability and Statistics (D,B (retaken... )), Real Analysis (C)
Econ Courses: Introductory Economics (A), Principles of Microeconomics (A), Principles of Macroeconomics (A), Intermediate Micro Theory (B), Intermediate Macro Theory (A), Game Theory (B), Econometrics I,II(B,A)
Other Courses: physics up to quantum mechanics
Letters of Recommendation: 3 full professors (2 very strong, 1 medium..strong?)
Research Experience: Honors economics thesis paper, not published (got one of very few scholarship awards at graduation), physics research fellowship
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Micro, behavioral, environmental
SOP: Primarily talking about my research experience
Other: Expert with SAS, worked at a notable consulting firm, not sure if that even helps
Concerns: Math grades suck. Econ grades are just ok. GRE nothing to write home about.
RESULTS:
Attending: UC Irvine($$)
Admitted, Declined: UVA, Boulder ($$), Washington, Oregon State ($)
Waitlists: none
Rejections: UMD-AREC, Davis-AREC, Penn State, GMU
Lost in space: JHU, UCSB
What would you have done differently?
As far as the application process goes - I wish I had exhaustively researched faculty interests before applying, I feel as though I might have let some potentially good schools (for me) like Iowa and Arizona slip through. On the whole, I am very pleased - my profile is all over the place, and Irvine matches me very, very well. As for undergrad, well, it is what it is.
Accepts:
    Attending: UC Irvine($$) Admitted, Declined: UVA, Boulder ($$), Washington, Oregon State ($)
  • Institution: UVA Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ?? Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: E-mail (5am EST) Comments: Doubleplusgood
  • Institution: UC Boulder Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver, 15k TAship, 5k fellowship Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: Oregon State ARE Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: physical mail Comments:
  • Institution: U Washington - Seattle Econ PhD Decision: Accepted, Rejected Funding: No Notification date: March 12, April 20 Notified through: Email Comments: On March 12th, UW sent: "I am writing to you to get more information about your admission plans. We are very impressed by your file, but since we are trying to assess a good match without full information, we have not been able to make you a funded offer yet. We presume that you have alternatives, so we thought we would verify with you if you would like to receive an offer of admission without funding at this point. We would like to keep in touch with you in anticipation that our situation will change and hoping that you would still be keen on us. We would be happy to send you an offer of admission (without funding). If you would like us to do so, please let us know. We would much appreciate it if you would kindly respond to this email as soon as possible." Then on April 20: "Unfortunately, the committee has decided not to recommend your admission and I have accepted that decision. The number and quality of graduate applicants to the University of Washington is extraordinary and these difficult decisions are reached through careful consideration of all applicants to a given program. In many cases, enrollment restrictions are also a factor, limiting our ability to accept all qualified applicants. I realize that this outcome is disappointing..." Hah!
  • Institution: UC Santa Barbara Econ PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: who knows Notification date: April 21 Notified through: Email Comments: I contacted the department about the status of application three separate times, and get notified on the 21st...Irvine is better anyhow
Rejects:
    Rejections: UMD-AREC, Davis-AREC, Penn State, GMU Lost in space: JHU, UCSB
  • Institution: PSU Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Got the UVA admit earlier, s'alright.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: none

