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

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


Acceptances:

mtjsvc 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: 3rd-tier liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.8
Type of Grad: straight from undergrad
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 650V, 4.0AWA
Math Courses:
calc I-III (A-/A-/B), linear algebra (A), ordinary & partial diff eq (A), complex variables (A), topology (A-), real analysis I-II (A/IP), prob & stats (A), interest theory & financial math (IP)
Econ Courses:
micro/macro principles (A/A), intermediate micro/macro (B+/A), advanced micro/macro (A/A), econometrics (A), game theory (A), experimental econ (A), int. trade (A), int. finance (A)
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ profs (thesis advisor, advanced micro/macro prof), 1 math prof (real analysis/topology prof)
Research Experience: senior thesis (experimental/labor), summer RA for experimental economist at a different university
Teaching Experience: tutor and grader for micro/macro principles, tutor for advanced macro
Research Interests: experimental econ, micro theory
SOP: I talked about my experience with experimental econ (course, thesis, RA)
Other: My undergrad school is small and not very good overall, but the econ training is focused on preparing us for PhD programs. About half of the econ majors here go for a PhD after graduating, with a good success rate in actually completing the degree.
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Ohio State (fellowship) <attending>
Purdue (fellowship)
Arizona (TA-ship)
Penn State (TA-ship)
Texas A&M (RA-ship)
Virginia (TA-ship)
Rejections:
probably Carnegie Mellon, Indiana, and Pitt since they haven't admitted me yet
What would you have done differently?
I would have applied to a few higher ranked schools and not applied to a few lower ranked schools.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Ohio State (fellowship) <attending> Purdue (fellowship) Arizona (TA-ship) Penn State (TA-ship) Texas A&M (RA-ship) Virginia (TA-ship)
Rejects:
    Rejections: probably Carnegie Mellon, Indiana, and Pitt since they haven't
Waitlists:

Valhalla 2008:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA in economics in continental europe, huge public university but internationally not very well known I'd say.
Undergrad GPA: 3.72/4 (using WES-conversion table), top 5&#37; in my university
Type of Grad: MA Economics (I'm currently in the second year)
Grad GPA: 3.77/4 until now
GRE: 790 Q, 600 V, 4.5 AWA
Math Courses:
(900f those courses were not required in the economics-track (BA and MA) but I did those courses additionally as offered by the math department for math-students)
UG-Level: Mathematics I,II, III (dealing basically with integral calculus, differential equation systems, vector calculus...), Real analysis I, II, III, Functional Analysis I, II, Probability theory I,II,III, Linear Algebra I, II, III, Topology I, II, Differential Topology, Measure Theory, Optimization Theory,
Graduate Level: Real Analysis, Topology, Linear Algebra, Operator Theory, Recursive Methods/ Dynamic programming, Statistics I (using Casella and Berger), Statistics II (using Davidson's Stochastic limit theory)
Econ Courses: That's just an endless list... but some highlights:
UG Level: Micro I,II,III, Macro I,II,III, Game theory I, II, Evolutionary Game Theory, Cooperative Game Theory, Industrial Organization I, II, International Trade I, II, III, Monetary Economics I, II, ...
Graduate level: Micro I,II, (using MWG) Macro I,II, (using Ljungquvist and Sargent/ Stokey and Lucas), General Equilibrium Theory, Incomplete markets, Asset pricing, Public choice theory, Auction theory, Game theory, Voting theory, Industrial Organization
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ profs, 2 are well known
Teaching Experience: TA UG Level for elementary economics, TA Graduate level in math and macro
Awards: 2 merit based awards from my UG - university, scholarship from my graduate institution, award from our central bank for my diploma thesis,
Research Interests: Micro-theory
SOP: talked about personal interests/ hobbys and connected it with some papers I read... but I don't think someone cared about it
Schools I applied to:
NW
UPenn
UCSD
Tilburg
UIUC
JHU
Purdue
U Arizona
BC
UC Davis
Toronto
IUB
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
UPenn (nada $)
Tilburg ($)
UIUC ($$)
U Arizona ($$)
BC ($$)
IUB ($$)
UC Davis (?)
Rejections:
NW... (I'm still shocked)
Pending:
Toronto, Purdue, JHU, UCSD
What would you have done differently?
A lot! I wouldn't underestimate me anymore and I would apply for some top ten universities. My tip: aim as high as possible otherwise you get a lot of acceptances from middle-ranked universities and what can you buy with that?
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UPenn (nada $) Tilburg ($) UIUC ($$) U Arizona ($$) BC ($$) IUB ($$) UC Davis (?)
Rejects:
    Rejections: NW... (I'm still shocked)
Waitlists:
    Pending: Toronto, Purdue, JHU, UCSD

ward 2008:
PROFILE:
School: Oklahoma State University
Type of Undergrad: Economics (Honors) and Mathematics
Undergrad GPA: 3.9 (4.0 Econ, ~3.8 Math)
Type of Grad: none
GRE: V 530, Q 790, A 5.0
Math Courses: Calculus 1-3, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Calc. of Several Variables, Intro. to Modern Algebra, Intro. to Modern Analysis, Mathematical Statistics 1 & 2, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Calc 1.
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Public Finance, History of Economic Thought, Econ Development, Econometrics (undergrad), Grad Micro Theory, Grad Math Econ.
Other Courses: Computer Science I, SAS Programming
Letters of Recommendation: not from well known professors but must have been fairly strong. Two tenured Econ professors and my Intro. to Analysis prof
Research Experience: honors thesis, but nothing substantial
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Applied Micro, Micro Theory, Behavioral and Experimental
SOP: I put some time into it but it was essentially the same for each school; I just changed a few sentences here and there.
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Duke($$) <attending>
Wisconsin (no$)
Ohio State ($$)
UIUC ($$)
Arizona ($$)
Waitlists:
NYU
Rejections:
Harvard
M.I.T.
Northwestern
UCSD
Penn State
RA position at NYC Fed
What would you have done differently?
I would have tried to pick programs that fit my interests better and probably would have applied to more schools - especially in the 10-25 range. That's really about all I would have changed.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Duke($$) <attending> Wisconsin (no$) Ohio State ($$) UIUC ($$) Arizona ($$)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard M.I.T. Northwestern UCSD Penn State RA position at NYC Fed
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: NYU

zwicker 2008:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Econ Major, Private not well known University (US)
Undergrad GPA: overall GPA: 3.9; econ: 4.0 ; math:4.0.
GRE: 800Q, 510V,AWA 5.0
Math Courses: Calc sequence (A), Differential equations (A), Linear Algebra (A), Probability & Stats (A), Adv. Stats (A), Discrete Math (A)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ, 1 math; all were strong (but not MIT, Harvard, etc.)
Research Experience: Very little.
Teaching Experience: Graded and have taught occasional undergrad classes.
Research Interests: IO, micro.
SOP: I thought it was good.
Concerns: No grad level classes. No analysis. No research. Not from well known school.
RESULTS:
Attending: Arizona ($$$)
Acceptances: Wisconsin (none 1st year), Virginia($$), UNC ($$), Kentucky ($$), Arizona ($$), Texas A&M ($$), Clemson ($$),
Rejects: Yale, Brown, BC, Caltech
Pending: WUSTL (waitlist), Vanderbilt (waitlist)
What would you have done differently? Nothing really. I am happy with arizona. I will be a good fit there. If I was shooting for a top 10 school then I should have done a masters program in stats first and/or finished my math major. I shouldn't have applied to so many lower ranked schools. I wish I would have applied to UIUC.
Accepts:
    Attending: Arizona ($$$) Acceptances: Wisconsin (none 1st year), Virginia($$), UNC ($$), Kentucky ($$), Arizona ($$), Texas A&M ($$), Clemson ($$),
Rejects:
    Rejects: Yale, Brown, BC, Caltech
Waitlists:
    Pending: WUSTL (waitlist), Vanderbilt (waitlist)

julia09 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: University of Minnesota - TC
Undergrad GPA: 3.7ish
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 670V, 4.5 writing
Math Courses: multivariable calc, linear algebra, dif eq, advanced calc, sequences, series, and foundations, stats (grad level)
Econ Courses: game theory, mathecon, micro theory (grad level), econometrics, and a bunch of other undergrad econ courses
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 3 profs from U of M (from math, econ, and apec)
Research Experience: term papers and senior thesis
Teaching Experience: tutoring
Research Interests: as of now, game theory, behavioral econ, development, and possibly IO
SOP: ok - i suppose
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: BU, PSU, UArizona, UC Irvine, U of M (apec)
Waitlists: U of M (econ)
Rejections: MANY...
Pending: Cornell, Queens, UToronto, and Caltech
What would you have done differently? Nothing - except for maybe get more research experience as an undergrad
Accepts:
    Acceptances: BU, PSU, UArizona, UC Irvine, U of M (apec)
Rejects:
    Rejections: MANY...
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: U of M (econ)

