Index of Schools AnalysisAbout the Site 2012 20112010 20092008 2007all years
The chart will appear within this DIV. This text will be replaced by the chart.
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:

tm_guru 2010:
Type of Undergrad: University College Dublin, Ireland, BSc in Economics & Finance (Final Year Concentration - Mathematical Analysis) Undergrad GPA: First Class Honours - converts to a 3.74 GPA according to WES conversion, higher grades in Math and Econ, boring but required Finance/Tax/Accounting classes dragged me down
Type of Grad: National University of Ireland, Galway MSc in Economic Science (Concentratiion - Planning and Policy Evaluation), essentially it was an MPP/MPA degree but we don't really have that in Ireland
Grad GPA: 4.0 (1st out of cohort of ~50 students across 3 concentrations with a lot of common classes)
GRE: 780Q, 630V, 5.0AWA
Math/Stat Courses: 3 semesters of Linear and Matrix Algebra, 2 semesters of calculus (although very little if any multivariate calculus), courses called 'Analysis and Calculus', 'Complex Analysis', various Math for Econ/Finance classes, 3 semesters of Math Stats/Probability... I honestly have no idea if I am prepared for core classes adequately... all A's except one B and one awful grade which I explained in my SOP.
Econ Courses: 3 semesters of Macro (1 MS-level), 4 semesters of Micro (1 MS-level), 4 semesters of Econometrics (1 MS-level) 2 semesters of International Econ, 2 semesters of Public Econ, 3 semesters of Game Theory, Economics of Innovation, Economics of Education... tons really... I hope this will help me get started with research
Other Courses: Tax/Accounting/Finance/Management, nothing useful
Letters of Recommendation: All were strong but mainly graduated in the 1960's or 1970's, 1 has a UCI PhD, 1 LSE, 1 UMD CP (Math), and one had a PhD from Edinburgh but who has an impressive CV and was a visiting professor at Berkeley last year... I used different combinations of three for different schools. I will speak more about this below.
Research Experience: Central Bank internship, MS Thesis (my adviser awarded me the highest grade he has given to a student in 30 years at that University)
Teaching Experience: lots, 3 semesters as a TA, 6 years giving private tutorials to groups of 1-10 students amounting to probably over 200 students in over a dozen different subjects from math to stats to econ
Research Interests: Applied Micro - health, education, labor, public policy, etc.
Statement of purpose: I had too much to explain for it to stand out, I spent the entire 1000 words explaining the holes in my profile (more on this below)
Concerns: Everything...
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Rutgers (no funding), PSU (generous TA funding), UPitt (top fellowship),
Waitlists: BC, UMass-Amherst
Rejections: CMU, Rochester, Syracuse, Cornell, Wharton, Georgetown, UVA, Duke
What would you have done differently?
As many know, this is my second time around, the mistakes I made in last year's applications are embarrassing when I think about them so I will only say this about it - I was blissfully ignorant of the entire process, how many schools to apply to, what a US PhD program entailed, what to say in a SOP, how I would compare to other students... you name it, I messed it up! Seriously, I applied to schools that suited me geographically, no other criteria, I had no idea what I was doing or about the research strengths of different schools... then I found this forum! I am also fortunate to have a fiancee who eventually helped me understand the US education system.
I have ended up at this point in my life not because of careful planning or organization, but through sheer luck and good fortune. I picked my UG degree ten years ago on a whim, and I am lucky that it covered the required analysis, calculus, and algebra courses... We have denominated degrees in Ireland, so you have to decide which one to pursue at age 17 before graduating from 'secondary' school and then apply through a centralized application system. I was going to do Electrical Engineering, but the dot.com crash in 2000/2001 made me change my mind literally an hour before the deadline... only for that decision I would be in a very different place in my life.
I also pursued a Master's degree in Ireland with the intent of 'lecturing' at a community college-type institution but as soon as I returned to the classroom something just changed, I suddenly found myself devouring journal literature, participating in class, loving my TA duties, and acing all my exams... I can only think that the change in my attitude towards classes and college was maturity. As an undergrad I was rarely even in class, never mind an active participant.
Other mistakes - I hurriedly took the GRE as I had no idea how important it was (I took one - paper - practice exam). I decided not to retake as I was worried about not getting an 800 and the signal that might send. I probably could have gotten an 800 with one day of genuine preparation...
In terms of LORs, the three schools I got accepted to, and one of the waitlists were a particular combination of letters, I used that combination for Duke too, but not anywhere else. I know it is a small sample size, but of 5 schools with that specific combination of letters I got 3 acceptances, and 1 waitlist. I got 1 waitlist and 7 rejections when I didn't use that combination of letters. Interesting, very interesting.
However, I can say with all honesty that I am delighted with how things have worked out for me, I am sure I will be very successful and more than intellectually satisfied at UPitt.
Lastly, I am a prime example of the noise associated with applicants coming from unknown schools/countries. I received the top fellowship from 400 applicants to UPitt this year, received full funding at PSU, but was rejected by Syracuse. It is bizarre!
If any forum members, and especially applicants coming from unknown universities, have any questions please feel free to PM me!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Rutgers (no funding), PSU (generous TA funding), UPitt (top fellowship),
  • Institution: Rutgers PhD Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: None (no mention of a waitlist either) Notification date: Jan 27th 2009 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) no Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) Comments: Bizarrethat there is not even a hope of funding offered
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Accept with generous TAship. Generous being an understatement given the low COL in central PA. Notification date: 02/10/2010 Notified through: email Posted on Gradcafe: nope, why on earth would I do that, TM forever! Comment: Awesome awesome feeling!
  • Institution: U Pittsburgh Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: Slesinger fellowship year one, regular funding after that (just under 18k, but does not include health insurance) Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Not sure what to make of the offer... fellowship is nice!
  • Institution: Penn State Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship - 24k, plus 800f already subsidized health insurance Notification date: 2/15 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Nice!
  • Institution: Rutgers Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: none Notification date: 1/27 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: No funding, so declined:)
  • Institution: Rutgers Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: none Notification date: 1/27 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: No funding, so declined
Rejects:
    Rejections: CMU, Rochester, Syracuse, Cornell, Wharton, Georgetown, UVA, Duke
  • Institution:Cornell Econ Decision:Reject Funding: N/A Notification date:8th Feb 2010 Notified through:email
  • Institution: Duke Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 02/16/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) no
  • Institution: Duke University Phd Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/a Notification date: 2/17 Notified through: Website. Posted on GF: no Comments: Disappointed
  • Institution: Cornell Phd Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/a Notification date: 2/15 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: meh
  • Institution: Rochester Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Not bothered, only really applied there cause the apps are free! Couldn't even begin to imagine living in Rochester for 5 years :-/
  • Institution: Rochester Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Not bothered, only really applied there cause the apps are free! Couldn't even begin to imagine living in Rochester for 5 years :-/
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail telling me to check the website Comments: I would have been so torn if I got in... Philly is not my favorite place, but the program would have been perfect for me
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) PhD Econ and PP Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: Mass email Comments: Expected. Ironic as I just arrived at my hotel in Pittsburgh, I can see the campus, and I opened my computer and bam, rejection email...
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: BC, UMass-Amherst
  • Institution: UMass - Amherst Phd Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2/23 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Really wanted to get an offer and to go visit the department and see what the program is really about... there's so much good and bad said about this program
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: My second year to be waitlisted at BC, they didn't take anyone from the waitlist last year...
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: My second year to be waitlisted at BC, they didn't take anyone from the waitlist last year...