bigleaguechew 2009:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ / B.S. Math from a top 100 econphd.net public school
Undergrad GPA: 3.5 Overall, 4.0 Econ, 4.0 Math
GRE: 790Q, 610V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: One year of real analysis (A+'s); two quarters each of theoretical linear algebra (A+'s), numerical analysis (A+'s), math prob stat, nonlinear dynamics and chaos; one quarter each of PDE's, abstract algebra and complex analysis
Econ Courses: applied metrics (A+'s), public finance (A+'s), labor, game theory (A+), and a few others in addition to intermediate micro/macro
Letters of Recommendation: It seems as though I had one very respected letter writer, and other letters were more or less ignored at many schools (just what I gathered from my conversations with grad directors where I was accepted)
Research Experience: Virtually none. Started an undergrad research project that was never finished
Work Experience: 2 years in consulting (business, but not econ)
Research Interests: Applied micro, IO
SOP: Talked about how my experiences and coursework have influenced my research interests. Tailored last paragraph to each school I applied to. I cannot say this with enough emphasis... THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE DEFINITELY MATTERS AT SCHOOLS OUTSIDE OF THE TOP 10. IF YOU DO NOT COME FROM AN IVY AND YOU DON'T HAVE A SPOTLESS MATH/ECON RECORD WITH SOLID RESEARCH EXPERIENCE, I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO SPEND SOME TIME ON YOUR SOP AND START WORKING ON IT EARLY!
Concerns: I had about a year straight of abysmal grades (yes, we're talking about F's and W's here people) in my sophomore year of college due to some family issues. I think it was important that this occurred when I was an english major, and I made up for it by excelling in all of my econ and math courses. So, if you have screwed up and permanently marred your transcript like I did, HOPE IS NOT LOST! It just means that you have to work extra hard to outperform your classmates from here on out.
RESULTS:
Attending: UCSD ($)
Admitted, Declined: Stanford GSB Marketing ($$$$$$$$), Penn State ($$), WUSTL ($), UNC ($/2), UVA ($), Texas ($$), ASU ($$), Arizona ($$), Pittsburgh ($), Ohio State ($), U of Washinton ($), Maryland (stiffed me)
Waitlists: Minnesota, BU
Rejections: Top 10, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, Michigan, JHU, Wharton (but it doesn't count in my mind cuz I hardly showed up for the interview)
Never heard back from: USC (not that I care anymore, but seriously WTF?)
What would you have done differently?
Nothing really. I had a huge black spot on my record with that one atrocious year, and nobody knew how that would affect me. My letter writers were extremely supportive in helping me apply to as many places as I could afford, and cover a broad spectrum of programs. I thought UCSD was a long shot heading into this process, and I am thrilled to be going there. I can honestly say that I would have been happy at just about any of the programs that I was accepted to, and it was incredibly difficult for me to turn down so many attractive offers. Obviously, this is a problem that I am happy to have, but you'd be surprised how gut wrenching it is to turn down a fellowship offer from a school that you had been day-dreaming about attending just a few weeks earlier. Still, I would advise everyone who isn't a superstar with stellar letter of recommendation's to adopt a similar strategy and apply to as many places as you can afford.
Accepts:
    Attending: UCSD ($) Admitted, Declined: Stanford GSB Marketing ($$$$$$$$), Penn State ($$), WUSTL ($), UNC ($/2), UVA ($), Texas ($$), ASU ($$), Arizona ($$), Pittsburgh ($), Ohio State ($), U of Washinton ($), Maryland (stiffed me)
  • Institution: Penn State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding:24k Assistantship Notification date: Feb 18 Notified through: Email Comments: Suck on that Duke!
  • Institution: Washington University, St. Louis Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: email
  • Institution: UNC Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA Notification date: 2/26/09 Notified through: email
  • Institution: Univ. British Columbia MA Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: email
  • Institution: University of Maryland Decision: accepted Funding: waitlist Notification date: 3/10/2009 Notified through: email
Rejects:
    Rejections: Top 10, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, Michigan, JHU, Wharton (but it doesn't count in my mind cuz I hardly showed up for the interview)
  • Institution: Duke Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: Feb 18 9:07 AM EST Notified through: Email Comments: Easier to take since I already have some other options.
  • Institution: Northwestern Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: -100 Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: Website Comments: Decision available through ApplyYourself website - not the separate link they sent for decision status.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Chicago Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: snail mail
  • Institution: NYU-Stern Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: -100 Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: checked website after seeing other posts here (no email)
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: randomly checked website Comments: Not at all surprised. I had lost interest in this program prior to my interview, and I pretty much let that be known to them.
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Website
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Minnesota, BU
  • Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/24/09 Notified through: E-mail