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

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

decide_aposteriori 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Large State School in the US
Undergrad GPA: 3.69 (overall including math and econ majors)
Type of Grad: MA Economics (Canadian Uni)
GRE: 760 Q, 670 V, 5.0 W
Math Courses: Calc III, Intro to Proofs, Abstract Algebra, Numerical Analysis I&II, Differential Equations, Analysis, Probability, Linear Algebra
Econ Courses: Micro (grad), Macro (grad), Econometrics (grad), IO, Topics in Micro, Econ history
Other Courses: Java
Letters of Recommendation: Math PhD Duke, Econ PhD LSE
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Experimental, Labor, Neuro, applied econometrics
SOP: Standard
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Uni Arizona, Uni Hawaii
Waitlists:
Rejections: MSU, Purdue, OSU, Pittsburgh, UCSC
What would you have done differently? I would have started the process earlier. Since I couldn't make any December deadlines I was constrained on the places I could apply to. I'm really happy with Arizona, it fits my interests really well.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Uni Arizona, Uni Hawaii
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Unfortunately we are not able to offer you an assistantship at this time." Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: Email Comments: I don't know what to do, maybe
Rejects:
    Rejections: MSU, Purdue, OSU, Pittsburgh, UCSC
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: blah Notification date: 3/17/09 Notified through: Email Comments: Expected after so many admits a month ago
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: Phone, I called Comments: Disappointed
  • Institution: Purdue Econ PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: April 18 Notified through: Email Comments: Finally
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

allinwonder 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ B.S. Math from top 5 university in Princeton Review China
Undergrad GPA: 3.7/4
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 620V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I,II(including multivariable one)linear algebra for two semesters, math stats, optimization, Analysis I, II, Complex Analysis, ODE,PDE, Abstract Algebra
Econ Courses (PhD-level): N/A
Econ Courses (undergrad-level):Intermediate Micro and Macro, Econometrics
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (2 of them are mentees of Nobel Laureate)
Research Experience: RA for Econ prof
Teaching Experience:
Research Interests: Experimental Economics, Game Theory
SOP: Focus on research
Concerns: Low grade on PDE
Other:
Applying to: Harvard, Caltech, UMichigan, Pittsburgh, OSU, ASU, UArizona, UVirginia, Purdue, George Mason U
Accepts:
  • Institution: Arizona State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition+17.5k for 9 month Notification date: Feb 16 for funding, 2009 Notified through: Website, email
  • Institution: The Ohio State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA Notification date: Feb 9 2009 for email Notified through: Website, email
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Unfortunately we are not able to offer you an assistantship at this time." Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: Email Comments: declined
  • Institution: George Mason University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA early April Notification date: 3/30 Notified through: E-mail Comments: need any?
Rejects:
  • Institution: Caltech Social Sciences Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/28/09 Notified through: email Comments: Expected
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: Email Comments: OKOK
Waitlists:

onagono 2009:
Institution: Stanford GSB
Program: Ph.D. Economic Analysis and Policy
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 2/23/09
Notified through: Web
Comments:
_ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _
In: OSU
Out: Cornell, Stanford GSB
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: ??? Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: E-Mail Comments:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Ph.D. Economic Analysis and Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/23/09 Notified through: Web Comments: _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ In: OSU Out: Cornell, Stanford GSB
Waitlists:

Norsker 2010:
PROFILE: (At time of Application)
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics, minor mathematics (At a 'middle' UC)
Undergrad GPA: 3.38
GRE: 790Q / 720V / 4
Math Courses: Linear Algebra, Single variable/vector calc, ODEs, Intro to math proofs. (Listed RA 1 and 2 and probability theory as remaining college coursework). Math Grades averaged to about B+
Econ Courses: A few more UG courses than required, average falls between B+ and A-
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: "Strong" letters from an assistant professor I TA'd for and talked with a decent amount about research and a lecturer I TA'd for, and a favorable but likely 'nondescript' letter from another assistant professor.
Research Experience: Worked a little bit for a labor economist, acquired funding for and ran a pilot experiment
Research Interests: Experimental, assorted micro topics
SOP: I wrote my essays a couple days before they were due; slightly modified SoP for later applications
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UCI($$, TA), Pitt(?), Arizona(No $)
Waitlists: Caltech(eventually rejected)
Rejections: University of Zurich(This one was a complete surprise), UVA, NYU, CMU
What would you have done differently?
Applied to a slightly wider range of schools , started taking math a lot earlier(my biggest regret), procrastinated much less, studied more than 4-5 hours for the GRE, worked harder to get a paper published, put more care into crafting my SoP, gotten more exercise. It probably would have helped if my letter of recommendation writers were more established.
The usual.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UCI($$, TA), Pitt(?), Arizona(No $)
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics PHD Decision: Accept($, TA) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics PHD Decision: Accept(No word on funding yet) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics PHD Decision: Accept(No word on funding yet) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Accept Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Comments: No funding
Rejects:
    rejected) Rejections: University of Zurich(This one was a complete surprise), UVA, NYU, CMU
  • Institution: University of Zurich Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/22/10 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I'm shocked, although I'll hardly be losing any sleep over it.
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Checked site Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Oh well. Guess it's time to closely review my three acceptances.
  • Institution: NYU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/24 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Only my CMU (and probably Caltech) rejections to go.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: Mass email Comments: Expected.
  • Institution: Caltech Economics Decision: Rejected (off waitlist) Notification date: 03/31 Notified through: Inquired via email Funding: - Comments: They're sending out the official waitlist rejections soon.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Caltech(eventually
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Waitlist Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/05 Notified through: Email Comment: Well, further than I expected to get.

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.

romeoagogo 2010:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Econ, Applied Math and Physics Minors at a top 10 (in the north) masters granting institution
Undergrad GPA: 3.53
GRE: 800Q 520V 3.5 AWA
Math Courses: At the time of application: Calc 1-3, Multivariable Calc, Differential Equations, Probability, Complex Variables, Differential Geometry, Math Physics I-III (vector calc, linear algebra, group theory with physics applications), Math for Economists. All A's and B's. To be taken later (addressed in SOP): Real Analysis, Formal Linear Algebra.
Econ Courses: Intro & Intermediate Micro and Macro, Game Theory, Intl Trade and Finance, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Applied Metrics, Monetary Policy, Industrial Organization, Managerial Economics. Mostly A's a few B's.
Grad Courses: None
Letters of Recommendation: Pretty good. One from an established stochastics/environmental guy, two are from relative unknowns from top 20 and 50 programs and one from the department head. All but the established professor knew me well.
Research Experience: Physics research. Independent research using stochastic models.
Research Interests: Experimental/Behavioral, IO, GT.
Statement of purpose: Described what type of work I wanted to do, how my background helps me, etc.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Arizona, UCSB unfunded
Waitlists: UNC-CH
Rejections: NYU, Cornell, Maryland, Pittsburgh
What would you have done differently? Wish I would have started econ related math earlier and tried a bit harder in physics (mostly B's and a C) so my GPA didn't suffer. It would have been easier if I started out as an econ major and had gotten to do research with our big name guy so he could have written a better letter of recommendation. Lastly, I didn't really know what I was doing when I applied to undergrad. I applied to mostly engineering/technical schools and I think with my HS resume I could have gotten into some well-known research universities. My current school has only produced a few econ PhD's and that probably hurt me.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Arizona, UCSB unfunded
  • Institution: UC Santa Barbara Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: nothing yet Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Wooooo.
Rejects:
    Rejections: NYU, Cornell, Maryland, Pittsburgh
  • Institution: Cornell Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: nothing yet Notification date: 02/24/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Meh, was a long shot
  • Institution: Cornell Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: nothing yet Notification date: 02/24/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Meh, was a long shot
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notified through: E-mail Date: 3/8 Comment:
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: UNC-CH