hotfuss 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: 4 year Honours degree in economics at a major Australian university
Undergrad GPA: First Class Honours (ranked first in Honours class)
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q
Math Courses: First and second year advanced maths courses, differential calculus, integral calculus, discrete mathematics, first and second year linear algebra, vector calculus, PDEs
Econ Courses: Game Theory, Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, International Trade, Applied Economics, Industrial Organisation, Mathematical Economics
Other Courses: First year psychology
Letters of Recommendation: One Fellow of the Econometric Society and two other economics professors with US PhDs (these LORs knew me very well; two of these had marked my thesis, including one who was my adviser, and I had taken one course with one letter of recommendation and two courses with another letter of recommendation (coming first in everything (including thesis), except one course))
Research Experience: Honours thesis and one other game theory paper
Teaching Experience: TA for undergrad economics courses, including intermediate microeconomics
Research Interests: Microeconomic theory and its applications, behavioural economics
SOP: Standard
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Northwestern ($$), Wisconsin Madison ($$), Penn State ($$), Maryland (?), Oxford (MPhil in Economics), LSE (MSc in Economics (Research))
Waitlists: Boston
Rejections: Yale, Princeton, Stanford, UCSD and many other places
Attending: Northwestern
What would you have done differently? Not much. I think I should have applied earlier (I worked for a few years after my undergraduate degree) or done more maths courses at university. I would have also applied for a few business schools and a couple more top 10 places.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Northwestern ($$), Wisconsin Madison ($$), Penn State ($$), Maryland (?), Oxford (MPhil in Economics), LSE (MSc in Economics (Research))
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: admitted Funding: TA, $24k for five years if good academic progress Notification Date: Feb 12 (but this is really Feb 13 Australian time) Notified: email from a faculty Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments: A referee suggested I apply to PSU as a safety.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: $24k for five years (TA) Notification date: 2/12 (2/13 Aust time) Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Always good to get the first offer under your belt. This is a safety school though so I'm waiting on other results.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: $20.9k for first 4 years, $15.7k in 5th, but this includes summer Notification date: 2/22 (2/23 Australian time) Notified through: I checked the website. I received an email with funding details etc a couple of days later. Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Yay, top 10!!!!!!!
  • Institution: London School of Economics MSc Economics (Research) Decision: Accepted Funding: I didn't apply for any yet, so this is unfunded. Notification date: 2/26 Australian time Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: I didn't apply for funding yet because I was waiting to see if I could get offers from better universities in the US.
  • Institution: Maryland Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Not right now, but not all funding decisions have been made Notification date: 03/03/2010 (03/04 Aust time) Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: This was in the email: "We have not, however, made all of our final decisions on financial aid. We have reviewed your record carefully and believe that there is some probability that we will eventually be able to offer you financial aid. We will be making decisions on financial aid on an ongoing basis throughout the next six weeks, but hope to contact you before the end of that period."
  • Institution: London School of Economics MSc Economics (Research) Decision: Accepted Funding: I didn't apply for any yet, so this is unfunded. Notification date: 2/26 Australian time Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: I didn't apply for funding yet because I was waiting to see if I could get offers from better universities in the US.
  • Institution: Maryland Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Not right now, but not all funding decisions have been made Notification date: 03/03/2010 (03/04 Aust time) Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: This was in the email: "We have not, however, made all of our final decisions on financial aid. We have reviewed your record carefully and believe that there is some probability that we will eventually be able to offer you financial aid. We will be making decisions on financial aid on an ongoing basis throughout the next six weeks, but hope to contact you before the end of that period."
Rejects:
    Rejections: Yale, Princeton, Stanford, UCSD and many other places
  • Institution: LSE MRes/PhD Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: I checked on 02/10/2010 Notified through: I just checked LSE for you Posted on Gradcafe: No Comment: My first result; even though it was a fallback and my research interests don't match up well with LSE, it still hurts. Waiting on the decision on my second choice at LSE still.
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/18 (i.e. 2/19 Australian time) Notified Through: Email to check website Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: I wasn't going to post this, but I decided to so it can be used for reference. Despite some good early results, a few rejections has made me start to worry.
  • Institution: Yale Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/18 (2/19 Australian time) Notified through: email to check website Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Damn. Started to get worried.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/3 (3/4 here in Aust) Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: My status says my transcripts haven't been received, so that may have contributed. But it's good having other offers because shields you emotionally from rejections. Edit: they mis-spelt my name so these emails are definitely personalised.
  • Institution: Columbia University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comment: Columbia mustn't like Australian students.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/3 (3/4 here in Aust) Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: My status says my transcripts haven't been received, so that may have contributed. But it's good having other offers because shields you emotionally from rejections. Edit: they mis-spelt my name so these emails are definitely personalised.
  • Institution: Columbia University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comment: Columbia mustn't like Australian students.
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: I have a love-hate relationship with Illinois. I am also beginning to doubt whether UW-M's predictions will come true.
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: A few rejections in a row. This is really an emotional rollercoaster!
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Boston

kniwor 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Bachelor of Statistics and Master of Statistics from top Indian university
Major: Statistics
Undergrad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 560V, 4.0AWA
Math Courses: Real Analysis I-III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra I&II, Probability I-III, Stochatic Processes I&II, Graph Theory, Multivariate Analysis, Abstract Algebra ... a lot of Statistics.
Econ Courses: Game Theory I&II, Macroeconomics I
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ PhDs working in Game Theory, two of them recommend students to grad schools regularly.
Research Experience: 6 months in Game theory, a thesis (incomplete).
Teaching Experience: none
Work Experience: part-time over 1 year, Market Research.
Research Interests: Game Theory, Econometrics.
statement of purpose: Standard
Concerns: No Economics Background.
Applying to: Princeton, Yale, NYU, Wisconsin, Rochester, Penn-State, Kellogs, LSE
Accepts:
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 03 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: $$$
  • Institution: Kellogg Managerial Economics and Strategy Decision: Accepted Notification date: 23 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail Posted on GF: Yes Comment: $$$
  • Institution: University of Rochester Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 26 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail Posted on GF: No Comment: $$
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 28 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail Posted on GF: No Comment: $$
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 28 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail Posted on GF: No Comment: $$
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 19 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail to check website. Posted on GF: No Comment: N/A
  • Institution: London School of Economics Economics Decision: Rejected (Mres/PhD); Accepted (MSc) Notification date: 19 Feb 2010 Notified through: E-Mail Posted on GF: Comment: Unfunded
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No
Waitlists:

far 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. in Econ and Math, History minor from a large public university
Undergrad GPA: 3.71/4.0 Econ: 4.0/4.0 Math: 4.0/4.0
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 800Q, 620V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: A lot
Econ Courses (PhD-level): None
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Econometrics, Economic Stats, Game Theory, IO, Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, International Macro, Principles
Other Courses: Intro to programming
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Econ professors (1 very well known senior the other a tenure track, both should be excellent) and 1 Math professor
Research Experience: Two years RA-ing for well known recommender, Econ REU internship (other econ recommender was my mentor)
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Industrial Organization, Game Theory, Environmental Economics
Statement of Purpose: General template modified for each school. Talked about my background and interests, reasons for applying, mentioned specific faulty members
Concerns: 3rd recommendation probably isn't that good.
Other: None
Applying to: Arizona, Berkeley, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Maryland, Northwestern, Penn State, Stanford, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD, Yale
Accepts:
  • Institution: UCSB Econ Decision: Accepted Notification date: 17 February, 2010 Notified through: website Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) no Comments: They flew me out there last month so if they had rejected me the world would be wayyyy too screwy :)
  • Institution: Penn State University Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 25k/year Notification date: 2/22 Notified through: email Posted on GF: No Comments: :)
  • Institution: Northwestern University Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: waitlist first year, 21k thereafter Notification date: 2/24 Notified through: email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: so happy I cant stop smiling! :)
  • Institution: Penn State University Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 25k/year Notification date: 2/22 Notified through: email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: Northwestern University Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: waitlist first year, 21k thereafter Notification date: 2/24 Notified through: email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: so happy I cant stop smiling!
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: email next week Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: chilly Chicago or sunny San Diego...
  • Institution: Arizona Economics Decision: Accepted (informally) Funding: Assistantship Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Email from Dr Fishback (I work for him) asking if I'd want to stick around and offering an assistantship but recommending I don't
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Accepted Notified through: e-mail Funding: no first year funding. Notification date: 3/16/10 Posted on GC: No Comments: I'm so happy I have a tough decision ahead of me, it's been a tough season for everyone and I just feel really thankful right now
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/16 Notified Through: Email Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: First official decision, a little bit surprised -.-
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/18 Notified Through: Email to check site Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: :(
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email to check website
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email to check website
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: can't wait for this to all be over -.-
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No
Waitlists:

OogieBoogieMan 2010:
Institution: Upenn
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: waitlisted (very high they say) for fellowship
Notification date: 03/02
Notified through: Phone (Email later)
Accepts:
  • Institution: Rutgers Economics, Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted for Fellowship Notification date: February, 2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on Gradcafe: no Date of Gradcafe post: N/A Comments: seems fair.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: TA - 24K Notification date: February 15th Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: No Date of Gradcafe post: N/A Comments: -
  • Institution: Upenn Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: waitlisted (very high they say) for fellowship Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: Phone (Email later)
  • Institution: Upenn Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: waitlisted (very high they say) for fellowship Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: Phone (Email later)
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale PHD Econ Decision: Rejected Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: website Posted on Gradcafe: no
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: I am trying to be the first one to post :) Seems as if I am also the first one to be official rejected.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: I am trying to be the first one to post Seems as if I am also the first one to be official rejected.
  • Institution: MIT Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Harvard / NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16/10 Notified through: snail mail / email Posted on GF: No
Waitlists:

econgirl19 2010:
Institution: Rutgers
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: None
Notification date: 1/27/2010
Notified through: Email
Comments: Not going without funding.
Institution: Yale
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding:N/A
Notification date: 2/18/2010
Notified through: Email to check website
Comments: Oh well.
Institution: Penn State
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition + $24k stipend
Notification date: 2/22/2010
Notified through: Email
Comments: :-)
Institution: Duke
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition + $18k stipend + $2k stipend for the summer
Notification date: 2/22/2010
Notified through: Email to check website
Comments: Definitely high up on my list.
Institution: Johns Hopkins
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition + $17k stipend
Notification date: 2/26/2010
Notified through: Email with attachment
Comments: Another good option.
Institution: University of Maryland
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition + $18k stipend
Notification date: 3/3/2010
Notified through: Email
Comments: Excited!
Institution: Columbia
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/4/2010
Notified through: Email to check website
Comments: I wasn't really planning on going there anyway….
Accepts:
  • Institution: Rutgers Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 1/27/2010 Notified through: Email Comments: Not going without funding.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + $24k stipend Notification date: 2/22/2010 Notified through: Email Comments: :-)
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + $18k stipend + $2k stipend for the summer Notification date: 2/22/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: Definitely high up on my list.
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + $17k stipend Notification date: 2/26/2010 Notified through: Email with attachment Comments: Another good option.
  • Institution: University of Maryland Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + $18k stipend Notification date: 3/3/2010 Notified through: Email Comments: Excited!
  • Institution: Cornell Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Sage Fellowship (Tuition + $21.8k stipend + $4.6k stipend for the summer) for all 5 years Notification date: 3/8/2010 Notified through: Email with attachment Comments: Definitely in the running
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Funding:N/A Notification date: 2/18/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: Oh well.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/4/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: I wasn't really planning on going there anyway….
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/4/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: I wasn't really planning on going there anyway….
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9/2010 Notified through: Email Comments: "We chose to advise you of our decision via email on the assumption that a timely response would outweigh the informality of this means of communication. I would be happy to provide a formal letter upon request." Now can someone please tell me why I would want a formal rejection letter? Oh well, this was expected anyway.
  • Institution: Harvard Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: Postal Comments: I 100 0.000000e+000xpected this.
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/16/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I expected this one also. I wasn't planning on going there anyway =P
  • Institution: MIT Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/16/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Can't say I didn't expect this one either….
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/17/2010 Notified through: E-mail in my response to my e-mail Comments: Not surprised.
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail telling me to check the website Comments: I wanted to get into this one, but oh well. Probably for the best.
Waitlists:
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics Decision: Waitlisted (high on waitlist) Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/18/2010 Notified through: E-mail with attachment Comments: Very excited! I hope I get in (with funding).