eggman 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top Public University (William & Mary)
Undergrad GPA: 3.87 Overall, 4.0 Econ, 3.9 Math
GRE: 760 Q, 550 V, 4.5 A
Math Courses: MultiVar. Calc (A), Linear Algebra (A), Intro Proofs Class (A), Real Analysis (B+), Ordinary Differential Equation (A), Probability (A), Mathematical Statistics (in progress)
Econ Courses: Econ of Information (A), World Trade Theory (A), Econometrics (A), Time-Series Econometrics (A), Cross Section Econometrics (A) (advanced econometric courses are part of my schools MPP program, but are cross-listed in Econ)
Letters of Recommendation:
-Assistant Professor I was a TA for
-Professor that is my Honors Thesis Advisor
-Professor I worked for on a theoretical paper, well known in his subfield.
Research Experience:
-RA for one summer doing grunt work data collection
-Empirical Honors Thesis on a topic in pubic economics (decentralization)
-Worked on a Theoretical Paper in social choice theory, attempted to prove a theorem the professor could not solve. Even though I couldnt finish the paper for him, I was able to make enough progress that he could see that I had some talent, greatly improving my letter of recommendation.
Teaching Experience:
TA for an Econ 101 class, graded assignments and held review sessions.
Research Interests: Public, Labor, Applied Micro
SOP: I think it was fine, matched up my interests with some professors, nothing noteworthy to say about it
RESULTS:
Will be Attending: UVA
Acceptances: UVA($$), Indiana ($$)
Waitlists: UNC
Rejections: Princeton, Yale, UPenn, Rochester, Penn State, Maryland, JHU, Duke, Michigan, Minnesota, UCLA
What would you have done differently?
I wish I would have started math earlier and had been a Econ/Math double major instead of just a math minor. I believe I had enough Math to make me competitive, but a little bit more could have been nice. I also wish I had done better on the GRE, but I studied a lot and only got a 760Q, so I dont think taking it again would have improved my score, thus I dont regret not retaking the GRE.
Comments: Im surprised I got so many rejections, but ultimately I am very happy with the final outcome. I really like UVAs Program and they gave me good funding.
Accepts:
    Attending: UVA Acceptances: UVA($$), Indiana ($$)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Princeton, Yale, UPenn, Rochester, Penn State, Maryland, JHU, Duke, Michigan, Minnesota, UCLA
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: UNC

brettm84 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: U.S. Large Public University, maybe top 150 econ. B.A. Philosophy and History (2007), B.S. Economics (2008)
Undergrad GPA: 3.96/4.00 (4.00 Econ and Math)
Type of Grad: 1 yr. masters at same university as undergrad.
Grad GPA: 3.70/4.00
GRE: 780Q, 630V, 5.0 AW
Math Courses: Undergrad: Calc. 1-3, Linear Algebra, ODE, Intro to statistical methods (I & II), finite math, discrete math.
Graduate: Probability theory (B), Intro to stochastic processes (in progress)
Econ Courses: The usual undergraduate classes.
Graduate Econ Courses: Math for Economics (A-), Micro theory I (A), Macro theory (A), Econometrics (A), Micro theory II (in progress), Econometrics seminar (in progress), Monetary Economics (in progress).
Other Courses: the first 75% of my transcript is largely irrelevant (mostly philosophy and history courses).
Letters of Recommendation: All 3 from econ professors. Only 1 is from someone who is active researching/publishing.
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: grader/TA for math department.
Research Interests: macro, development, financial
SOP: straightforward and informative. I am uncomfortable saying anything nice about myself, so it may have been too "humble".
Other: My undergraduate career got off to a rocky start, and includes being suspended for disciplinary reasons. I included an explanation of the "incident" in each application. Six years having elasped probably reduced the negative impact. UNC, however, did make me pay for a criminal background check.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UNC($), Duke (Tuition only), UVA (no $), Univ. Wash. (no $)
Waitlists: WUSTL
Rejections: UPenn, Yale, JHU
Pending:
Attending: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
What would you have done differently? I have only been doing economics for a year and a half, and my pre-econ career included no math, so my record is limited. Obviously, if I had decided to pursue a PhD in Econ earlier, I could have done more to improve my application. I should have chosen my reach schools from a little further down the rankings, since it probably took Upenn and Yale all of 2 min to toss my application in the trash. When I submitted the applications I gave myself a 1hance to get into Upenn and Yale, a 10hance for JHU and Duke, and 50 0.000000or the rest, so E[# of acceptances]=2.22. I exceed my expectations so I am very happy, and I'm sure I'll love UNC.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UNC($), Duke (Tuition only), UVA (no $), Univ. Wash. (no $)
  • Institution: University of Virginia economics Decision: Accepted Funding: decision in march Notification date: 2/13/09 Notified through: Email/website/letter Comments:
  • Institution: UNC Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: decision in march Notification date: 2/26/09 Notified through: e-mail w/ letter attached Comments:
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver, health insurance, and on the waitlist for a stipend Notification date: 02/28 Notified through: Mail, no change on the application website Comments: I wish the best of luck to everyone with a fellowship offer from Duke who are waiting to hear from Chicago, Princeton, etc.
Rejects:
    Rejections: UPenn, Yale, JHU
  • Institution: Yale economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through: Email/website Comments: expected
  • Institution: UPenn Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail to check website Comments: expected
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: email Comments: It looks like i'll be going south.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: WUSTL
  • Institution: WUSTL Economics, PhD Decision: Waitlist Funding: Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Email Comments:

econ oh nine 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BS Econ from small liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: Overall 3.6 (upward trend); Econ 3.8; Math 3.6
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800Q, 490V, no AWA yet
Math Courses: Calc 1-multi, stats, intro discrete, linear alg, real analysis
Econ Courses (PhD-level): n/a
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): All the usual for the major
Letters of Recommendation: Very enthusiastic, from my professors at my liberal arts college
Research Experience: RAed twice; two conference presentations; senior thesis will be submitted for publication
Teaching Experience: TAed once, tutoring three years
Research Interests: Micro (probably applied rather than theory), but beyond that Im not sure Ive always enjoyed game theory and decision/information topics
SOP: On my to-do list
Concerns: liberal arts college; lack of math; low gpas
Other: I feel my verbal score is not an accurate depiction of my abilities, so I hope my SOP and LORS will quell any concerns admission committees may have. Also, American female, for what its worth
Applying to: Two top 15s just to say I did (not sure which yet), Maryland, Virginia, Penn State, U of Arizona, Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, Virginia Tech
Accepts:
  • Institution: U Pittsburgh Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 2/17/2009 Notified through: Phone Comments: American--I posted on Grad Cafe.
  • Institution: Texas A&M (TAMU) Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Assistantship Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: American, waitlisted for funding. I haven't kept up with this thread or the board in general, I just wanted to post this in case there's anyone out there who thought all hope was gone for UVA. Evidently they are still making offers!
Rejects:
  • Institution: PSU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: Mass email Not all that surprised, but still disappointed. Nonetheless, I'll direct my frustrations towards the department only and continue to cheer on JoePa.
Waitlists:

mathy backpack 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Large Public University, BA Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.75 Overall, 3.9 Econ, 4.0 Math
Type of Grad: MA Economics (1/2 of credits were math though)
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 800Q, 690V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc I, Calc II, Vector Calc, Linear Algebra, Logic, Probability/Statistics (multivar calc), Real Analysis, Linear Algebra(grad), Probability Theory(grad)...All A's Taking: Statistical Theory(grad)
Econ Courses (grad): Micro(MA), Macro(MA), Econometrics(MA), Labor(MA), Public Finance(MA), GameTheory(MA), Optimization I(PhD)...All A's Taking: Adv Macro(PhD), Optimization II(PhD)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermed. Micro & Macro, plus 12 other Junior/Senior semester courses for the major...All A's in these, but with a spicy little B and a C in intro Micro and Macro(101 and 102) as a Freshman
Other: English Minor, Drum & Bass show on student radio
Letters of Recommendation: Different combos of 5 Econ profs from master's program
Research Interests: Micro Theory, Game Theory, Behavioral, Micro-ish Development
SOP: Spent way too much time, 1 1/2 pages, standard I'm sure
Concerns: Picked a great year to apply!?!
Other: Despite the random attacks of anxiety, I am pretty excited. Trying to prepare myself to not take the rejections too personally. I have faith that I will end up exactly where I am supposed to be.
Applying to: The usual suspects...Princeton, Yale, Berkeley, Chicago, Northwestern, NYU, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Penn, WUSTL, Duke, Carnegie Mellon.... hopefully enough!
Fingers: crossed
Good Luck to everyone.
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics PhD Decision: Admit Funding: TBA? Notification date: 2/18/2009 Notified through: Website Comments: Anyone know of their funding schedule?
  • Institution: Washington University, St. Louis Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: email. By coincidence, I am actually in STL this week and I was studying in their library yesterday. The campus and facilities are top notch!
  • Institution: Duke University Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: details in the mail Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Long enough in limbo???
  • Institution: UW-Madison Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No first year funding Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: Cornell Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Sage Fellowship Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Email Comments: jeepers, I'm happy!
  • Institution: University of Illinois - UC Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Snail Mail
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: website Funding: details in the mail.
Rejects:
  • Institution: UC Snerkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: E-mail Comments: My grandpa will be happy...he's an old school nuclear engineer, and every time I mentioned Berkeley on my list he would say something about those damn hippies!
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Northwestern Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: email Comments: joining the club!
  • Institution: Brown Economics, PhD Decision: Waitlist Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Said they fund everyone and sort of implied they are expecting some people to turn them down, so I plan to to check them out while I am up visiting Cornell.