SlowLearner38 2010:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, Medium Less-Selective Midwest State School (no PhD)
Undergrad GPA: 3.52
Type of Grad: Masters-level ECON courses during undergrad.
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 790Q 350V 3.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (B,A,B), Linear Algebra (A), Differential Equations (A-), Discrete Math (B)
Stat Courses: Intro Stats (A), Regression and Variance I-II (A,A-), Probability Theory (B+)
Econ Courses: Intro/Inter Micro and Macro, Senior Research Seminar, Honors Thesis, Managerial Econ, Econ Forecasting, History of Econ Thought, Public Econ, Econ of Crime, Econ of Sports
Grad Courses: Math Econ I-II (using Simon/Blume), Managerial Econ
Letters of Recommendation: 4 ECON Professors -- None are very well known, but their letters were very strong. They coordinated it so that each focused on different aspects of my ability to do graduate studies in economics in their LORs {1 research ability, 1 teaching ability, 1 classroom ability, 1 summarizing letter from the department chair with a focus on personality}.
Research Experience: Presented undergrad honors thesis at ASSA/AEA conference (won 2 awards at my school for it), Contracted research for a non-profit economic education organization, and 2nd undergrad thesis underway during the time of application.
Research Interests: Applied Micro, IO, Behavioral, Experimental
Statement of purpose: Told an elegant story about how I used to suck at college and now I don't. Tailored the last 1-2 paragraphs to each school.
RESULTS:
Ph.D. Accepts: Emory($$$), UT-Dallas($$), Arizona(Tuition Waiver), Oregon(?-Withdrew)
Ph.D. Rejects: Iowa, Vanderbilt, Virginia
Masters Accepts: UBC M.A.(Partial Tuition Scholarship), Tinbergen M.Phil.(no $)
M.A. Withdrawls: Toronto, Queen's, Simon Fraser
ATTENDING:
Emory University
What would you have done differently? Considering the constraints I was up against, coming from a low ranked state school with only a B.A. in Econ, I think I did very well for myself. Emory is a great fit for me!
Accepts:
    Accepts: Emory($$$), UT-Dallas($$), Arizona(Tuition Waiver), Oregon(?-Withdrew) Ph.D.
  • Institution: Emory University Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: $17k + $4k Fellowship Nomination Notification date: 02/23/2010 Notified through: Email Comments: Awesome.
  • Institution: U Oregon Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decision Pending Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Nice.
  • Institution: University of Texas - Dallas Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email Funding: $10.5k TA + Tuition Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Must give notice in 8 days! I will turn it down in favor of Emory at this point. If I was more confident in my interest in Experimental, I would give them much more thought.
  • Institution: Tinbergen Institute Mphil Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding 1st year. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comment: Should I move to the Netherlands?
  • Institution: U Oregon Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decision Pending Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Nice.
  • Institution: University of Texas - Dallas Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email Funding: $10.5k TA + Tuition Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Must give notice in 8 days! I will turn it down in favor of Emory at this point. If I was more confident in my interest in Experimental, I would give them much more thought.
  • Institution: Tinbergen Institute Mphil Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding 1st year. Notification date: 03/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comment: Should I move to the Netherlands?
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver only in 1st year. Graduate assistantship available after passing core exams. Notification date: 3/15/2010 Notified through: UNOFFICIAL E-mail from outside the department. Relax everyone.
  • Institution: UBC MA Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: Partial Tuition Waiver Notification date: 03/18/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Great!
Rejects:
    Rejects: Iowa, Vanderbilt, Virginia Masters
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: Feb 19th Notified Through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: No Comments: Meh...
  • Institution: University of Iowa Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/01/2010 Notified through: Website (no email) Posted on GF: No Comments: Who wants to live in Iowa anyways?
  • Institution: University of Iowa Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/01/2010 Notified through: Website (no email) Posted on GF: No Comments: Who wants to live in Iowa anyways?
  • Institution: U Virginia Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejection Notification date: 03/17/10 Notified through: Randomly checked website. Posted on GF: No Comments: Oh well, I'm happy with my results thus far.
Waitlists:

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

walt526 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Political Science from UC Davis (started at a well-regarded LAC in the Midwest)
Undergrad GPA: 3.50/4.00 (combined)
Type of Grad: MA in Economics from lower-tier public university
Grad GPA: 3.92
GRE: 800Q, 600V, 6.0AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I-III (high school with AP, plus C from Fall 1998), Linear Algebra (A), Intro to Statistics (A), Math for Economists (A), Intro to Formal Math (A-), Numerical Analysis (A), Axiomatic Set Theory (B+), Real Analysis (in process), Mathematical Statistics MA-Level (in process), Operations Research (Spring 2010), Applied Linear Algebra (Spring 2010)
Econ Courses (MA-level): Advanced Micro Theory (A-), Advanced Macro Theory (A), US Economic History (A), Cost-Benefit Analysis (A), Applied Econometric Analysis (in process), Econometric Theory (in process)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Economics (B+ from spring 2000), Intermediate Micro (A+), Intermediate Macro (D), Public Microeconomic Theory (A+), Economics of Development (A-), US Economic History (A-), World Economic History (A), Economics of Education (A), Econometrics (A), History of Economic Thought (Spring 2010)
Political Science Courses:
- High School: AP American Government, AP Comparative Government
- LAC: International Relations (A-), American Political Thought (B+), Central European Politics (A), Russian Politics (A-), Soviet and Russian Foreign Policy (A)
- UC Davis: Systematic Political Science (A-), The Legislative Process (A-), The Politics of Interdependence (A-), National Security Policy (A), Intro to Judicial Politics (A), Judicial Politics: First Amendment (A), Judicial Politics: Equality (A-), Seminar in American Political Behavior (A+)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (1 WUSTL, 1 UC Davis ARE, 1 Stanford)
Research Experience:
- Research assistant to LAC political science professor (developing new course in environmental international politics)
- Research assistant to UC Davis political science professor (judicial politics--read a sample Supreme Court decisions and classified the argument type of each paragraph)
- Masters Thesis: Does State Support for Public Four-Year Universities Decrease as Minority Enrollment Increases?
Teaching Experience: TA to Intermediate Micro
Research Interests: My research interests lie along the intersection of political science and economics. I am interested in Public Choice (Law and Economics and Institutional Factors), Industrial Organization, and Miscellaneous Applied Microecomics
Statement of Purpose: Should be strong
Concerns: The D in Intermediate Macro came in a semester wherein I received incompletes in my other courses (personal issues) in winter quarter of 2004). I completed the two lower-division courses that I needed to fulfill the BA in Political Science at community college (statistics and history of western civilization). No topology, possibly weak advanced math grades.
Other: Have a career certificate in Accounting from a community college, worked for 2 years as an accounting administrator and 3 years as a purchasing agent for an electrical contractor.
Applying to: UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Stanford, Michigan, UPenn Wharton (Applied Econ), WUSTL, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, Texas, UIUC, Maryland, Virginia, UC Davis, George Mason, Vanderbilt, Rochester, Michigan State, Georgetown, UC Irvine, UMass-Amherst, Arizona, Colorado, Syracuse, Kentucky (might whittle down the list some)
Accepts:
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics/Economics of Education Decision: Accepted ($$$) Notification date: 2/21/10 Notified through: Personal email from co-directors of the Economics of Education program (have not heard officially from Economics Department yet) Posted on GF: No. Comments: I am beyond delighted. MSU is a perfect fit for my interests and the funding (mostly coming from a US Department of Education grant) is unrivaled by pretty much any place other than Yale. Hoping to attend a flyout sometime in March.
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics-Public Choice Decision: Acceptance ($$) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'll probably decline in favor of the Michigan State offer. But UC Irvine is a great place for public choice (and Southern CA is a nicer place to spend 4-5 years than Central MI).
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics/Economics of Education Decision: Accepted ($$$) Notification date: 2/21/10 Notified through: Personal email from co-directors of the Economics of Education program (have not heard officially from Economics Department yet) Posted on GF: No. Comments: I am beyond delighted. MSU is a perfect fit for my interests and the funding (mostly coming from a US Department of Education grant) is unrivaled by pretty much any place other than Yale. Hoping to attend a flyout sometime in March.
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics-Public Choice Decision: Acceptance ($$) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'll probably decline in favor of the Michigan State offer. But UC Irvine is a great place for public choice (and Southern CA is a nicer place to spend 4-5 years than Central MI).
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted ($$) Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comments: One of my safeties, I will most likely decline in favor of MSU.
  • Institution: U Arizona Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No first year funding Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I don't see an unfunded offer from U Arizona as worth considering. And I'd probably prefer MSU or UCI to U Arizona even if it the latter were funded.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/16 Notified Through: Email Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: First official response, so I'm a little disappointed--not exactly surprising, as I figured that I was a long-shot. My wife really didn't want to live in North Carolina, so she'll be relieved.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/16/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. I knew if was a reach.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/25/10 Notified through: Website (did not receive an email to check) Posted on GF: No. Comments: Not surprised, but disappointed.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I am aware that this may sound like sour grapes, but I only applied there because the application was free. My interest in the school was pretty minimal (I prefer MSU to Rochester).
  • Institution: U Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comment: This one stings a little, but not entirely unexpected.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Of all the rejects so far, this was the toughest--even though it was anticipated.
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: If it weren't for geography, then I probably wouldn't have even applied to UC Davis. But I'm still a little surprised and annoyed, considering it was my alma mater.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/16/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. I knew if was a reach.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/25/10 Notified through: Website (did not receive an email to check) Posted on GF: No. Comments: Not surprised, but disappointed.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I am aware that this may sound like sour grapes, but I only applied there because the application was free. My interest in the school was pretty minimal (I prefer MSU to Rochester).
  • Institution: U Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comment: This one stings a little, but not entirely unexpected.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Of all the rejects so far, this was the toughest--even though it was anticipated.
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: If it weren't for geography, then I probably wouldn't have even applied to UC Davis. But I'm still a little surprised and annoyed, considering it was my alma mater.
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Postal Mail Posted on GC: No Comment: As expected.
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: email Comments: As expected. Only surprised that it took them this long.
  • Institution: George Mason Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/15/10 Notified through: Postal letter. Comments: A little surprised that I didn't get at least a non-funded offer, but oh well. This was a school that I was on the fence about applying to. I prefer all three of my other offers to GMU anyway.
  • Institution: U Illinois-Urbana Phd Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/17/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. MSU is looking more and more likely.
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Assumed rejection about a month ago.
  • Institution: Wharton (U Pennsylvania) Applied Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Not surprised, pretty much knew that this was a non-starter. Only applied because it looked interesting and thought that a business school might look at my application a little differently than traditional Economics departments.
  • 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: Assumed as much over a week ago.
  • Institution: U Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/22/10 Notified through: Randomly checked the website Posted on GC: No Comments: Not really surprised given that I hadn't heard anything for so long.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/25/10 Notified through: Email Comments: Only surprised that it took them this long...
  • Institution: U Texas-Austin Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/25/10 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/29/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This was one of the schools that I was considering withdrawing my application from. Like Rochester, I might not have applied had there been an application fee (also their L&E made them a better fit). But alas, unfortunately they didn't receive my UCD transcripts, so I had to resend them rush back in early February for ~$50 (a few days before I had heard from MSU), so it's almost like I did have to pay a fee... but I digress.
  • Institution: Washington U - St Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 04/05/2010 Notified through: Mass Email Posted on GC: No Comment: Glad to finally know definitively that my choices are between MSU and UCI, but still a little disappointed. When I went back to earn my MA two years ago, I did so in the hopes of winding up at WUSTL. But I think how my interests have evolved over the past two years as well as a better sense of what type of environment I need to be successful, MSU is probably a better fit even if WUSTL's placements are better.
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:

Econ_PhD_hopeful 2010:
Institution: Maryland
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Waitlisted
Notification date: 03/04
Notified through: Email
Funding: "There is also some probability that we may be able to offer financial aid."
Comments: "there is some probability that we may be able to extend an offer of admission some time between now and April 15." Ouch, I was really hoping I would be admitted here
Accepts:
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None at this time because they think I will receive strong fellowship offers from higher-ranked programs, but would put together an attractive package if I am interested Notification date: 03-11 Notified through: email Posted on GC: no
  • Institution: UC San Diego Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: to be announced this week Notification date: 3/16/2010 Notified through: E-mail Comments: hoping to get sufficient $ today
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: maybe next week Notification date: 3/17/2010 Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: UNC-CH Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: ~$19,000 for 5 years Notification date: 03/19 - responded after prompting, 03/14 - asked if I am still interested in the program Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 2 years fellowship of $17K, TA years 3-5 $17k + tuition & fee waiver for 5 yrs Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Wow, 2 years of fellowship! That's a really sweet deal, better than other offers I got
Rejects:
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: E-mail to check website Funding: zilch
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: E-mail to check website Funding: zilch
  • Institution: NYU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/09 - replied to my email asking about status; 3/18/2010 - official rejection Notified through: E-mail
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email Funding: "There is also some probability that we may be able to offer financial aid." Comments: "there is some probability that we may be able to extend an offer of admission some time between now and April 15." Ouch, I was really hoping I would be admitted here :(:(
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/04 Notified through: Email Funding: "There is also some probability that we may be able to offer financial aid." Comments: "there is some probability that we may be able to extend an offer of admission some time between now and April 15." Ouch, I was really hoping I would be admitted here

rthunder27 2011:
Type of Undergrad: BS in Electrical Engineering from Penn State, Math Minor
Undergrad GPA: 3.92 (1 B, assorted A-'s)
Type of Grad: MS in EE from Johns Hopkins, MA in Applied Econ from JHU in progress
Grad GPA: EE: 3.91, Econ: 3.95
GRE: 800Q, 630V, 4.5AW (08/10) / 770Q 650V 5.5AW (08/06)
Math Courses(undergrad): Calc, Multivariate Calc(A), Diff Eq(A), Matrices(A), Linear Programming(A), Game Theory(A), Stats(A), Numerical Computation(A-), Discrete Math-proof based(A)
Math/other Courses(grad)- My emphasis in EE was signal processing, which is pretty much all advanced calculus. Neural Networks (A), Intelligent Algorithms (A), Probability (B), Math of Finance (A), Control Systems (A), Digital Signal Processing(A), Advanced Signal Processing(A), Multidimensional Signal Processing (A), Wavelet Signal Processing (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro (A), Macro (A-), Statistics(A) Econometrics (A+), Game Theory in Economics (A+), Financial Economics (A+), Microeconometrics (A). Macroeconometrics, Macro Forecasting, International Finance
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro(A)
Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters I hope, but from weak recommenders. Undergraduate Thesis adviser (Math Phd, PSU I think), current supervisor (non-academic), and Grad School professor (UVA Econ Phd).
Research Experience: Undergrad Honors thesis on game theory/agent based modeling. Presented preliminary results from an unfinished game theory/behavioral paper on wagering Behavior in "Jeopardy!" at the Stony Brook Game Theory Conference. My current work is at a research lab, but it's not econ focused.
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Game Theory, Behavioral Economics/Finance, Discrete Micro
SOP: Strong maybe? I explained my research interests, the road I took in discovering them, and I describe the type of ideas that I have and how to test them.
Concerns: My letter of recommendation could be stronger, but that's a result of access. No RA, for which I am kicking myself, because I could have taken it as an elective in my EE MS program. No clue how adcoms view EE/signal processing (which is very much proof based calc at times)
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Stanford GSB Finance ($$$$), UCSD($), uArizona
Waitlists: Columbia (asked to be removed), Kellogg MEDS (implicit, later rejected)
Rejections: Princeton, NYU, Wharton, Booth, Berkeley, UCLA, CMU
What would you have done differently? Geesh, well, for starters, I would have realized my interest in economics earlier than 22 months ago (May 2009). I also regret some of my school choices, I probably should have applied MIT/Sloan instead of UCLA and I definitely should have applied for NSF, since I had a pretty good idea for a proposal, but I didn't learn about it in time. The late interest in economics really made it difficult to get good LORs while working full-time.
In reverse chronological order, I would have taken RA when I had the chance (Spring 2009), taken more than one econ course in my undergrad (2003-2007), potentially taken a different major entirely, and applied back in high school to more schools than just the PSU honors program (2002). But maybe I shouldn't have done anything differently; I got into a top 5 program about which I am very excited, and can lead to a wide variety of future opportunities. And I doubt I would have gotten in if I had a more traditional background. So although I sometimes feel I've wasted the past four years of my life, I did earn 2 masters in that time while saving up enough money to finance an extravagant (by grad student standards) lifestyle for the next 4-5 years, which is something at least.
Accepts:
    access. No RA, for which I am kicking myself, because I could have taken it as an elective in my EE MS program. No clue how adcoms view EE/signal processing (which is very much proof based calc at times) RESULTS: Acceptances: Stanford GSB Finance ($$$$), UCSD($), uArizona
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Finance PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No mention Notification date: Feb 14 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: I'm blown away right now
  • Institution: UCSD Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Letter coming later Notification Date: 3/10/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Relieved. This is the school a priori I thought I'd most likely attend. So even though I'll probably turn them down for Stanford GSB, it's just good to know that I wouldn't have been completely shut out if I hadn't had that fluke admit.
  • Institution: u Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: ?? Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: Unofficial e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Expected, but appreciated. This was my last minute safety school. I feel pretty good that my self-assessment of likely admits was pretty much dead-on, given this and UCSD (and my implicit waitlist at Kellogg). I will reject this for my completely unexpected Stanford GSB admit, so I'm glad to be spared a potentially difficult choice between a well-funded uA offer and a minimally funded UCSD offer.
Rejects:
    rejected) Rejections: Princeton, NYU, Wharton, Booth, Berkeley, UCLA, CMU
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 10 Notified through:Email Posted on GC: yes Comments: "Our applicant pool is outstanding and unfortunately we cannot offer admission to all good candidates." Very disappointed, this was one of my top choices.
  • Institution: uChicago Booth MOB Decision: Rejected Funding: N/a Notification date: Feb 16 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Slighty disappointed, but I had already convinced myself that Stanford GSB dominates them in my interests, so no biggie.
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Not unexpected, it was a bad fit, which I realized as I was prepping my SOP for them. I regret not applying to MIT/Sloan instead, but I guess I went on a Cali kick when selecting schools.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Expected, given how things have been trending.I would be feeling incredibly depressed and hopeless right now if it weren't for Stanford GSB.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/8/2011 Notified through: Checked website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Not unexpected given the talk of waitlists over the weekend. Strictly dominated by other offer, so only hurts my ego, not my future.
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - NA Notification date: 03/11/2011 Notified through: email
  • Institution: NYU Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: Official e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Oh well, I figured that this was the case. They must have read the complaints I posted on this board Stanford it is then!
  • Institution: Kellogg MEDS Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/18/11 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Not surprising, I guess I was on their implicit waitlist, and they realized that they wouldn't need to draw from it. Overall a bit disappointing, because before decisions started rolling in they were my top pick of schools I thought I had a decent chance of getting. Of course things have changed a lot since then, and I'm happy with the way things turned out.
  • Institution: Columbia GSAS MA in Mathematics of Finance Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 06/22/2011 Notified through: e-mail to check site Posted on GF: No Comments: The Columbia PhD application had the option to also apply to an MA program for no additional cost. I figured why not, so I checked that box, and submitted to them the same exact SOP as I did to Economics. I don't particularly care, since I've accepted an offer elsewhere, but I am amused because I thought I was finished with getting rejection letters.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Columbia (asked to be removed), Kellogg MEDS (implicit, later
  • Institution: Columbia Economics PhD Decision: Waitlist Funding: Full Notification date: 3/8/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC : yes Comments: My very first wait-list, I'll probably ask to be removed when they ask later.