wouldliketoknowit 2010:
Institution: UT-Austin
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: None, because they think I'll have better offers, but they'll make me an offer if I want one.
Notification date: 3/11/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
in: penn state, ohio state, rochester, wash. st.louis
Accepts:
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None, because they think I'll have better offers, but they'll make me an offer if I want one. Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No in: penn state, ohio state, rochester, wash. st.louis
Rejects:
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No. in: ohio state, penn state, texas austin, wash.st.louis, rochester
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: I sent them an email asking Posted on GC: No. Comments: when are UCLA and SanDiego going to answer??? in: ohio state, penn state, texas austin, wash.st.louis, rochester
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 17 March Notified through: email Comments: so sad
Waitlists:


Rejections:

good_tea 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA, Joint Econ/Math at Top 30 Econ department (I am an international student, though)
Undergrad GPA: 3.83/4.00
GRE: 760Q/670V/4.5A
Math Courses: Calculus (B, B, A), Linear Algebra (B+), Differential Equations (A), Analysis (A,A), Operations Research (A), MA Statistics in economics department (A).
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (B), Econometrics (A), Economics of Information (B+), MA Micro (A), MA Macro (A), and many electives (As).
Letters of Recommendation: One famous economics prof., wrote term paper (not sure about strength of the letter but not bad), one somewhat famous economics prof., senior thesis advisor (should have been quite solid), one analysis professor (should have been very good).
Research Experience: Senior thesis.
Teaching Experience: None.
Research Interests: Development, trade.
SOP: Nothing special.
Other: Had been working for an international organisation for a few months during the time of application.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Cornell AEM MS (no $), UVA (wl-$), UMD AREC ($$), Michigan (no $), BU (wl-$).
Rejections: Yale, Harvard KSG, UCB ARE, Princeton, PSU, UMD, Brown, NYU, UCSD.
What would you have done differently?
I am very happy with my outcome but realise that with a bit of bad luck, it could have been a lot worse. I am answering this question not so much in retrospect but in terms of how my a priori thinking/information could have been better (e.g. in retrospect it wouldn't make sense to apply to Princeton but a priori it was reasonable to do so just in case my recommendation letters were extremely strong).
1. I would not have applied to Maryland Economics b/c it really didn't match my interests very well. I would not have applied to Cornell AEM b/c it turns out it is very difficult to get admitted directly into the PhD program and I didn't want to do a MA/MS. I might have applied to Cornell's economics instead, though. I would have applied to at least one more place outside the top-20, maybe University of Washington.
2. A higher GRE score would have been good but I tried and didn't manage (canceled my score after taking it the second time), so it is not something I regret. I am not so good at that kind of test.
3. In terms of the longer run, I should have considered how I could do better in math classes earlier on. I am naturally quite good at math but had been doing only ok since late high school and never really thought about how I could improve. I learned (while studying for my Linear Algebra final exam, which took my grade for that class from a B- to a B+), that it is very useful to study by writing/typing out explanations to make sure one understands everything properly. Studying in this way, I did very well in all my subsequent math classes.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Cornell AEM MS (no $), UVA (wl-$), UMD AREC ($$), Michigan (no $), BU (wl-$).
  • Institution: Cornell AEM Decision: Accepted for MS. Funding: None. Notification date: 23rd of February. Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes. Comments: Email said that getting into the PhD program after successfully completing MS should be of no difficulty. Not sure what to be make of this.
  • Institution: University of Virginia Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing yet. Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email to check website. Posted on GF: Yes. Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: This is very good news.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing yet. Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Checked the website but did not receive an email. On the website, it says I will be contacted soon. Posted on GF: Going to very soon. So Yes, basically. Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: This is really excellent!
  • Institution: University of Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Funding: Graduate Assistantship, tuition remission Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Will do. Comments: Excellent...
  • Institution: BU economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Basically waitlisted for funding. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No, maybe I will, in which case I will put my TM name. Comments: Good to know, though I am unlikely to choose it at this point.
  • Institution: Cornell AEM Decision: Accepted for MS. Funding: None. Notification date: 23rd of February. Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes. Comments: Email said that getting into the PhD program after successfully completing MS should be of no difficulty. Not sure what to be make of this.
  • Institution: University of Virginia Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing yet. Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email to check website. Posted on GF: Yes. Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: This is very good news.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing yet. Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Checked the website but did not receive an email. On the website, it says I will be contacted soon. Posted on GF: Going to very soon. So Yes, basically. Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: This is really excellent!
  • Institution: University of Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Funding: Graduate Assistantship, tuition remission Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Will do. Comments: Excellent...
  • Institution: BU economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Basically waitlisted for funding. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No, maybe I will, in which case I will put my TM name. Comments: Good to know, though I am unlikely to choose it at this point.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Yale, Harvard KSG, UCB ARE, Princeton, PSU, UMD, Brown, NYU, UCSD.
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected. Notification date: 18th of February, I think. Notified through: Email. Posted on GF: No Comments: Wasn't expecting to get in anyway.
  • Institution: Harvard KSG Public Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/03/10 Notified through: Email. Posted on GF: Will do. Comments: Not particularly bothered.
  • Institution: Harvard KSG Public Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/03/10 Notified through: Email. Posted on GF: Will do. Comments: Not particularly bothered.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Ag & Resource Econ (ARE) Decision: Rejected Notified through: E-mail to check website. Date: 03/09 Comment: I feel I had a fair shot here. If it is true that NYU and Brown are also out (and Princeton is almost certainly out anyway), then none of the offers I could still get are better than the ones I already have.
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: No surprise...
  • Institution: PSU Econ Phd Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: Email. Comments: I would not have attended even if I got admitted with funding at this point. It was meant to be safety though, so that seems to have been a miscalculation!
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Marjorie Lesser got back to my email, that was nice of her since it was from several days back. Posted on GC: No Comments: Not surprised at this point. Only UCSD to go...
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: e-mail Comments: I wouldn't have gone anyway, but I am really glad I got into Michigan and in retrospect, seem to have been lucky since I was rejected by other similar programs!
Waitlists:

econslave 2010:
Type of Undergrad: BA in Economics from top 15 liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.7ish
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q / 630V / 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I/II, Intro to Statistics, Probability Theory, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Discrete Math, Ordinary Differential Equations, Real Analysis (Note: Some grades were good, but most were not.)
Econ Courses (Undergraduate): A lot of basic field courses, but also econometrics and advanced theoretical econometrics
Econ Courses (Graduate): N/A
Letters of Recommendation: (1) RA-ed for 2.5 years; (2) RA-ed for, co-authored decent article with, advised for thesis, and took two courses with; (3) Took an advanced economics course with as an undergraduate and did very well in the class (Note: None of the letter-writers are well-known, but all went to top 10 PhD programs.)
Research Experience: 2.5 years RA for one professor, 1 year RA for another professor, undergraduate thesis (ranked best), summer RA at prestigious policy think-tanks, 1 year full-time RA position with top 10 school professor
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Behavioral/experimental, decision theory, micro theory, applied micro
Concerns: Lacking in math (not many classes and less-than-stellar grades). Didn’t graduate with any honors or anything.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UCSD (TA $), Michigan (no $), Boston University (no $)
Waitlist: Minnesota
Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Northwestern, Penn, Columbia, NYU, UCLA, Wisconsin, Caltech, Brown, Cornell, Duke, CMU, Maryland, Texas, PSU, Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth
What would you have done differently? Besides getting better grades as an undergraduate, not much. I applied to all of the top 20 and several others, and got into a few great schools. Perhaps I would’ve taken a different RA position, but it seems to have worked out anyway.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UCSD (TA $), Michigan (no $), Boston University (no $)
  • Institution: Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Don't know Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: Checked website Posted on GF: No Comments I'm so thrilled about this. My first admit!!!
  • Institution: Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Don't know Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: Checked website Posted on GF: No Comments I'm so thrilled about this. My first admit!!!
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Accepted!! Funding: To arrive via e-mail next week Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Flyout March 31-April 1 ... Financial info to arrive next week. It was a personalized message. So happy!
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Nice, but I'll probably turn down the offer soon.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Northwestern, Penn, Columbia, NYU, UCLA, Wisconsin, Caltech, Brown, Cornell, Duke, CMU, Maryland, Texas, PSU, Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/16 Notified Through: E-mail Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: First "official" rejection. Trying to keep the faith.
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: None Notified Through: Checked online status Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: No good news yet...
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economic Analysis and Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/19 Notified Through: E-mail to check website Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: Not surprised, still worried
  • Institution: Duke Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/16 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: 1
  • Institution: Yale Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: 2
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Ph.D. Economic Analysis & Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: 3
  • Institution: Chicago Booth Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: 4
  • Institution: Northwestern Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Checked website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: 5
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Not surprised, but very disappointed. Oh well.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: E-mail to check website Funding: Laughing to hide the tears... Comments: This is old news by now.
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: See decision. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Looks like Illinois does not like me.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Not surprised, but very disappointed. Oh well.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: E-mail to check website Funding: Laughing to hide the tears... Comments: This is old news by now.
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: See decision. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Looks like Illinois does not like me.
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: ... Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail (unofficial personalized rejection) Posted on GF: No Comment: This one really really sucks.
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: Don't care anymore
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: Not surprised at this point.
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: ... Notification date: 3/10 Notified through: E-mail (from Lynn Sebulsky) Posted on GC: No Comment: More rejections --> disutility
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: ... Notification date: 3/10 Notified through: Snail mail Posted on GC: No Comment: Hm.
  • Institution: Harvard Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: ... Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Postal mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Big shocker...
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: Expected by now.
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: Everything is alright.
  • Institution: MIT Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I'm so surprised...
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: E-mail (with PDF attachment) Posted on GC: No Comments: It's ok.
  • Institution: Cornell Economics Decision: Reject Funding: ... Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Oh well.
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Reject Funding: ... Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Not surprised by now.
  • Institution: U Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: E-mail to Check Website Posted on GC: No Comments: Not new news.[/QUOTE]
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Oh well.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Oh well.
Waitlists:
    Waitlist: Minnesota
  • Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics Decision: Waitlist (not the "priority" one) Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Lots of rejections, and even more implicit ones. Hopefully one will work out.
  • Institution: Minnesota Ph.D. Economics Decision: Waitlist (not the "priority" one) Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Lots of rejections, and even more implicit ones. Hopefully one will work out.