unatkozom 2009:
Institution: UVA
Program: Economics
Decision: Admit
Funding: Unknown
Notification date: 2/18/09
Notified through: Website
Comments: My gf just checked website and I'm in. I'm international with US degree.
Accepts:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: Admit Funding: Unknown Notification date: 2/18/09 Notified through: Website Comments: My gf just checked website and I'm in. I'm international with US degree.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Got email to check website
Waitlists:

sk0325 2009:
Institution: UVA
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: don't know yet
Notification date: 2/13
Notified through: website
Comments: open house is 3/13. it will be a pain to get there though since the charlottesville airport is probably not even a real airport.
Institution: Georgetown
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 18.5 K fellowship plus tuition and health ins and maybe summers
Notification date: 2/25
Notified through: Email with attached letter
Comments: open house is 4/3. will reimburse you for some expenses
Accepts:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: don't know yet Notification date: 2/13 Notified through: website Comments: open house is 3/13. it will be a pain to get there though since the charlottesville airport is probably not even a real airport.
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 18.5 K fellowship plus tuition and health ins and maybe summers Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: Email with attached letter Comments: open house is 4/3. will reimburse you for some expenses
Rejects:
Waitlists:


Rejections:

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

hawksfanatic 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: U.S. Top 30 Public, B.A. Philosophy and Economics
Undergrad GPA: ~3.4
Type of Grad: Econ
Grad GPA: ~3.5
GRE: 740 Q, 470 V, 5.0 AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Intro to Stats, Linear Algebra, Theory of Probability
Econ Courses: Standard Micro Macro sequence all the way through the PhD level, Econometrics I and II, Public Choice, Math for Economists, International Finance, Antitrust, Theory of Gov't Regulation
Other Courses: A lot of philosophy courses
Letters of Recommendation: One well known econ professor from UVA, 2 lesser known econ professors (Chicago and Brown). All very excited.
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Undecided, but leaning towards econometrics at the moment
SOP: Body was generic for every school, changed a few things for each school
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: NCSU ($$), TAMU ($-wl), UGA($-wl), GMU(no $)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: UVA, Vanderbilt, ISU
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? Maybe study for the GRE more. Hard to say that when I came to college that I wanted to pursue a PhD, it never crossed my mind until the 2nd part of my junior year which is hardly enough time to take all the recommended math courses. In the end I got what I wanted, a place that wants me and is large enough to accommodate any possible changes in my fields of interest. I will be attending NCSU.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: NCSU ($$), TAMU ($-wl), UGA($-wl), GMU(no $)
Rejects:
    Rejections: UVA, Vanderbilt, ISU
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: None