SlowLearner38 2011:
Institution: U of Arizona
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Pending
Notification date: 3/17/11
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Long story...
Accepts:
  • Institution: U of Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Pending Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Long story...
Rejects:
Waitlists:

unfallible 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 50 State School (flagship), BS Econ, BA Philosophy
Undergrad GPA: 3.9
Type of Grad:N/A
Grad GPA:N/A
GRE: 800Q, 760V, 5.5AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Intro Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Intro to Proofs, Linear Algebra, Intro Real Analysis (All As, except for A- in Linear Algebra)
Econ Courses: Intro/Intermediate Micro/Macro, Econometrics, Industrial Organization, Game Theory, Labor (All As); Grad Level: Math for Economists (B+)
Other Courses: Intro Probability
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Economics Professors I had in class + one administrator that I did something significant with (vague to protect anonymity)
Research Experience: Senior Thesis
Teaching Experience: 2 semesters TA (Intermediate Micro and Labor)
Research Interests: Labor, IO
SOP: brief, with a 'cutesy' anecdote about incentives
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UT Austin ($$), Ohio State ($$), UC Davis ($), UC Irvine ($), UArizona($), UNC Chapel Hill (?)
Waitlists: Berkeley(rejected), Georgetown (declined)
Rejections: MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, UCLA,UCSD,Cornell,CMU,Maryland,Penn State
Pending: UIUC(Never responded. Maybe my application didn't fully go through?)
Attending: UTAustin
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UT Austin ($$), Ohio State ($$), UC Davis ($), UC Irvine ($), UArizona($), UNC Chapel Hill (?)
  • Institution: Ohio State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ? Notification Date:2/10/2012 Notified through: Online status change Posted on GC: no Comments: Anyone know if they have posted financial packages?
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Out of State Tuition Remission + 17k TA stipend Notification date: 2/18 Notified through: online status change. Followed by email the following day. Posted on GC: no Comments: Was not expecting this one! Just decided to check status randomly.
  • Institution: UT Austin Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: ?? Notification 2/24/12 Notified through: website, checked after saw reddavies post Posted on GC: No Comments: I'm getting more admits than I expected for it being so early!
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ~7k (I think this is per semester. Otherwise this is a joke...) Notification date: March 26 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments:
Rejects:
    rejected), Georgetown (declined) Rejections: MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, UCLA,UCSD,Cornell,CMU,Maryland,Penn State
  • Institution: MIT Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification Date: 2/29/2012 Notified Through: Email to check webpage Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: na Notification date: 3/1/12 Notified through: application Posted on GC: no Comments: ^econphdhopeful2 says it all
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: rejected Funding: n/a Notification Date: March 2 Notified Through: Website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: Notification Date: 3/2/12 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Thought I had this one...
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin Economics Ph.D. Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/7/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Maryland Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N.A. Notification Date: 3/9/2012 Notified through: Website Status Posted on GC: No Comments: Surprised by this. Thought I had a good shot here
  • Institution: Penn State Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: March 9 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics. Decision: Rejected. Funding: Notification date: March 23. Notified through: email. Posted on GC: No. Comments: I had hoped to get in here...
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Berkeley(
  • Institution: Berkeley Ph.D Economics Decision: Waitlist Funding: NA Notification Date: 2/27/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Best I could have hoped for...
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: NA Notification date: March 9 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No


Rejections:

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

ICECOLDECON 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Economics and B.S. Geography (did 2 undergrad degrees with minors in Math and History).....Econ dept ranked around 50 in US....large state school.
Undergrad GPA: 3.66
Type of Grad: M.A. in Economics from a program that offers a PhD, but its PhD program would be ranked near last in the U.S. Took some undergrad math courses during my time here
Grad GPA: 3.88ish I think
GRE: 1st Time (2006): 760 Q 520 V 5.5 AWA 2nd Time (2008) 780 Q 540 V 5.0 AWA
Courses taken in my last 2 years:
Math Economics A
Regulation/Antitrust A+
Bridge to Abstract Math A+
Law and Economics A
Economic Development A-
Economics of Health A
Econometrics I A-
Econometrics II B+
Econometrics III B+
Linear Algebra I A
Math Statistics B+ (School I took this at doesnt give A-'s)
Differential Equations A
Microeconomics I A+
Aggregate Economics B+
Intermediate Analysis I (Rudin ch 1-4) A
Elementary Abstract Algebra A
Economic Policy Analysis A
Urban Economics A
Intermediate Analysis II (Cross-Listed with Grad Real Analysis I) Sp 09
Letters 9of Recommendation: All from Economics professors who are not well-known for research but 2 of the 3 should be very enthusiastic. PhDs from Texas AM (2) and UC San Diego
Research Experience: Have papers Ive written.....Havent done anything with them.
Teaching Experience: TA for Principles of Microeconomics for 1 yr
Research Interests: Microeconomic Theory and IO
Concerns: Low Econometrics grades....think I can do better in PhD program....took Econometrics I and II before Lin Alg and Math Stat. Also, had an attendence related F for Lin Alg as an undergrad...had a complicated F in Calc III (was getting a B-/C+, but wanted to use my school's grade forgiveness, so I got the required F) hoping strong math grades in other classes make up for this
Applying to: Ohio State, Texas, Michigan State, Virginia, Arizona, and Oregon
Admits: Texas (Full TA), MSU (no $)
Rejects: OSU, UVA, UAZ
Withdrew App: Oregon
Attending: Texas
Some of the things I learned from the process:
(1) I think the main benefit of a US masters degree, for someone who already has a degree in economics, is to develop relationships with professors who will be able to write strong letters on your behalf. My masters program was particularly small and I took some of the less popular electives, so I wound up having classes with less than 5 students, which provide students with a good deal of interaction with faculty. Also, make use of seminar series and other social interaction opportunities given by the department. If you have smart questions or comments, its not a horrible idea to convey those, either after class or through email (just dont be obsessive about it and dont force it). Probably the single best asset a student can have is a well-written personalized letter of recommendation (esp if the professors have contacts at your school of choice) and these steps help to make that a reality.
(2) If you have messups in your academic record, particularly in math and economics, don't be afraid to talk about the reasons for the poor grades in your SOP. I talked about my poor math grades in 3-5 of my SOPs: Texas, MSU, and OSU and I went 2 out of 3 at those schools (not to mention, I was pretty close to getting in at OSU). Now other things could be at play, but at the very least, I don't think mentioning my poor math grades hurt me. Also, I would think by not mentioning reasons for poor grades, adcoms are likely to assume the worst.
(3) Try to write an economics paper or do some sort of research that you can talk about in a SOP. It doesn't have to be anything that you publish, or even the quality of an honor's thesis, it just helps out in showing that you have an interest in performing research. I wrote two papers in my classes for my masters program, and even though I never did anything with them, I was still able to talk about the research in my SOP. On a related note, make sure to mention that you have an interest in doing research (even if your ultimate goal is govt/consulting/teaching).
(4) Take a decent amount of economics electives. I know that profiles like 15 classes in math with intermediate micro/macro can gain admission to a good many econ programs and that PhD econ classes don't resemble (from a methodology/math standpoint) the stuff that is taught at PhD programs, but there are still reasons to think that this a good strategy: (i) As discussed in point (1), it is important to have good letters from econ professors, and by taking upper level econ electives, you improve your chances at this (ii) it is likely, that at some point, you will either teach or ta an undergrad econ class, and by exposing yourself to different teaching methodologies within the field, you may help your performance in one or both of these tasks (iii) you'll have something to say about what topics in economics interest you and why you are drawn to economics as a discipline.
(5) Take at least the std math load if possible: Calc I-III, Lin Alg, Math Stat and Prob (uses calculus), and Real Analysis. Whenever you are given the choice b/t an applied and a theoretical version of the same math course, take the more theoretical course (i.e. applied lin alg vs. lin alg). Depending on your background and goals, if you are deficient in math, consider taking courses as non-degree seeking undergrad.
(6) Use the profile and results section to try and get an idea of the range of schools that you should apply to.....professors who have been out of the game for a bit will tend to think that you can get into schools that are likely better than you can get into....try to apply to a good range of schools (targets, safeties, and possibly some reaches if you feel the need....I would say that if you have a good idea of proper targets, then the third category is least important, especially if you are cash-strapped).
(7) Become as informed about a dept as possible through the dept's website. It helps to read infro from dept newsletters and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the information posted about the grad program. Then use this information to your advantage when creating a SOP.....if for nothing else, this puts out a strong signal to the dept that you are very interested in their program (depts are looking for good students who won't reject their offers and this sends the I won't reject signal).
Accepts:
  • Institution: UT Austin Econ Decision: Admit Funding: Not at the time....will be reevaluated April 15th Notification date: 3-10-09 Notified through: email Comments: My first decision after a bazillion years of waiting!
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Admit Funding: They like me.....they just dont want to express their feelings in monetary terms Notification date: 3/16/2009 Notified through: email Comments: I have grown more fond of Texas recently and neither school made it easy by offering no funding :O/ But still, I am pleased.
Rejects:
    reject their offers and this sends the I won't reject signal).
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Small chance at 3 million dollars (if I play my state lottery) Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Email Comments: Saves me the effort of declining their offer I suppose
  • Institution: Ohio State Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: April 29, 2009 Notified through: Website (Your application for admission was not approved) Comments: Took them long enough I suppose....
Waitlists:

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

nguoibantren 2010: I do feel embarrassed posting my profile here considering seeing how awesome everyone else's is compared to mine :D But I'll do it anyway:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Business Econ. Not a very well known public University
Undergrad GPA: 3.91. Honor student
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: None
GRE: 800Q, 480V, 3.5AWA (took twice)
Math Courses: Cal I (clep out), Calculus 2 (IP), linear algebra, Probability and applied statistic, Statistic, College Algebra, Econometrics, Statistical analysis (econ department)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Standard undergraduate program, micro, macro, intermediate micro, macro, history of economic thoughts, labor econ, managerial economics, Economic of health care...
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors and 1 management professor. Well, I get to see 2 of them, and they are not very exciting letters.
Research Experience: Honor thesis (due in May)
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Applied economics, international economics, industrial organiztion
Statement of purpose: quite standard
Concerns: Weak AWA score, weak maths, not very strong LORs, probably everything. Also, it's would be super hard for me if I don't get any financial aid.
Applying to: Florida State Uni, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Northeastern, Boston Uni., Rice, Uni. of Houston, Virginia, Purdue, Uni. of NM, Washington State Uni., Clemson, George Mason, Uni. Of Cali at Riverside, MTSU, SMU
Accepts:
  • Institution: WSU Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: not decided yet Notification date: 02/07/2010 Notified through: email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No
Rejects:
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/16 Notified Through: E-mail Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comments: goodbye Houston :)
  • Institution: U Arizona Economics Decision: Reject Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: A very [I think] personalized letter explaining why I should not apply for a PhD this semester but wait until Fall 2010. While sad, I appreciaate the thoughts put into it.
Waitlists:

blackwhite 2010:
Institution: Georgetown
Program:PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 2/22
Notified through: Mail
Posted on GF: yes
Comments:
Institution: Pittsburgh
Program:PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Decision is still being made
Notification date: 2/26
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: yes
Comments:
Institution: Carnegie Mellon
Program:PhD Economics
Decision: Waitlisted
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/19
Notified through: Personal email
Posted on GF: No
Comment: Those who were admitted to CMU please tell them that you don't wanna got there asap if you have better option. Many thanks...
Accepts:
  • Institution: NC State Economics Decision: admitted Funding: None Available Notification Date: February 12 Notified: website Posted on Gradcafe: yes, February 12 Comments: Does anyone know what "none available" means for assistantship part?
  • Institution: Pittsburgh Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decision is still being made Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: yes Comments:
  • Institution: UC Riverside Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted for fellowship Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: "due to the California budget crisis, the number of fellowships we are able to offer has been severely reduced". I need funding man!..
  • Institution: Claremont Graduate University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 35% tuition, 2k RA-ship for a year Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Their funding offer is really interesting... But better than having nothing...
Rejects:
  • Institution: UC Davis ARE PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 2/12 Notified Through: website Posted on Grad Cafe: Yes, 2/12
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/16 Notified Through: E-mail Posted on Grad Cafe: Yes, 2/16
  • Institution: Yale Economics Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 2/18 Notified Through: Checked Online Status Posted on Grad Cafe: Yes, 2/18 Comment: I am sooo sad
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/22 Notified through: Mail Posted on GF: yes Comments:
  • Institution: Rochester Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: 6th rejection :(
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: email Comments: expected but still sad... :(
  • Institution: Rochester Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: 6th rejection
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: email Comments: expected but still sad...
  • Institutioninstitution: Emory Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: no Comments: unexpected
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10 Notified through: Mail Posted on GC: No Comment: As expected... but still hurts
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No.
  • Institution: Arizona Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/15 Notified through: Email Comment: Soooo sad.... I was so hopeful....
  • Institution: CalTech Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Finally!
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Randomly check Testudo website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Arizona State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: checked website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/23/2010 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Washington U - St Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 04/05/2010 Notified through: Mass Email Posted on GC: No Comment:
  • Institution: CMU Economics Decision: Rejected off the waitlist Funding: NA Notification date: 4/12/10 Notified through: E-mail Comments: No Comment
  • Institution: UCI Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 4/13/10 Notified through: Randomly checked website Comments: No Comment
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: Personal email Posted on GF: No Comment: Those who were admitted to CMU please tell them that you don't wanna got there asap if you have better option. Many thanks...
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: Personal email Posted on GF: No Comment: Those who were admitted to CMU please tell them that you don't wanna got there asap if you have better option. Many thanks...

The MAN 2011:
Type of Undergrad: BS in Economics, minor in Bus. Admin. at Illinois State Uni
Undergrad GPA: 3.38 overall, a little better in econ.
Type of Grad: MA in Applied Economics from Illinois State Uni
Grad GPA: 4.0 (still have 1 year left, but I don't expect this to change)
GRE: 800 Q, 560 V, 4.0 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I (C), Calc II (C) [both taken a decade ago when I was a freshman and not too mature], Calc III (A+), Advanced Probability Models (A), Linear Algebra (A+), Real Analysis (in progress)
Econ Courses (grad-level): MA level Micro, Macro, Econometrics (3 courses), and a few electives that probably won't factor into my admission decision (All A's)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Pretty much everything I could take: Econometrics I, II (A, A), Telecom Econ (B), Managerial Econ (A), Micro (B), Macro (A), Law and Econ (B), Money and Banking (B), Labor Econ (B), Organizational Econ (A), Enviro & Natural Resource Econ (B)
Other Courses: Standard classes needed to get a bachelor's
Letters of Recommendation: 3 that should range from good to outstanding from econ professors who's PhDs are from: U of Houston, U of Chicago, and UC-Berkley.
Research Experience: A little over a year of RA work. This includes co-authoring a paper submitted for publishing (no word back on acceptance or denial yet)
Teaching Experience: Some TA work done while in the masters program. Also, I have some tutoring experience from undergrad.
Research Interests: Health, Applied Micro, IO, maybe experimental, maybe Labor, maybe metrics (If I start thinking about a topic long enough I end up generating interest in it)
SOP: Should be pretty good. I'm going to talk about my past (since I have a little bit of an unusual profile having left school for 5 years to work), why I want a PhD, why school X fits me, and why I fit school X.
Concerns: My undergrad grades range from terrible to okay, but there is nothing outstanding. I lack some math courses (although I have killed all the recent classes I've taken).
Other: Between my undergrad and master's I spent 5 years working. Most of that time I was a Financial Consultant for a large regional bank (at the time it was the 8th largest bank in the U.S.).
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Kentucky ($) and Michigan State
Waitlists: North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Rejections: Duke, UIUC, Cornell, Iowa, Arizona, Texas-Austin,
Pending: None
What would you have done differently?
If I had known that I would ultimately go for a PhD in economics as an undergrad I would have taken more math and applied myself more in all of my classes to carry a higher GPA. But since I didn't decide to do a PhD until after I had graduated, I can't say that I would have changed much in what I did. I loved doing my master's at ISU and feel that it helped me significantly (better LORs, more math, and great GPA somewhat answered the questions my undergrad/age generated). I probably would not have applied to University of Iowa (I didn't realize how poorly I matched with the school when I was applying because I focused more on their recent placements) and applied to a different mid-ranged PhD program.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Kentucky ($) and Michigan State
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: None in the first year, possibility of funding in the second year Notification date: 3/9/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: My first official admit, I'm pretty excited. Now I can stop fretting about getting shut out (and hopefully focus and get my capstone and independent study completed).
  • Institution: Kentucky Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: TA - tuition, stipend (details coming later), health plan Notification date: 03/28/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Looks like I'm headed to Kentucky (Also, I was admitted to the program a while back and just got word that they will offer funding).
  • Institution: MSU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Econ. of Ed. Fellowship (off the waitlist) Notification date: April 8 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Craziest outcome to date. I had been accepted without (it explicitly said no funding, not waitlisted for funding) funding to MSU (and their Econ. of Ed. program). Since I can't afford to self-fund and I have another funded offer, I turned down the acceptance without funding. This morning I received an e-mail from Dr. Wooldridge saying that I was on the waitlist had have subsequently received funding.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Duke, UIUC, Cornell, Iowa, Arizona, Texas-Austin,
  • Institution: Duke PHD economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/25/2011 Notified through: e-mail to check website Posted on GC: no Comments: Glad to finally hear something, disappointed that it is a reject.
  • Institution: UIUC Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/14/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GradCafe: no Comment: This was my top choice, but I knew it was a bit of a stretch.
  • Institution: Texas Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/14/11 Notified through: Website Posted on GradCafe: no Comment: Decided to check the status of my application this afternoon. Unfortunately, I was denied admission.
  • Institution: U of Iowa Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GradCafe: no Comments: I probably wouldn't have attended even if I was accepted. It was a pretty poor match for my research interests and I only applied because of their placements.
  • Institution: u Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Looks more and more like I'm headed towards KY
  • Institution: Cornell Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification Date: 03/25/2011 Notified Through: Email Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Not a surprise at all. Good to finally hear.
  • Institution: U of Arizona Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/29/2011 Notified through: US postal service Posted on GC: no Comments: Just received a letter saying the same thing as the TWO rejection e-mails I received earlier said. Yup, Arizona really doesn't want me.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: North Carolina-Chapel Hill
  • Institution: UNC-Chapel Hill Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: ? Notification date: 03/31/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: If I get admitted off the waitlist (with funding) it would be intriguing, otherwise I'm headed to UKY.