eigenman 2010:
Type of Undergrad: BS Economics/Biochemistry from US R1 school, Top 10 economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.59
Type of Grad: Non-degree math/stats coursework
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 800V/800Q/5.0W
Math Courses: Undergrad-level: calc 1-2; multivariable calc; linear algebra; "applied" linear algebra; differential equations; series, sequences, and foundations (proofs intro). Grad level: stat theory I-II, applied linear regression, analysis II, time series analysis I, advanced linear algebra. Even mix of As and Bs.
Econ Courses: Intermediate macro/micro, econometrics, Latin American economics, + honors in: macro policy, quantitative macro, international trade, game theory, urban economics, money and banking. As and Bs.
Other Courses: lots of biochemistry and cellular/molecular biology, intro physics, physical chemistry, organic chemistry. As and Bs throughout.
Letters of Recommendation: Varied. Two from regional Fed economists, one from Analysis professor were generally used. For more behavioral places had letter from coauthor; for programs requiring a letter from an undergraduate instructor, tapped my quantitative macro graduate instructor. I'm sure they had nice things to say about me but perhaps they were not so influential.
Research Experience: First author on an experimental animal behavior paper published in medium-tier journal. Unpublished undergraduate thesis in behavioral neuroscience. 1.5 years (as of now) RAing at a regional Fed, one publication (another pending) in our in-house journal. Two semeters in a biochemistry lab.
Teaching Experience: Nil
Research Interests: At the time I submitted my applications, behavioral economics and evolutionary game theory, but I'm leaning toward econometrics and computational economics lately
SOP: Mostly addressed my background and suitability for graduate study
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UT-Austin (wl-$), OSU(wl-$), UW-Seattle(wl-$), Duke (MA), NYU (MA)
Waitlists: UMN, UW-Madison (bad waitlists in both cases)
Rejections: UCSD, Cornell, Brown, Northwestern, UPenn, U-Michigan, Caltech, PSU, LSE(MRes/PhD Track 1), CMU-Tepper
Pending: LSE(MSc-Research)
What would you have done differently? I probably should have bothered another Fed economist rather than asking my math prof, but I was worried about my mediocre math GPA. I also ought've interacted more with professors as an undergraduate, but nearly all of my economics courses were taught by graduates, and I made a decision to go to econ school fairly close to graduation. All of this considered I'm perfectly satisficed and looking forward to relaxing over the summer before putting my shoulder to the wheel in September.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UT-Austin (wl-$), OSU(wl-$), UW-Seattle(wl-$), Duke (MA), NYU (MA)
  • Institution: Ohio State University Economics PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: Nominated for fellowship Notification date: 2/04 Notified through: web site; confirmed by USPS on 12/13 Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) yes Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) 12/13 Comments: Delighted! profile
  • Institution: University of Texas - Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Notified through: E-mail Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/16/10 Posted on GC: No Comments: Have to think about this.
  • Institution: UW-Seattle Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: Unfunded Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This calls for a celebratory evening of working until midnight No really I'm very pleased
  • Institution: NYU MA Economics Decision: Admitted Notification date: 3/29 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Funding: None Comments: Applied as part of a JD/MA application. Received notification an hour or so after asking for my application to be withdrawn. Not sure whether the two events were connected.
  • Institution: London School of Economics Economics MSc (Research) Decision: Admitted Notification date: 4/1 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Funding: Nada Comments: They really took their time. Submitted my application in late November.
Rejects:
    Rejections: UCSD, Cornell, Brown, Northwestern, UPenn, U-Michigan, Caltech, PSU, LSE(MRes/PhD Track 1), CMU-Tepper
  • Institution: LSE MRes+PhD (Track 1) Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2 February Notified through: Site Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) no Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) n/a Comments: No sweat... five years in London would have been hard. Still waiting on my second choice.
  • Institution: Northwestern University JD/PhD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: yes Comments: Unsurprised
  • Institution: Cornell University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 1:05pm ET 3/1 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Domestic student. First?
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: crunch
  • Institution: Cornell University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 1:05pm ET 3/1 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Domestic student. First?
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: crunch
  • Institution: Penn State University (PSU) Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: This was a safety. Back to the girl scout cookies.
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: surprise! no not really
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: My odds of ever living in Rhode Island have diminished further. My wildest dreams are coming true.
  • Institution: CalTech Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: assumed
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Was unaware California still attached to US mainland
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: Mass (or at least wholly impersonal!) email Comments: no sweat, pretty happy with my situation
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: UMN, UW-Madison (bad waitlists in both cases)
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: yes Comments: SNAP, my own alma mater. :doh: Not told I was high on the waitlist.
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: yes Comments: SNAP, my own alma mater. Not told I was high on the waitlist.

decision09 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 10 overall, top 15 econ
Undergrad GPA: 3.75/4.00 Graduated High Honors Economics
GRE: 760Q, 580V, 5.0 AW (last year 740Q)
Math Courses: Analysis I (B)(blew first 2 exams but aced final to save myself), Modern Algebra (B+), Probability Theory (A-), Ord Diff Eq (A), Combinatorics(Winter 2010), CalcI,II,II,LA(A)
Math Courses (Grad): Intro Topology (Winter 2010)
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (A), Econometrics (A-), Random Field Courses (A), Research Seminars (B+(due to ULWriting) and A), Game Theory (A), Time series Analysis (A-)
Econ Courses (Grad): Micro I (B+), Micro II (B), Econometrics I (B), Math for Economists (B)
Letters of Recommendation: Well-known senior professor from research seminar
The other from a younger associate prof, said he wrote me an A+ letter (took game theory with him + unofficial adviser)
Research Experience: Financial econometrics research for senior thesis(publication: in process); experimental micro theory research. Labor research paper that will likely become my third year paper for my PhD, it caught the interest of a Senior person at my undergrad institution.
Teaching Experience: None.
Research Interests: Everything but Theoretical Econometrics.
Statement of Purpose: Much better the second time around but still about 1800 words, I had a few things to write about my career outside of econ and how it will influence my research.
Other:
Concerns: Poor performance in critical math classes, test jitters!
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Wisconsin Madison, Cornell
Rejections: Umich, Penn, Yale, Texas, Penn State, BU, Maryland, Mich State, Princeton, Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, CalTech, Stanford, Northwestern, Duke
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Wisconsin Madison, Cornell
Rejects:
    Rejections: Umich, Penn, Yale, Texas, Penn State, BU, Maryland, Mich State, Princeton, Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, CalTech, Stanford, Northwestern, Duke
Waitlists:

EconDev137 2010:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Quantitative Economics. & B.A. Political Science
Undergrad GPA: 3.36
GRE: 770Q 570V 4.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III, (AP, AP, A) Linear Algebra (A), Real Analysis (D), Probability (B+)
Econ Courses: Intro Micro (C), Intro Macro (C), Elementary Econometrics (A), Econometrics (A), Advanced Econometrics (A), Intermediate Micro (A+), Intermediate Macro(A+), Economic Growth (A), Economic Development (B+), Environmental Economics (B+), International Monetary Policy (A)
Grad Courses: Advanced Micro (A), Advanced Macro (A-)
Letters of Recommendation: All very good, from top 10.
Research Experience: Work at a public policy think tank. Thesis in Political Science.
Research Interests: Applied micro, development
Statement of purpose: Way better than average
Other: LORs are the most vital part of your application. Do not overlook the importance of building quality relationships with a few profs. However don't use this as an excuse to be a kissa$$.
RESULTS:
PhD Accepts: Arizona (tuition waiver and assistantship for years 2-5), Purdue (nothing official, but presumed tuition plus 18k), Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for $),
PhD Waitlists: Boston College (Decent Chance of admit, but won't know until after deadlines for other schools), OSU (acceptance not probable)
PhD Rejections: Duke, Maryland, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Indiana,
Masters Accepts: Michigan, Boston University, Tornoto
Masters Rejections: Tufts (really?)
Masters Pending: UBC
What would you have done differently? The most glaring thing would be not to have gotten a D in real analysis, I think I could have pulled vanderbilt without that. Other than that I think I had a pretty solid plan. Take the most useful classes you can, do as well as you can and spend your free time having fun. I think people on TM get too worked up about not having an 800Q or a 4.0 at the expense of living life.
Accepts:
    Accepts: Arizona (tuition waiver and assistantship for years 2-5), Purdue (nothing official, but presumed tuition plus 18k), Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for $), PhD
  • Institution: Boston University Masters Decision: Accepted Funding: Not available for Masters Students Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Very happy. While my goal is still to go to a PhD program at least I have a backup plan now!! :D
  • Institution: Boston University Masters Decision: Accepted Funding: Not available for Masters Students Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Very happy. While my goal is still to go to a PhD program at least I have a backup plan now!!
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Not now, but I am being considered Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Not Yet
  • Institution: Purdue Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email and Postal Posted on GC:Not Yet
  • Institution: Arizona Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Details will come within the week Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Now I have an excuse to fly to Arizona for a few days
  • Institution: Michigan Economics MAE Decision: Admitted Notification date: 4/1 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Funding: No Idea Comments: Baring some amazing funding package or unreal placements, I'm pretty sure I'm going to decline, but the email said to wait a week before responding because they are going to be so busy.
  • Institution: U of Toronto Masters Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Can apply for a TA in July Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: Will decline
  • Institution: UBC Masters Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Details at all, but I think I will get some Notification date: 4/13/10 Notified through: Email and Postal to follow within 24 hours Comments: Will Decline,
Rejects:
    Rejections: Duke, Maryland, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Indiana, Masters
  • Institution: Duke Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 02/16/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) yes
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Rejection Notification date: 2-16-2010 Notified through: Email to Link Posted on GF: Yes Comments: So happy that TM is back
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Rejection Notification date: 2-16-2010 Notified through: Email to Link Posted on GF: Yes Comments: So happy that TM is back
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: No Notification date: 3/10/201 Notified through:Email Posted on GC:Not Yet
  • Institution: Tufts Masters Decision: Rejected Funding: No Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through:Personal e-mail Posted on GC:Not Yet Sorry I took so long to post these. I was out of the country with no internet all week.
  • Institution:Vanderbilt Phd Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/30 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Funding: ... Comments: Very Upset
  • Institution: Indiana Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/31 Notified through: Email Response to an inquiry Posted on GF: Yes Funding: - Comments: Looking more and more like Arizona
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Boston College (Decent Chance of
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Said I will remain waitlisted until at least April 15th when more spots could become available. It was sent really late on sunday night as well.
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Said I will remain waitlisted until at least April 15th when more spots could become available. It was sent really late on sunday night as well.