jito32 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Finance from Univ Florida
Undergrad GPA: 3.89/4
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800Q, 650V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc Sequence (A), Sets & Logic (A) Diff. Eq, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Statistics next semester
Econ Courses: Principles (As) Intermediate Micro (A) Urban next semester
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors, one great one good, 1 from finance lecturer
Research Experience: RA for a year
Teaching Experience: TA for a year
Research Interests: Macro, public, interational
SOP: Boiler plate
Concerns: Just decided to pursue the degree this summer, so lacking in math/econ classes.
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Waitlists:
Rejections:
Pending: Stanford, Princeton, Cornell, Brown, Rochester, Boston U, Texas, Virginia, WUSTL, Iowa, George Mason
What you would have done differently: Started applying sooner. I knew all semester what I was doing but somehow everything got pushed back with my late GRE date of November 1st. Wish I would have read this forum earlier.
Accepts:
    Acceptances:
  • Institution: George Mason Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: Mail Comments: 1st admit, kinda neat...just not sure I'm going to attend.
  • Institution: University of Texas Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 4/7/2009 Notified through: E-mail Comments: No funding... probably going to stay at UF and take math classes.
Rejects:
    Rejections:
  • Institution: Cornell Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/26/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Pretty much expected. Now I miss not having any notifications in my inbox...
  • Institution: Rochester Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Was unsure about this one. Too bad
  • Institution: Princeton Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Expected.
  • Institution: Stanford Econ Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6 Notified through: Email Comments: Oh-fer-four. Time for a plan B?
  • Institution: Brown Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Virginia Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: Checked website Comments: -
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Yyyyep.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: E-mail Comments: It didn't say rejected!

bellman 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: top uni in my country in south asia, unknown outside. BSc Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.87 Overall, 3.97 Econ, 3.82 Math
Type of Grad: MA Economics (on-going, top prog in Canada)
Grad GPA: Average 85%
GRE: 790Q, 730V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I (A-), Calc II (A), Vector Calc (A-), Linear Algebra (A), Probability (A), Statistics (A), Adv Stats (A) , Real Analysis (B+), Functional Analysis (B+), Set Theory (A-), ODEs (A), Number Theory (A-), OR-I (A)
Econ Courses (grad institute): Micro(MA) (B+) (this is gonna hurt me alotttt), Macro(MA) (A+), Econometrics(MA) (A+), Math for Econ(MA) (A),
Econ Courses (undergrad institute): Micro-I, II, grad (A+, A, A), Macro I, II, grad (A+,A, A), Econometrics I,II,grad (A+,A, A+), Adv Game Theory (A), Adv Math Econ (A) and various other courses of undergrad level.
Letters of Recommendation: diff combo of profs 2 from masters and 2 from undergrad prog.
Research Interests: Applied Econometrics, Labor, IO
SOP: Was told to not exceed one page by my referee. standard I'm sure
Teaching Experience: TA for econometrics for an entire year at my undergrad institute. currently TAing at my grad school but wasnt able to include this in my app file.
Concerns: My B+s in real and functional plus esp my B+ in grad Micro are gonna hurt me big time. its strange how one bad day can jeopardize things so badly.
Applying to: Yale, Michigan, Austin, Cornell, Wisconsin, Duke, Virginia, WUSTL, Rochester, Vanderbilt, Queens, UWO, Maryland, Minnesota
Rejections: Cornell, Duke, Yale
Accepts:
  • Institution: UT Austin Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: ?? Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: unofficial E-mail Comments: I am over the moon, this is my first offer, absolutely thrilled!!
  • Institution: Univ. of Rochester Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/6 Funding: fellowship with TAship requirements starting from year 3. Notified through: email Comments: simply ecstatic, my first funded offer and it feels great. i slept last night looking at a rejection from wisconsin and woke up to this great news...
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through: Website Comments: 2nd year in a row...
  • Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 2/26/09 Notified through: e-mail Comments: another one...
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: thats strange, getting a rejection at this time, 9 PM PST. Alas, we are not safe at any time of the day!
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: E-mail Comments: a bit strange!
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Website
  • Institution: Maryland Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Website
  • Institution: UWO Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: postal mail Comments: i am happy with the admits i have secured!
  • Institution: UVA Programme: PhD Decision: Rejected (Website) Notification Date: 04/03/2009 Comments: they took so long!
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics, PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: - Notification date: 02/27 Notified through: Email


Waitlists:
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 12 accepted out of 16 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.71, average GREQ was 789.0.
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