AREStudentHopeful 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. in economics from a satellite state school
Undergrad GPA: 3.35, 3.7 in econ
Type of Grad: M.A. Agricultural and Resource Economics from a large state school
Grad GPA: 3.45 (health problems in fall semester dropped from 3.6 to 3.45)
GRE: 780Q, 590V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (C, B, B+), Linear Algebra (A), Axiomatic Systems-Intro to Proofs (A), Intro to Stats (A), Advanced ODE (B)
Econ Courses (masters-level): Micro, Math for Econ, Applied Metrics, Agricultural Production, Water Economics, Research Methods in Economics, Natural Resource
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to micro, intro to macro, intermediate micro, intermediate macro, advanced macro, environmental, natural resource, comparative systems, developmental, money and banking, econometrics
Other Courses: Many environmental science courses
Letters of Recommendation: 5 econ professors (1 Davis ARE, 1 U Colorado, 1 Berkeley ARE, 1 NC State, 1 U Chicago) depending on what school I'm applying to based on their connections
Research Experience: RAed for an econ prof in undergrad, worked as an RA both years of my masters including one project that I'm getting published in a low-tier journal, masters thesis
Teaching Experience: TA for intro to micro and natural resource econ
Research Interests: Environmental is the main one, plus behavioral, urban and game theory on the side. I'm actually one of the few ARE-type people who enjoy theory (and macro).
SOP: Pretty standard plus very detailed paragraph individual to each school
Concerns: Not as stellar math grades as many of you, low undergrad GPA, no RA (a sin on this forum!)
RESULTS:
Attending: UCSB
Acceptances: UCSB ($?)
Waitlists: Wyoming
Rejections: UCSD, UCLA, Berkeley ARE, Davis ARE, U Colorado, U Arizona, ASU, NC State, Rutgers, Duke, Maryland ARE, Georgetown, NSF
Comments:
I'll stress how much letter of recommendation's matter. Just one unfortunate letter of recommendation seems to have diminished my results greatly. I would think that an acceptance from Colorado, Davis, Arizona and NC State would be likely without that letter of recommendation problem. That being said, I would pick UCSB over any of them so I am very happy with my result. I could probably have been on the borderline for ASU as well, and possibly Rutgers or Georgetown, but no regrets! For more insight into my comments on the process see here: http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-econo...n-process.html (Advice from a 2 1/2-Year Application Process)
Accepts:
    Attending: UCSB Acceptances: UCSB ($?)
  • Institution: UC Santa Barbara Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Pending Notification date: Feb 14 Notified through: website Posted on GC: no Comments: Woohoo, first acceptance of the season! My nerves are somewhat calmer now...
Rejects:
    Rejections: UCSD, UCLA, Berkeley ARE, Davis ARE, U Colorado, U Arizona, ASU, NC State, Rutgers, Duke, Maryland ARE, Georgetown, NSF Comments: I'll stress how much letter of recommendation's matter. Just one unfortunate letter of recommendation seems to have diminished my results greatly. I would think that an
  • Institution: Maryland AREc PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 01/21/11 Notified through: Email notice for decision posted in online application status Posted on GF: no Comments: 1 down, 13 to go...now I'm starting to remember why I filled out all those applications
  • Institution: North Carolina State University , Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/11/2011 Notified through: Online status Posted on GF: No Comments: Rough start to the season with these two...
  • Institution: Davis ARE PhD Decision: rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 2/23/2011 Notified through: checked the web status Posted on GF: no Comments: 'Nother one down.
  • Institution: Rutgers Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 2/24/2011 Notified through: web status Posted on GC: no
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 02/28/2011 Notified through: via email Posted on GC: no Comment: Saw this one coming a mile away
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Kind of nice that they did them all in one day.
  • Institution: CU Boulder Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments: not surprised...
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: snail mail Posted on GC: no Comments: 5 more to go
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Agricultural & Resource Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/14 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: only 4 more to go!
  • Institution: u Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Rough season, this one
  • Institution: ASU Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 4/1/11 Notified through: myASU website Posted on GF: No Comments: Only one admit this season? Crazy
  • Institution: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 4/5 Notified through: email Posted on GC: no Comments: last year of eligibility
  • Institution: UCSD Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/06 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: 'bout time!
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Wyoming
  • Institution: U Wyoming Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/08 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No

petecheese 2011:
Type of Undergrad: BA in Business Finance. Top Univ in middle east
Undergrad GPA: 82/100 (3.4/4.0)
Type of Grad: M.A. in Economics from same university
Grad GPA: 91/100 (4.0/4.0)
GRE: 780Q 470V 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc 1 (AP), Calc 2 (AP), Calc 3 (98/100), Linear Algebra (87/100), ODE (83/100), Econ Stats (80/100)
Econ Courses: Intermediate micro (87), Intermediate macro (99), Econometrics (80). Lots of grad courses (Micro, Macro, econometrics, monetary, etc...) Almost all 90+
Other Courses: A lot of finance courses (although lost interest in finance as field of study but had them from Ugrad)
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from professor and chair, PHD York (Really good letter), 1 from assistant prof, PHD Princeton (Very enthusiastic), 1 from assistant professor PHD Toulouse (standard), 1 from visiting professor (Should be good)
Research Experience: RA for about a year. Recent conference presentation in Poland (awaiting scientific board for publication in conference proceedings)
Teaching Experience: GA/TA for 2 years (undergrad and grad econometrics)
Research Interests: Development, Applied micro (empirical mostly), and applied econometrics
Concerns: Low Ugrad GPA, No proof based math courses, semi unknown school
RESULTS:
Attending: Texas A&M (TAMU)
Acceptances: Iowa State, Virginia Tech, BGSE (UPF), Tinbergen, Uconn
Rejections: UIUC, PSU, Wisconsin-madison, Rice, Toronto (doctoral Stream), Tilburg, Arizona, BC, UNC (initially wait listed)
Comments:
Honestly, i was really happy with my results and quite surprised. I had a weak-average Undergrad performance to make up, and come from a relatively unknown Middle Eastern school.
I think what did it for me was LORS. I cannot emphasize how important LORs are, and how important it is to build good relations with professors (RA, TA, visit office hours and talk about research, etc...).
Also for some smaller programs (specifically Vtech if anyone is ever interested in that school ), i think what got me in was my SOP. Very tailored to their school. I think people underestimate the role of the SOP. Outside of the top 10, i think it can be a very useful tool and should be taken seriously (ofcourse this does not apply to all schools outside the top10, but for some of the smaller programs, "fit" is very important.
In the end, Thank GOD this whole process is done, and i am more than happy to attend TAMU , although the location i am not so ecstatic about :P.
Accepts:
    Attending: Texas A&M (TAMU) Acceptances: Iowa State, Virginia Tech, BGSE (UPF), Tinbergen, Uconn
  • Institution: Barcelona GSE MSc in Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Notification date: 01/24/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: Shocked since I applied 5 days ago and another student from my university got in as well!
  • Institution: Virginia Tech (VT) PHD economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Full funding TA Notification date: 02/24/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: yes Comment: Still waiting on a lot of schools.
  • Institution: Tinbergen Institute MPhil Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 03/03/2011 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No Comments: None
  • Institution: Texas A&M Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 3/4/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments:
  • Institution: Iowa State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlist Notification date: 3/18/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Iowa State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/21/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments:
  • Institution: Uconn Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Yup-TA Notification date: 03/23/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments:
Rejects:
    Rejections: UIUC, PSU, Wisconsin-madison, Rice, Toronto (doctoral Stream), Tilburg, Arizona, BC, UNC (initially
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 15 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: Bummed.. Did not even know they only had place for 7 people. Shouldn't have applied
  • Institution: UIUC Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb. 17 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC:No Comments: Crappers.. I actually liked the school a lot. thought it was a good fit. Oh well
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/8/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: Penn state university (PSU) Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: hmmmm Notification date: 03/11/11 Notified through: Email Comment: Last name starts with M in case any penn staters still waiting for their decisions. Good luck
  • Institution: Wisconsin-Madison Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: They have really cut down on acceptances this year. But still expected
  • Institution: u Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: What a great year to be applying to econ PHDs. Really rough season. Happy with my admits though.
  • Institution: UNC - CH Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 04/14/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments:
  • Institution: Toronto MA (Doctoral Stream) Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/8/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: International = nightmare for canada. Weird system
  • Institution: Tilburg Mphil Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/18/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments:
Waitlists:
    wait listed) Comments: Honestly, i was really happy with my results and quite surprised. I had a weak-average Undergrad performance to make up, and come from a relatively unknown Middle Eastern school. I think what did it for me was LORS. I cannot emphasize how important LORs are, and how important it is to build good relations with professors (RA, TA, visit office hours and talk about research, etc...). Also for some smaller programs (specifically Vtech if anyone is ever interested in that school ), i think what got me in was my SOP. Very tailored to their school. I think people underestimate the role of the SOP. Outside of the top 10, i think it can be a very useful tool and should be taken seriously (ofcourse this does not apply to all schools outside the top10, but for some of the smaller programs, "fit" is very important. In the end, Thank GOD this whole process is done, and i am more than happy to