2pm 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.B.A, Econ concentration from large state university with no PhD program
Undergrad GPA: 4.0
Type of Grad: M.A. Econ, same school
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 790Q, 640V, 4.0AWA
Math Courses: Cal I (AP test), II (Community College), III, Intro to Proofs, Matrices and Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Real Analysis I
Econ Courses (master level): Macro, Micro, Metrics, International Finance, Health Econ, Time Series, Research Methods, Forecasting
Econ Courses (undergrad): Intermediate Macro, Micro, Metrics, Money & Banking, Math for Economist (same class with graduate level)
Other Courses: Mostly in business
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors , been told they are all strong
Research Experience: Honors undergrad thesis & master thesis. Nothing spectacular
Teaching Experience: Tutor in the Econ dept
Research Interests: Applied micro
Statement of purpose: Standard, did not customize
Concern: (somewhat) inadequate math background. Realized I wanted to do a Ph.D. in econ too late & tried to cram as much required math courses as possible while finishing my M.A.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UT Austin ($$) (attending), Houston ($$), Michigan State (no $), BU (no $), UVA (no info on $ yet)
Waitlists: BC, UW-M long waitlist -> rejection
Rejections: let me count the way…Yale, Berkeley, Columbia, NYU, Michigan, UCLA, UCSD, UMN, Duke, PSU, Maryland, WUSTL
Pending: Ohio State (the earliest deadline, still nothing yet. Oh the irony!)
What would you have done differently? Hard to say, since I know beforehand there will be lots of noise in my results anyway. Probably take more math and get 800Q in GRE? Perhaps spend more time on my SOP, although I don’t feel comfortable discussing my research goals & ideas in details since I don’t even know which field I am interested in at the time of the application process. One thing I won’t regret is not transferring. I have made some fantastic friends and built tremendous relationship w/ the faculty at my current university. Overall, I’m extremely happy. 2 years ago when I decided to go for a Ph.D. in economics I didn’t think I could even make it to a mid-rank program, so UT is definitely a step up from my expectations.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UT Austin ($$) (attending), Houston ($$), Michigan State (no $), BU (no $), UVA (no info on $ yet)
  • Institution: UT Austin economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship, details TBA Notification date: 03/9/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: Thrilled! First offer after going 0 for 7...
  • Institution: Houston economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship + Fellowship Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: very flattered but will likely decline due to better offer...
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: no first year $ Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: unlikely to attend w/out funding
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Admit Funding: nada Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: Email Comments: a strong ego-boost. But will probably decline since there is little chance I'm getting financial aid
  • Institution: UVA Economics PhD Decision: Admit Funding: No information on the letter Notification date: 03/24 Notified through: randomly checked website Comments: Happy
Rejects:
    rejection Rejections: let me count the way…Yale, Berkeley, Columbia, NYU, Michigan, UCLA, UCSD, UMN, Duke, PSU, Maryland, WUSTL
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No.
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: one of my dream schools...
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comment: expected...
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Randomly check Testudo website Posted on GC: No Comments: bleh...
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: WUSTL Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 04/06/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: Took them long enough...
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: BC, UW-M long waitlist ->
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Same email as EconDev. It seems very uncertain though, who knows what will happen after 4/15?
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Same email as EconDev. It seems very uncertain though, who knows what will happen after 4/15?

ilikefreefood 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Econ major from a top 5-10 Midwestern liberal arts college.
Undergrad GPA: 3.73/4, magna cum laude, distinction in major for senior thesis research.
Type of Grad: first semester of PhD microeconomics at Maryland
Grad GPA: 3.00/4.00 (B+)
GRE: 800Q 640V 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc II-III (A,B+), Linear Algebra (Pass), Statistics (A), Mathematical Structures (A-), Real Analysis (B, taken as a non-degree student at a local school Fall 2008), Probability (A, taken as a non-degree student at a local school Summer 2009)
Econ Courses: Principles Micro/Macro (A-,A), Intermediate Micro (A) Intermediate Macro (B), Econometrics (B+), PhD Micro Theory I (B+), pre-thesis seminar (A-), Ag. & Food Econ. (A), Development Econ. (B+), Econ. of Inequality (A), Econ. of Water Policy (B+), British Econ. history (B+)
Other Courses: A pass/fail seminar on game theory, a Poli. Sci. course on agent-based computer modeling (A)
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Econ. professors (liberal arts college profs but with Chicago/Stanford PhDs), including my thesis adviser who has previously stated that my thesis was one of the best he's ever advised. 1 Partner at my Econ. consulting firm with whom I've worked extensively on econometric analyses (PhD Cornell).
Where possible, a third Econ. professor (PhD Chicago).
Research Experience: ~3.5 years as an RA in a major Econ. consulting firm; I specialize in statistical and econometric analysis within my office.
Awards: Thesis award from state Economics association, thesis presentation award from state science association, college fellowship
for (non-research) work in development related to microfinance.
Research Interests: Development, environmental/resource economics, urban economics, general applied micro.
Statement of Purpose: Well-written but fairly standard; mentioned specifically my interest in development and applied micro fields.
Other: This is my second time applying, and I am reapplying to several schools with the additional Probability and PhD micro courses and a new letter of recommendation. I am deferred at Minnesota ARE from last year.
Applying to: Maryland, Maryland AREC, Duke, UC Berkeley ARE, Washington, Wharton Applied Economics, Michigan, Penn, Yale, Chicago, Michigan State, Northwestern, WUSTL, Georgetown, Texas, Boston University, UCSD, Cornell, Brown, UC Davis ARE, Illinois, Penn State, Virginia
RESULTS:
Attending: Boston University
Acceptances: Boston University (no $), U. of Washington ($), Michigan State ($ waitlist), Illinois ($), UC Davis ARE ($), Maryland AREC ($).
Rejections: Maryland Econ., Duke, UC Berkeley ARE, Wharton Applied Economics, Michigan, Penn, Yale, Chicago, Northwestern, Washington U. in St. Louis, Texas, UCSD, Cornell, Brown, Penn State, Virginia
No Response: Georgetown
What would you have done differently?
I would have taken more care to keep my grades in key courses consistently high in college to avoid a few potential red flags. I would have started my math education earlier and taken more classes as an undergrad. I would have worked only 2 years as an economic consultant and timed the business cycle to avoid applying in 2009 and 2010. I would have applied last year to a few schools that just missed my 2009 list (BU, Washington, and Illinois were all nearly on it), and potentially avoided the annoyance of waiting another year. I would have done more research to discount the advice of my advisors who said I would definitely get into schools on my 2009 list. All those things said, i feel that BU is really a fabulous program for my interests, and I am very, very excited to be headed there.
Accepts:
    Attending: Boston University Acceptances: Boston University (no $), U. of Washington ($), Michigan State ($
  • Institution: UC Davis ARE Decision: Accepted Funding: "We are going to offer you funding" Notification date: January 28th Notified through: Phone (Voicemail) Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) Yes Comments: This feels good.
  • Institution:UC Davis (ARE) Agricultural & Resource Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 16K RA/TA Notification date: 1/28 Notified through: Phone Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: A solid first offer to start the season.
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted for TAship Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comment: The plot thickens.
  • Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: First year fellowship 8.5k, TA years 2-5 17k + tuition & fee waiver Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Booyah.
  • Institution: Maryland (AREC) Agricultural & Applied Economics (AREC) Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted for assistantship Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Official letter said no possibility of funding, but it was followed by an email saying "Under normal budgetary conditions, we would have made an offer of financial assistance in the form of a graduate assistantship ... our ability to support incoming graduate students is severely limited at this time. I wanted you to know that your name has been place on a waiting list for just such an assistantship."
  • Institution: Boston University (BU) Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/29 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Funding: No funding. Comments: Given my interests, this is a tempting option. Lots of thinking to do.
  • Institution: University of Washington, Seattle Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "we are in a position to make you a funded offer" Notification date: 4/15 Notified through: Email (at 1:15am Pacific!) Comments: UW never really officially told me I was in before this because I told them I wouldn't come without funding. However, I have given this eventuality a lot of thought in the past few days, and I will decline their funded offer for an unfunded offer at BU. In spite of the funding-related antics, I really liked UW, I love Seattle, and this was a tough decision to make.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Maryland Econ., Duke, UC Berkeley ARE, Wharton Applied Economics, Michigan, Penn, Yale, Chicago, Northwestern, Washington U. in St. Louis, Texas, UCSD, Cornell, Brown, Penn State, Virginia No Response: Georgetown
  • Institution: Duke Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 02/16/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) yes
  • Institution: Yale Econ PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 02/18/2010 Notified through: email to check website Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) yes Comments: expected
  • Institution: Duke Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 2/16 Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Bummer. As with many other posters, I'm going to try not to read into this one too much.
  • Institution: Yale Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: More or less expected.
  • Institution: Cornell Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comment: Very disappointing. Last year they held my application until April, and since then I have added a letter of recommendation from a Cornell Ph.D.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Never really expected to get in, but boy I wish it hadn't taken so long to determine that I hadn't.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Not surprised to get re-rejected, but this was a program at which my advisor thought I had a good shot, so it's still a bummer.
  • Institution: Yale Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: More or less expected.
  • Institution: Cornell Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comment: Very disappointing. Last year they held my application until April, and since then I have added a letter of recommendation from a Cornell Ph.D.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Never really expected to get in, but boy I wish it hadn't taken so long to determine that I hadn't.
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Not surprised to get re-rejected, but this was a program at which my advisor thought I had a good shot, so it's still a bummer.
  • Institution: Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/05 Notified through: Email Comment: Got the email during a presentation at a flyout. So expected I didn't even flinch.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Ag & Resource Econ (ARE) Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notified through: E-mail Date: 03/08 Comment: This one is a major disappointment. I really wanted to go here, and my advisor thought I had an excellent shot.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Bummer. I'm pretty sure my family would've loved to see me as a Nittany Lion.
  • Institution: Penn Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Not really.
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email (check website) Posted on GC: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Interesting program, but I didn't think I was going to get in anyway.
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Obviously this one was assumed at this point, but it's especially disappointing because I took a graduate course in this department to beef up my application recently. C'est la vie.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: -
  • Institution: University of Texas, Austin Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Bummer. I'm hanging out with friends from Austin today and had to break the news to them that I won't be joining them anytime soon.
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/31 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: Yes Funding: - Comments: Charlottesville would have been nice.
  • Institution: Washington U. in St. Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: The field narrows.
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 4/16/10 Notified through: Letter Comment: Maybe Georgetown's objective in waiting till after April 15th is to ensure that no one cares if they're rejected?
Waitlists:
    waitlist), Illinois ($), UC Davis ARE ($), Maryland AREC ($).

