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:

Econtastic 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ/Math from U of Oregon
Undergrad GPA: 3.07/4
Type of Grad: M.A. Econ
Grad GPA: 3.8/4
GRE: 760Q, 610V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Multivariable Calc (x2), Linear Algebra (x2), Differential Eqns, Statistics (x3), Real Analysis
Econ Courses (PhD-level): Micro (A), Macro (B+), Econometrics (B+,B,A-) Game Theory(A), Time Series(B+), IO(Winter), Monetary (Winter)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Just about every one offered, mostly As
Other Courses: 2 finances classes
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (MIT, Chicago, Wisconsin), should be pretty solid
Research Experience: None to speak of outside of term papers
Teaching Experience: None, though I did grade for math and econ
Research Interests: Financial/Monetary Econometrics, IO and Public Policy
SOP: Not too long, but fairly good I think
Concerns: Bad undergrad GPA, which is when I took all my math. Low Q on GRE. Lack of teaching/research may have hurt my chances of getting $
Other: This whole application process was fairly miserable, I'm glad I never have to do it again
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UW-Seattle ($0), UC Riverside ($$)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: UC Davis, U Arizona, Arizona St
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? Besides work much harder as an undergrad? Maybe take more math (topology and such), and definitely retake the GRE. Also, my little piece of advice, ask for LoRs with plenty of time before the deadline! Having to bug your recommenders every day to make sure they submit them on time is no fun, and a bit nerve-racking
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UW-Seattle ($0), UC Riverside ($$)
  • Institution: UC-Riverside Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition & Fees +13.5K stipend first year, minimum of 16.6K for TA/RA next 4 years + Health Insurance Notification date: 1/21/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Safety, but still WOOHOO!!
  • Institution: UW-Seattle Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Comments: Finally!!!
Rejects:
    Rejections: UC Davis, U Arizona, Arizona St
  • Institution: UC-Davis Economics Ph.D. Decision: Rejected Funding: Once again, I'm out my application fee Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Website Comments: Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. It was a reach, but I really wanted to go there
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Wheeeeeeeeee Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Email Comments: Most likely would have declined anyways
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: None

baconos 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ/Math from good liberal arts college (~50)
Undergrad GPA: 3.71, 3.90 math, 3.80 econ
Type of Grad: -
Grad GPA: -
GRE: 800Q, 600V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I-II (A-), Discrete(A), Probability and Statistics I-II (A,A), Lin Alg (A), Diff Eq (A), Abstract Algebra (A-), Real Analysis (A-), Real Functions and Measures(B), Complex Functions (A), Financial Mathematics (A), etc.
Econ Courses (PhD-level): -
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Macro (A), Micro (A-), Statistics, Econometrics(A), American Economic History (B+), Ind. Study on Criticisms of Economic Thought (A)
Other Courses: some philosophy, history and religion
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors, all full professors - 2 from Chicago, 1 PSU - solid but nothing too spectacular
Research Experience: Best econometrics paper of the semester, some research on financial mathematics published in undergrad math journal
Teaching Experience: TA for Calculus I-II, Principles of Micro, Macro for a couple semesters
Research Interests: Anything and everything, Applied Micro, Development, International trade, and some political economy
SOP: it's an SOP, not looked into too much
Concerns: Lack of research, undergrad reputation/connections
Other:
RESULTS:
Attending: UColorado!!!
Acceptances: UWisc (no$ first year), UWashington (no$), UColorado ($$)
Waitlists:
Rejections: UMich, Cornell, OSU, PSU
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? Not really sure. I definitely did not make a huge effort to get to know professors (skipped classes a lot, no participation or visiting office hours too much) but I did well in their classes and they liked me, so that could've been better. Recommendations matter! I also applied when I was in a different country away from my home institution so I don't really recommend that - it's hard to get things done. Maybe applied a year earlier? hah.
Accepts:
    Attending: UColorado!!! Acceptances: UWisc (no$ first year), UWashington (no$), UColorado ($$)
Rejects:
    Rejections: UMich, Cornell, OSU, PSU
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

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

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:

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

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:
    Waitlists: none

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

SF_Haole 2009:
I've been pretty nervous about my chances, and rightly so thus far: 1 admit, 1 waitlist, 3 official rejections and 4 schools that haven't rejected me but appear to have admitted everyone already.
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Stanford
GPA: 3.7
Major: Physics (BS), International Relations (BA)
Type of Grad: Stanford
GPA: 3.9
Major: International Policy Studies (MA)
GRE: 800Q, 690V, 6.0 writing
Math Courses: Multivariate Calculus: Differential (A) & Integral (A), Linear Algebra: Basic (A) & Advanced (A), Honors Diff Eqns w/proofs (B). Also a ****-ton of physics classes.
Econ Courses (undergrad): Basic micro/macro (A) intermediate micro (B+,A-) intermediate macro(B+), economic history (A), env. econ(A), public policy analysis(A+), stats for econ(A-), metrics(B+).
Econ Courses (grad): None, but I took grad-level courses in international macro (A-), and development (A) through my masters program and the political science dept's Ph.D-level game theory class (A).
Letters of Recommendation: 2 from fairly famous econ professors. I do research for one of them and took a class from the other (and worked for his colleague). 1 from a very famous political scientist (has his own wikipedia article) who taught my game theory class. Kinda nervous about the polisci rec but my options were limited.
Research Experience: lots of physics research; worked as an RA for the RBI (Indian Central Bank) for 1 summer; currently work in applied econ & policy analysis for one of my recommenders (past 2 years).
Teaching Experience: 1 year as a TA for intro to economics.
Research Interests: econometrics, development
SOP: Decent, I might have explained my research more but I built off my NSF essay, which had a separate previous research essay.
Applying to: 21 schools, including the top 10 overall, top 10 econometrics, and top 10 in development. Also UW-Seattle
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Washington, Seattle Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted (Unofficial) Funding: No word, but according to the email "I would be very happy if we could induce you to join us in Seattle." Notification date: 02/27 Notified through: Email from Fahad Khalil, Graduate Program Director. 1.5/5 so far.
  • Institution: University of Maryland - College Park Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/5 Funding: Fellowship $18,000 + Tuition Remission + Health Insurance 1st year, TA years 2-4. Notified through: email Comments: Leverage, maybe?
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/5 Funding: First-year TAship, continued support for 3 more years with progress. Notified through: email, unofficial Comments: Awesome. I cried a little. Got this today, so Madison can't be totally finished with admits.I am gonna rock the out of this place.
  • Institution: Michigan Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Rackham Merit Fellowship: $2100/month + tuition waiver + health insurance + $4000 summer stipend. Years 2&3 TA, Years 4&5 fellowship. Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: Email Comments: This is it. I finally have at least one offer that I will definitely be happy taking. Also, this is leverage to use against Wisconsin. Now I'm definitely going to be an economist. Wow. EDIT: Removed extraneous text.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No word. According to my friend who went to UCSD, this likely means no guaranteed funding. However, the funding decision normally comes from the department and this email was from the Graduate School. Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: Email Comments: Holy ing this is awesome.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke University Economics Ph.D Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/18 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: Yale University Economics Ph.D Decision: Rejected Funding: Surprisingly, I was offered a $35l/year fellowship to use at a different institution. No, not really. Notification date: 02/20 Notified through: Email.
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Ph.D Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/25 Notified through: Website - checked my status and it was updated. I did not get an email.
  • Institution: Tons of Great Schools (Princeton, UCLA, Columbia, MIT, Berkeley, etc.) Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5, 3/4 or thereabouts Funding: Haha yeah right. Notified through: email Comments: I'm not helping anybody by posting these but I wanted to be transparent - I've done a lot of failing. Comments: Currently 3.5 for 11, 4 to go, plus 6 places that have admitted everyone they want and will reject me when they get around to it. Edit: Formatting up, Wisconsin & Maryland ran together.
  • Institution: UCLA Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: UCLA Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: UCLA Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: Postal Service Comments: I get it. You don't want me. Quit sending me . I already got into your superior sister school down in La Jolla, where the weather is warmer, the girls are hotter and the metrics is way better. Eat me.
Waitlists:
  • Institution: University of Minnesota Economics Ph.D Decision: Waitlisted - on the "weak" waitlist. Notification date: 02/24 Notified through: Email.


Rejections:


Waitlists:

3ohto4oh 2009:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, large top 25 U.S. Public research university
Undergrad GPA: 3.0 (rounding up LOL)
Type of Grad: M.A. Economics, terminal degree within department
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 790Q, 570V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-II (AP credits), Math Stats (A), Discrete Math (A), Math for econ (undergrad and grad, A, A)
Econ Courses: Tons. Sloppy undergrad grades, All A's in MA.
Other Courses: Random stuff like Japanese
Letters of Recommendation: 3 professors of econ
Research Experience: MA thesis, submitted for publication (fingers crossed!)
Teaching Experience: Tutoring
Research Interests: Macro, applied macro, forecasting.
SOP: Suggested a couple of potential research topics.
Concerns: No serious math courses hurt me in applications, could make things more difficult in my studies.
RESULTS:
Attending: City University of New York, Graduate Center. $18k "Enhanced Chancellor's Fellowship," guaranteed for 5 years.
Admitted, Declined: American U ($-WL), Northeastern U ($$), Suffolk U ($), and the New School ()
Waitlists: Boston C, U Washington, U North Carolina, Georgetown U
Rejections: Johns Hopkins U, U Maryland, Boston U, George Washington U, Michigan U
What would you have done differently?
Very happy with this outcome. I spread my applications far and wide, so I am sure that I got into the best program that I could have - and then I fell in love with CUNY on a campus visit. As for advice to others, I have a huge hole in my transcript where there should have been upper-level math courses, and I should have corrected that.
Accepts:
    Attending: City University of New York, Graduate Center. $18k "Enhanced Chancellor's Fellowship," guaranteed for 5 years. Admitted, Declined: American U ($-WL), Northeastern U ($$), Suffolk U ($), and the New School ()
Rejects:
    Rejections: Johns Hopkins U, U Maryland, Boston U, George Washington U, Michigan U
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Boston C, U Washington, U North Carolina, Georgetown U

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 9 accepted out of 11 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.61, average GREQ was 777.8.
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