LowExpectations 2011:
Institution: Claremont Graduate University
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Acepted
Funding: No
Notification date: 3/8/11
Notified through: Email
Posted on GC: Yes
Comment: I'll apply for an external fellowship, but it's so expensive. I really want to attend there, but it is hard to happen.
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/17/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: No so sad, almost expected.
  • Institution: University of Calgary Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/29/2011 Notified through: Email with official letter attached. Posted on GradCafe: Yes. Comments: It hurts. The Canadian dream is gone.
Waitlists:

k2011 2011:
Institution: U of Arizona
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification date: 03/17/2011
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GC: no
Comments: oh well...
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: U of Arizona Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/17/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: oh well...
Waitlists:

econsd 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BSc in Economics with a Business Minor
Undergrad GPA: 3.731
Type of Grad: MSc in Economics from same school
Grad GPA: 4.00
GRE: First try: 740Q,410V,4.5AWA Second try: 158Q,152V,4.0AWA
Math Courses: Intro to Prob and Stats (Calc Based) (A), Cal 1-3 (B,B,A), Differential Equations (B), Elementary Logic and Sets (Intro to Proofs) (A), Matrix Algebra (A), Linear Algebra (B), Real Analysis (A), Statistics 2 (A)
Grad Econ Courses: Marketing Research (A), International Econ (A), Industrial Organization (A), History of Econ Thought (A), Labor Econ (A), Advanced Micro (A), Research Methods (A), Time Series Econometrics(A), Advanced Macro (A), Econometrics (A)
Econ Courses: Principles of Micro (A), Principles of Macro (A), Marketing (A), Money and Banking (B), Inter Micro (A), Inter Macro (A), Public Finance (A), Math Econ (A), Stats II (Econ Department) (B)
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: Grad advisor and 2 from Grad professors. All are from top 50 schools or very close but are not well known in researching or publications. I believe all were very strong.
Research Experience: Graduate Thesis, Co-Author with a professor ( Published ), class: Research Methodology in Applied Econ, Conference Presentation w/ thesis advisor
Teaching Experience:
Research Interests: Health Economics/Applied Micro
SOP: I spent a lot of time on this because of setbacks in my profile and modified it for each school
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UK($), UGA($), FL St. ($), CO(-), NCSU(?), OR(?), Kansas($), WA St($), IUPUI($), OR St.(?), MO(-)
Waitlists:
Rejections: WI-Madison, Duke, VA, Vandy, MSU, AZ, UNC Chapel Hill, Purdue
Pending: 1
Attending: Emory ($)
What would you have done differently? The weaknesses, in my opinion, in my application were my GRE score and my undergraduate/MSc university. I wouldn't have transferred based on friends, relationships, and a co-authorship. The only thing I would have done differently is study more for the GRE instead of taking its impact so lightly. If you would have told me I had a choice between 12 acceptances at the beginning of the cycle I wouldn't have believed it. I'm thrilled with my results and very excited to attend Emory. Thanks for everyone who was there to talk it out in tiny chat for the past few months and good luck with your programs.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UK($), UGA($), FL St. ($), CO(-), NCSU(?), OR(?), Kansas($), WA St($), IUPUI($), OR St.(?), MO(-)
  • Institution:North Carolina State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: ? Notification date: 2/9/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Comments: This is a good start and helps calm the nerves.
  • Institution: Washington State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Assistantship Notification Date: 2/10/2012 Notified through: Admission: Mail, Funding:E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Kentucky Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TA + Fellowship Notification Date: 2/14/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Comment: Happy Valentines Day
  • Institution: University of Missouri - Columbia Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: None available at the moment, will notify after April 15th if funding becomes available. Notification 2/24/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Down to 16 pending..
  • Institution:Emory Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Assistantship Notification date: 2/27/12 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I had a blast at the fly-out and I'm very excited I have this as an option.
  • Institution: IUPUI Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Assistantship Notification date: 2/28/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This program began in fall 2010. It matches my health research interests perfectly. However, it is new so I can not research placement/ranking/etc.. If anyone has opinions or comments about this program please message me.
  • Institution: Oregon State Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Will notify me if funding becomes available Notification date: 3/6/12 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: University of Oregon Economics Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: Still reviewing for funding decisions Notification date: 3/6/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Looking forward to hearing about funding.
  • Institution: University of Colorado at Boulder Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No first year funding, 2nd year+ funding if proper grades Notification Date: 3/8/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Would have been another good option if there was first year funding
  • Institution: University of Kansas Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: First year fellowship, the following four years either TA/RA Notification Date: 3/8/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Georgia Economics PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: $16,667 Assistantship + 3k scholarship (but $1,095 in fees each semester and no health insurance) Notification Date: 3/16/2012 Notified Through: E-mail Posted to GC: No Comments: I'm glad to have this as an option but the fees and health insurance issue brings this offer less then most of my other offers.
  • Institution: Florida State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 19k per year (4 years) + 3k scholarship first year. Notification Date: 3/18/2012 Notified Through: email Posted to GC: No Comments: Time to start making some big decisions
Rejects:
    Rejections: WI-Madison, Duke, VA, Vandy, MSU, AZ, UNC Chapel Hill, Purdue
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification Date: 2/10/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/12 Notified through: Checked Website (no email) Posted on GC: No Comments: I figured but I had to try
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/5/2012 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/7/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: March 26 Notified through: I emailed them asking about my status. The official letters will come out in 2-4 weeks. Posted on GC: No Comments: 4 schools left...
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: March 26 Notified through: I emailed them asking about my status. The official letters will come out in 2 weeks. Posted on GC: No Comments: 3 schools left...
  • Institution: Purdue University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/18/12 Notified through: email Comments:
  • Institution: UNC - Chapel Hill Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/15/12 at 11:30 pm Notified through: email Comments:
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: --- Notification date: 4/26/12 Notified through: email Comments: well... the only use for this post is +1 in post count
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

GAmbler29 2012:
Institution: UVA
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification Date: 2.09.2012
Notified through: email to check web
Posted on GC: No
Comments: what went wrong?
Accepts:
  • Institution: Texas A&M Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: NA Notification date: 03/19/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: where's my money man ?
Rejects:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 2.09.2012 Notified through: email to check web Posted on GC: No Comments: what went wrong?
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/19/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: worst week ever
  • Institution: Tilburg Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/20/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: 500 applicants... who cares!?
  • Institution: Arizona University (Tucson) Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/21/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: why does it still hurt!?
Waitlists:


Waitlists:

irancontra 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Grad: BS in Economics Liberal Arts University
Grad GPA: Summa Cum Laude
GRE: 770Q, 630V, 5.0 AWA
Letters of Recommendation: 3 undergraduate econ professors (1 well known)
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: Undergraduate TA
Research Interests: development, resource economics, remittances.
SOP: pretty standard
Concerns: I have been out of academics for 5 years. Two spent working abroad in development, not the Peace Corps, and 3 in business.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
Rejections: ASU
Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UCSB, UCSC
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: I asked them, they told me. Comments: It was strange, I emailed to make sure that they had recieved my GTF application and they said, oh yeah we have it and by the way your admitted with funding pending.
  • Institution: UW-Seattle Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No Funding at this time. Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: Email Comments: Rain = good study weather.
Rejects:
    Rejections: ASU
  • Institution: UCLA Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail/attachment Comments: Rats, I really like Westwood.
  • Institution: Stanford Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/09, 11:58 AM Pacific Notified through: E-mail Comments: I much prefer rejection to lingering uncertainty.
  • Institution: University of Arizona Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Would be ironic if there were. Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: Email Comments: I like the sun.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 Notified through: E-mail Comments: You have been judged and found wanting.
Waitlists:
    Waiting: Stanford, U Washington, U Oregon, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside (Masters), USC (Masters), UCSD, U Arizona
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 21 accepted out of 34 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.68, average GREQ was 790.6.
No link to department posted statistics has been added, please let me know if these exist and I will add them.

Links:
Test Magic Econ Forums
econphd.econwiki.com
Last Updated: 14:58:27, Fri May 11, 2012