msu2010 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Big Ten School
Undergrad GPA: 3.7/4.0
Type of Grad:-
Grad GPA:-
GRE: 790Q 550V
Math Courses: I did a math major, the typical math courses
Econ Courses: Game Theory, Grad Metrics, nothing else outstanding
Other Courses: Some science courses (physics)
Letters of Recommendation: 1 very well known, 1 well know, 1 newer prof (all econ)
Research Experience: Wrote and presented paper at a conference, no publications or anything outstanding
Teaching Experience:TA for intro econ
Research Interests: Labor/Micro/Metrics
SOP: Very odd statement
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Boston College ($), University of Virginia ($), Ohio State ($$), Illinois ($$), Boston University, Arizona, UCSB, UC Davis, George Mason
Rejections: Too Many
Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, a lot more, I really am drawing a blank...
What would you have done differently? Gotten a better GPA. I guess a few things, but its over and I am happy, two years ago I didn't think I would be here. I am happy to be going to Boston College in the fall. Its not Stanford, but it suits me
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Boston College ($), University of Virginia ($), Ohio State ($$), Illinois ($$), Boston University, Arizona, UCSB, UC Davis, George Mason
  • Institution: UCSB Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 02/26/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: Where is the money?!
  • Institution: UCSB Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 02/26/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: Where is the money?!
  • Institution: George Mason University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: hmmm...
  • Institution: U Arizona Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No first year funding Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Sad that I don't have funding anywhere
  • Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TA 5 years 17,000 Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: N0 Comments: FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Admit Funding: prob not Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: Email Comments: Suprise
Rejects:
    Rejections: Too Many Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, a lot more, I really am drawing a blank...
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: No one wants me :/
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: I give up
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail (from Lynn Sebulsky) Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email (check website) Posted on GC: No Comments: I have taken enough of a beating to expect this
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Boston College Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/01/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: ugh

papertherapy 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Small American liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.75/4.00
Type of grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 780Q/630V/4.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I (A), Calculus II (B+), Calculus III (B+), Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations (B), Statistics I (A-), Complex Variables (B+), Topology (IP), Linear Algebra (IP)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Advanced Micro, Advanced Macro, Econometrics, Game Theory, International Trade and Development, International Finance, Public Finance, Experimental Economics
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ. professors, all undergrad
Research Experience: some data analysis and sorting, regression analysis project, Senior Thesis
Teaching Experience: Tutoringg
Research Interests: Game Theory, Econometrics, Trade and Development
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UVA (No $), Indiana ($$), Pittsburgh ($$), West Virginia ($$), Lehigh ($)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: Penn State, Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? Nothing,
Attending: Pittsburgh
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UVA (No $), Indiana ($$), Pittsburgh ($$), West Virginia ($$), Lehigh ($)
  • Institution: Lehigh University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted ($$ TA Ship) Notification date: 1/27/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics PhD Decision: Accepted (Short listed for funding) Notification date: 2/25/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: really hoping for funding
  • Institution: West Virginia University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted ($$ TA ship) Notification date: 3/07/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: candidate for much Sweiger Fellowship
  • Institution: Indiana University-Bloomington Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing yet Notification date: 03/22/10 Notified through: E-mail Comments: pretty excited, hope to hear about funding soon
  • Institution: Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: email to check website Posted on GF: Yes Funding: no mention yet Comments: waiting on funding; becoming a common theme
Rejects:
    Rejections: Penn State, Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Oh well
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: None

keano 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ, top 5 UK university
Undergrad GPA: First (not sure how this translates)
Type of Grad: MSc in Competition Economics, part-time UK university
Grad GPA: On course for distinction
GRE: 800Q, 790V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Maths for economists courses: calculus, linear algebra etc
Econ Courses (Ma-level): A lot of micro-based + econometrics: mostly As
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Lots
Letters of Recommendation: 2/3 econ professors (not well known) Current Employer (Economic consultant with Econ PhD). Hopefully v.positive but names probably won't be known in US.
Research Experience: 3.5 years in economic consultancy
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Micro theory, IO
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Caltech (from waitlist), EUI, LSE (MSc), Oxford (MPhil), BGSE (MSc), Toulouse (M2)
Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Stanford GSB, Kellogg, Wharton (Applied Econ), MIT, UCSD, Berkeley, Wisconsin-M, PSU, Chicago, NYU
What would you have done differently? At the time of the applications process not sure I could done have lot a lot more. Looking at my results, I was a lot more successful in Europe which I would speculate is due to a lack of formal maths courses. So going back a few years, I would have tried to address that somehow.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Caltech (from
  • Institution: LSE Economics (MSc (Res)) Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 19th January Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Comments: Lack of funding may be an issue
  • Institution: BGSE MSc Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waver + TA-ship Notified through: Email Date: Jan-21 Comment: Really exciting!
  • Institution: Toulouse M2 Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notified through: Post Date: Early feb Comment: Not sure of funding options
  • Institution: EUI (Florence) Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No information Notification date: 03/12/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: No interview required
  • Institution: Oxford MPhil Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No information Notification date: 03/17/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Really pleased
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Accepted from the wait list Notification date: 4/09/10 Notified through: E-mail from faculty followed by official email Comment: Really surprised and really happy.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Stanford GSB, Kellogg, Wharton (Applied Econ), MIT, UCSD, Berkeley, Wisconsin-M, PSU, Chicago, NYU
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/18 Notified Through: Email to check site Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: oh dear
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economics Analysis and Policy PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: Feb 19th Notified Through: email to check website Posted on Gradcafe: No Comments: another one goes down
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Not a surprise by now
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Not a surprise by now
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Email to check website Date: Feb-19 Comment: Sad news
  • Institution: Kellogg MECS Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Checked website Date: Feb-26 Comment: Another
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Email Date: Mar-2 Comment: Sad news
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding:NA Notification date: Mar-9 Notified through: Emailed admissions coordinator Posted on GF: No Comment:
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: None Notification date: 3/23/10 Notified through: e-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/29/10 Notified through: Email Comments: Think I was on an implicit waitlist before this, so not a surprise.
Waitlists:
    waitlist), EUI, LSE (MSc), Oxford (MPhil), BGSE (MSc), Toulouse (M2)
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Waitlist Funding: NA Notified through: Email Date: Mar-5 Comment: Assumed I'd been rejected

donovanmcnair 2010:
Type of Undergrad: Economics, South American University. Master degree in a top masters program in South America
Undergrad GPA: GPA down here is weird. Lets say that I averaged B+ in undergrad and A- as graduate, but dont use it for comparison.
GRE/TOEFL: 800Q/570V/3.5AWA. TOEFL: 106
Math Courses: Typical undergrad courses + Measure theory (A-) + Dynamic Programming (A-) + Graduate Probability + Graduate Statistics + Topology (A-)
Econ Courses: Typical Undergrad courses + 4 graduate macro theory courses (one of them with feynmann kac, Ito & all that jazz), 5 graduate Micro theory courses
Letters of Recommendation: One of a visiting professor from the US, Two from Masters degree professors who have a PhD from top10 schools in the US, one additional from a professor in my undergrad university who knows me very well and, when available a fifth letter from a star professor in statistics, who teach in SA in the northern summer
Research Experience: 3 years as an RA in behavioral and experimental economics.
Teaching Experience: Lots of TA. 6 years (from almost the very beginning) in micro courses in a public university, 3 years in a wide variety of courses in a private university and 1 year in the masters degree. (anyway, I was told it doesnt count more than at the time of offering you a TAship)
Research Interests: Game Theory, Networks
Statement of Purpose: What can I say. An SOP. Hope it was good.
Applying to: Caltech, UW, WUSTL, UCSD, Cornell, BU, UT-Austin, PSU, ASU
Accepts:
  • Institution: ASU Econ Decision: Accepted Notificationn date: Feb 16 Notified through: Website Funding: No word yet Posted on Gradcafe: yes Comments: It seems they are releasing the acceptances one by one. Never loose hopes, guys
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Info! Notification date: 04/03/2010 Notified through: Checked the website. Comments: Sort of a relief, first admit. But no info on funding is making me nervous. Out: Duke, Michigan It happened the same to me a couple of weeks ago. Don't worry, you should receive an email in the next days with the 'official acceptance offer' and there you'll find out if there's funding for you or not.
  • Institution: Texas Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Assistanship but didn't mention a number Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comment: a) The title of the email was 'congratulations' so I didn't had to wait to open the email and reading half a paragraph to get to the good part. I loved it; b) "We would greatly appreciate your letting us know whether you are still interested in our program. If you aren’t, we can reallocate these funds to another applicant who considers us his/her top choice." I will probably decline it so, cross your fingers!!!!
  • Institution: Boston U. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Funding - No Funding, I think it wouldn't have changed my decision
Rejects:
  • Institution: Cornell Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/10/2010 Notified through: email Posted on Gradcafe: Yes Comment: The troops are starting to wave in the field of battle...
  • Institution: PSU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/9/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Not sad. I was going to go to WUSTL anyway. Funn stuff: It happened right after I shouted 'Booooooring!' at home.
  • Institution: CalTech Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yesl Comments: I didn't have to be strong in the ways of the Force to realize this on feb 15...
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments: I think it wouldn't change my decision
Waitlists:

lycinsg 2010: well, since everyone is doing this. here goes. kinda embarrassing
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Econ B.S from Top 30ish Econ department
Undergrad GPA: cum 3.78/4 Econ 3.78/4 Math 3.58/4 >.<
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 780Q, 500V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I,II,III, Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, math reasoning, real analysis I, probability
Econ Courses (PhD-level): N/A undergrad equivalent
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): International trade, international macro, advanced micro, advanced macro, 2 econometrics, money. in progress: game theory, public finance
Other Courses: Not worth mentioning
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors all fairly well know i guess
Research Experience: Nada. Term papers and honors thesis in progress
Teaching Experience: Nada.
Research Interests: International economics, trade
statement of purpose: The usual
Concerns: Weird grades. It oscillates a lot. I didn't bother to explain in my statement. bad decisions, got destroyed by flu or just plain evil teacher etc.
Other: Why so much supply so little demand for econ applicants? Makes me pale in comparison to others. Most schools turn to reach schools after seeing this forum
Applying to: Stanford (just for fun), Wharton applied economics (praying real real hard), Columbia, U Minn, NYU, Michigan, UCSD, Brown, Maryland, Penn State, UW
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 02/26 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: oh noes! losing hope 1 down 10 more to go
  • Institution: Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Website Comments: Expected... Sigh
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 02/26 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: oh noes! losing hope 1 down 10 more to go
  • Institution: Michigan Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Website Comments: Expected... Sigh
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: Game over this year. sigh
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: Wasn't expecting anything good anyways
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Notified through: e-mail to check website Notification date: 3/16/10 Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/18/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: meh
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comments: No interview, of course
  • Institution: UCSD Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No
Waitlists:

devtron 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A Econ/BS Commerce, top 25 university
Undergrad GPA: 3.80/4
Type of Grad: Math, non-degree
Grad GPA: 4/4
GRE: 800Q, 690V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Undergrad: Multivar. Calc (A-), Intro Analysis (A), Diff EQ (A), Linear Algebra (B+); Grad: Real Analysis II (A), Advanced Linear Algebra (A), Math Stat I (A) and II (In progress), Stochastic Processes (In progress)
Econ Courses (PhD-level): NA
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro/Macro, Corporate Finance, Econ of Advertising (A-), Econ of China, Econometrics, International Trade - All A's and A+'s, except advertising
Other Courses: a lot of business/finance courses, probably only marginally helpful
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ phd's, 1 econ professor, 1 math professor
Research Experience: 2 years at a federal reserve bank as an RA, 2 publications in an internally reviewed journal
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: macro and IO
statement of purpose: Pretty standard, made some changes for each school to talk about whose research I am interested in... I talked mostly about my experience, in more detail than elsewhere on the application - only briefly about my future plans
Concerns: no graduate econ, could have taken more math.
Applying to: UVA, Duke, UPenn, Minnesota, Wisconsin-Madison, NYU, Northwestern, Princeton, BU, BC, OSU, Wash U in St. Louis, Georgetown, Penn State, ASU, Maryland
Accepts:
  • Institution: Arizona State Economics Decision: accepted Funding: no word Notification date: 11 February Notified through: just checked the my.asu site - no e-mail yet on funding Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments:
  • Institution: Ohio State Economics Decision: accepted Funding: no word Notification date: Very early February on the site, February 10th received a letter Notified through: online and then a follow up hard copy letter Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments:
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics Decision: accepted Funding: nominated for fellowship Notification date: January 26 Notified through: email Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments:
  • Institution: Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ?? Notification date: Feb. 19 Notified Through: Email to find letter on website Posted on Grad Cafe: No
  • Institution: Georgetown Econ PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 18.5k for 5 years Notification date: 19 Feb Notified Through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: No
  • Institution: UPenn Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "Very High Waitlist" Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 02/27/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments: no funding = reject for me
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Econ PhD Decision: rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 02/16/2010 Notified through: Email alerting me that the decision was on the application website Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) no
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: n/a Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments: reject = reject for me
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: n/a Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments: reject = reject for me
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: PSU Econ Phd Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: Email.
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: nada Notification date: 3/16/2010 Notified through: e-mail, after having inquired with the grad secretary Posted on GC: No
Waitlists:

helloworld09 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. statistics, NE Asia
Undergrad GPA: approx 3.7/4, econ avg 3.9ish
GRE: 800Q, 7X0V, 5.0A
Math Courses: many statistics courses & enough math to fulfill requirements
Econ Courses: 7 incl micro, macro, metrics
Letters of Recommendation: among 2 econ professors and 3 statistics professors
Research Experience: nada
Teaching Experience: nope (some tutoring..)
Research Interests: open-economy macro, international, monetary.
statement of purpose: nothing too special.
Concerns: I have no research experience and have been working at a bulge-bracket IB for the last 3.5yrs, not too sure how adcoms would see that. UMN seems ok with that so i'm not as concerned as before..
Applying to: NWU, UPenn, Columbia, UMN (accepted!!), NYU, UCLA, Brown, Maryland, Rochester, BU, JHU, PSU, WUSTL, BC, UW-Seattle.
Accepts:
  • Institution: U of Minnesota Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: nominated for grad school fellowship, with result to come out late feb / early march Notification date: January 26th Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) Yes Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) January 27th (gave my TM ID) Comments: thrilled :D
  • Institution nstitution: BU Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: none Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: e-mail Comments: unlikely to attend but happy to get a sort of approval stamp on my profile Posted on GC : no
Rejects:
  • Institution: Columbia University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comment: now official. love the school, NY, and i've people from UG @ Columbia it'd have been great to hang out with, but oh well.. likely headed to UMN. phew..
  • Institution: Columbia University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comment: now official. love the school, NY, and i've people from UG @ Columbia it'd have been great to hang out with, but oh well.. likely headed to UMN. phew..
  • Institution: PSU economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: Wouldn't have attended, but still..
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: ? Notified through: ? Posted on GC: No Comment: weird, can't find any record.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: ..
  • Institution: JHU Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: ..
  • Institution: UPenn Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: 3/12 Notification date: Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: .. phew.
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email (check website) Posted on GC: No Comments: Bleh. 6 to go now.
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/17/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: ...........
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comment: not surprised, but wow - so my only admit is a UMN fellowship offer? how weird..
  • Institution: U Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: E-mail to Check Website Posted on GC: No Comments: Bleh..
  • Institution: BC Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/30 Notified through: snail mail Posted on GF: no Funding: Comments: first snail mail received - a hardcopy with the school seal affixed feels more formal, which i like - but still, preference is slow formal mail <<< quick informal email, regardless of the admit result
  • Institution: Washington U. in St. Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: My last one
Waitlists:

tomal1134 2010:
Institution: ASU
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 19K + Tuition + Health insurance
Notification date: 02/23 (Admitted on 02/10)
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on grad cafe: Yes
Comments: Happy!!
Institution: OSU
Program: AEDE PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -50(for Application)-17(TOEFL score)-20(GRE score)-30(DHL)+Cost of effort+ Disutil from frustration.
Notification date: 01/29
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on grad cafe: No
Comments:
Accepts:
  • Institution: Arizona State University Ph.D Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: no words about funding. Notification date: 02/10/2010 Notified through: email. (checked my ASURITE account later) Posted on Gradcafe: no. Comment: Very happy, as my first decision was a Reject from OSU AEDE. Though it will not mean anything if I don't get fund.
  • Institution: ASU Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 19K + Tuition + Health insurance Notification date: 02/23 (Admitted on 02/10) Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Happy!! [clap]
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decisions are still being made for financial assistance and we will inform you of any financial aid award as soon a we possibly can Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email from Grad Administrator Posted on GF: yes Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: Very Excited!!
  • Institution: ASU Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 19K + Tuition + Health insurance Notification date: 02/23 (Admitted on 02/10) Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Happy!!
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decisions are still being made for financial assistance and we will inform you of any financial aid award as soon a we possibly can Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email from Grad Administrator Posted on GF: yes Date posted on Gradcafe: 03/02/2010 Comment: Very Excited!!
  • Institution: North Carolina State University 2010 Decision: Accepted Funding: No word Notification date: March 2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: no
Rejects:
  • Institution: OSU AEDE PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: -50(for Application)-17(TOEFL score)-20(GRE score)-30(DHL)+Cost of effort+ Disutil from frustration. Notification date: 01/29 Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: :(
  • Institution: OSU AEDE PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: -50(for Application)-17(TOEFL score)-20(GRE score)-30(DHL)+Cost of effort+ Disutil from frustration. Notification date: 01/29 Notified through: E-mail Posted on grad cafe: No Comments:
  • Institution: PSU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/09/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Expected after this long silence. Little bit sad.
Waitlists:

JenniferG 2010:
Institution: Rochester
Program: Economics, PhD
Decision: Rej
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 03/02/2010
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: First Rej.
Institution: UC-Irvine
Program: Economics, PhD
Decision: Rej
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 03/01/2010
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: Second Rej.
Institution: Michigan
Program: Economics, PhD
Decision: Rej
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 03/02/2010
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: Third Rej. Nothing to say. Sigh.
Institution: Rutgers
Program: Economics, PhD
Decision: AD
Funding: N
Notification date: 02/05/2010
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: No $!!
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Rochester Economics, PhD Decision: Rej Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: First Rej.
  • Institution: UC-Irvine Economics, PhD Decision: Rej Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/01/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Second Rej.
  • Institution: Michigan Economics, PhD Decision: Rej Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Third Rej. Nothing to say. Sigh.
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail (from Lynn Sebulsky) Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No
Waitlists:

Tommie Hopeful 2010:
Institution: University Wisconsin - APEC
Program: Masters in Applied Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/25
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Institution: Vanderbilt
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC
Program: Masters in Applied Economics
Decision: Admit
Funding: No Decision
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: I go to school down the street.
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No Decision Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I go to school down the street.
  • Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No Decision Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I go to school down the street.
Rejects:
  • Institution: University Wisconsin - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/20 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notified through: E-mail Date: 3/8
  • Institution: Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: Disappointing
  • Institution: Western Ontario MA/Ph. D. Stream Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: This week is the worst.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes.
  • Institutions: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail
Waitlists:

nse 2010:
Institution: Arizona State University
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: No Info!
Notification date: 04/03/2010
Notified through: Checked the website.
Comments: Sort of a relief, first admit. But no info on funding is making me nervous.
Out: Duke, Michigan
Accepts:
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Info! Notification date: 04/03/2010 Notified through: Checked the website. Comments: Sort of a relief, first admit. But no info on funding is making me nervous. Out: Duke, Michigan
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Info! Notification date: 04/03/2010 Notified through: Checked the website. Comments: Sort of a relief, first admit. But no info on funding is making me nervous. Out: Duke, Michigan
  • Institution: U Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No info, but most probably none as it is pretty late in the cycle. Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: Randomly checked the website. Posted on GC: Yes
Rejects:
  • Institution:Carnegie Mellon U Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/9/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: nth rejection
  • Institution: U Iowa - Tippie Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes.
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes.
  • Institution: PSU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: Email.
  • Institution: Brown Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Email (check website)
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt U Economics Decision: Wait Listed Notification date: 3/29 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Funding: NA Comments: Slim chances.

LameDuck 2010:
Institution: Penn State University
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/10/2010
Notified through: E-mail (from Lynn Sebulsky)
Posted on GC: No
Comment: Held on for a while.
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail (from Lynn Sebulsky) Posted on GC: No Comment: Held on for a while.
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/19/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Looks like they're getting around to rejections.
  • Institution: Queens MA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: e-mail
  • Institution: Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 04/03 Notified through: E-mail to check website Funding: NA Comments: Expected at this point
Waitlists:

wouldliketoknowit 2010:
Institution: UT-Austin
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: None, because they think I'll have better offers, but they'll make me an offer if I want one.
Notification date: 3/11/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
in: penn state, ohio state, rochester, wash. st.louis
Accepts:
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None, because they think I'll have better offers, but they'll make me an offer if I want one. Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No in: penn state, ohio state, rochester, wash. st.louis
Rejects:
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No. in: ohio state, penn state, texas austin, wash.st.louis, rochester
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: I sent them an email asking Posted on GC: No. Comments: when are UCLA and SanDiego going to answer??? in: ohio state, penn state, texas austin, wash.st.louis, rochester
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 17 March Notified through: email Comments: so sad
Waitlists:

Arash2060 2010:
Institution: Stanford
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification date: 3/11/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Not expected at all before applying, totally expected recently
Institution: Penn State U
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification date: 3/11/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Disappointed. I'm really sorry that I grew up in a country where there aren't any schools ranking lower than 1000. Not my fault, I will do another masters in math or econ, make a paper out of my great thesis, build my profile and reach the places that I truely deserve. However at the moment I hate it that there are not standardized tests to show what I'm really capable of and that they have to ignore my GRE 800 and TOEFL 105 and fabulous LORs.
Accepts:
  • Institution: University Of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (UIUC) Economics Decision: Admit Notification date: 3/26 Notified through: Email Funding: 17000 TA Posted on GF: yes Comments: So Excited, Finally!
Rejects:
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Not expected at all before applying, totally expected recently
  • Institution: Penn State U Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Disappointed. I'm really sorry that I grew up in a country where there aren't any schools ranking lower than 1000. Not my fault, I will do another masters in math or econ, make a paper out of my great thesis, build my profile and reach the places that I truely deserve. However at the moment I hate it that there are not standardized tests to show what I'm really capable of and that they have to ignore my GRE 800 and TOEFL 105 and fabulous LORs.
Waitlists:

keano 2010: keano<
Accepts:
  • Institution: LSE Economics (MSc (Res)) Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 19th January Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Comments: Lack of funding may be an issue
  • Institution: BGSE MSc Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waver + TA-ship Notified through: Email Date: Jan-21 Comment: Really exciting!
  • Institution: Toulouse M2 Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notified through: Post Date: Early feb Comment: Not sure of funding options
  • Institution: EUI (Florence) Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No information Notification date: 03/12/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: No interview required
  • Institution: Oxford MPhil Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No information Notification date: 03/17/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Really pleased
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Accepted from the wait list Notification date: 4/09/10 Notified through: E-mail from faculty followed by official email Comment: Really surprised and really happy.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/18 Notified Through: Email to check site Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: oh dear
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economics Analysis and Policy PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: Feb 19th Notified Through: email to check website Posted on Gradcafe: No Comments: another one goes down
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Not a surprise by now
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comment: Not a surprise by now
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Email to check website Date: Feb-19 Comment: Sad news
  • Institution: Kellogg MECS Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Checked website Date: Feb-26 Comment: Another
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notified through: Email Date: Mar-2 Comment: Sad news
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding:NA Notification date: Mar-9 Notified through: Emailed admissions coordinator Posted on GF: No Comment:
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: None Notification date: 3/23/10 Notified through: e-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/29/10 Notified through: Email Comments: Think I was on an implicit waitlist before this, so not a surprise.
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Waitlist Funding: NA Notified through: Email Date: Mar-5 Comment: Assumed I'd been rejected


Waitlists:

econlaw 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Math and Econ from a large state univeristy
Undergrad GPA: 4.0/4.0
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 800Q, 540V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I II III, Advanced Calculus I II, ODE, PDE, Real Analysis I , Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Numerical Analysis, all A or A+
Econ Courses (PhD-level): N/A
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Econometrics, Game Theory, Intermediate Micro and Macro Theory, Advanced Micro and Macro Theory, Mathematical Economics (in progress) All A's and A+
Other Courses: None
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors (1 very good from a well-known economist, 1 fairly good from a junior economist) 1 very good from a Math professor
Research Experience: Except for term papers and thesis, none.
Teaching Experience: TA in Math Department
Research Interests: Not sure but currently Micro Theory
statement of purpose: Standard
Concerns: I don't know. I have studied hard and done everything that I can but feel that I'll have a lot rejections.
Other: None.
Applying to: Princeton, Yale, Northwestern, Stanford, Berkeley, UPenn, UCSD, NYU, Cornell, UCLA , Penn State, Maryland, Minnesota, UW-Madison, Carnegie Mellon, Arizona State.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: accept Funding: no info yet Notification date: February 11 Notified through: email and website Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments: Released. I think they will give info on funding later. Good luck everyone.
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted via email on 2/11 Funding: 25k+summer for 1st yr, 19k+possible summer for 2nd to 5th yr Notification date: funding letter dated on 2/18 Notified through: mail Posted on grad cafe: No
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 20k for 1st yr including summer, 15k for 2nd to 5th yr +possible partial summer fundings Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: email Posted on grad cafe: No
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: accepted Funding: 18k fellowship 1st yr, TA after Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Glad:)
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: accepted Funding: 18k fellowship 1st yr, TA after Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Glad
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Accepted Notified through: e-mail Funding: no first year funding. Notification date: 3/16/10 Posted on GC: No Comments: I really wish they could give me a funding..
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: To arrive via e-mail this week Notification date: 3/16/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Financial info to arrive later this week! Very very happy!
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale PHD Econ Decision: Rejected Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: website Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments: Expected. But still hurt
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics PhD Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Website Posted on grad cafe: No
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I would love to go to California, but...well...
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics PhD Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Website Posted on grad cafe: No
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I would love to go to California, but...well...
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: sad...
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: sigh...
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: E-mail to check website Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: NYU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/24 Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: Mass email Comments: Don't care anymore.
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/30/10 Notified through: seems like mass Email
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 7 accepted out of 30 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.73, average GREQ was 793.3.
From the Department webpage in 2010 (please send me a link if this is wrong!)
Last year (for admission in fall 2009), the program received approximately 479 applications. We granted admission to 93 applicants and offered full financial aid to most applicants... We require that applicants take the 3-part general aptitude GRE. The average scores of the entering class in Fall 2009 were: Verbal = 580, Quantitative = 790, Analytical = 4.0
(Source)

Links:
Test Magic Econ Forums
econphd.econwiki.com
Last Updated: 14:57:55, Fri May 11, 2012