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grahamcoxon 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. in Economics from top university in my country (who has always placed students in top US PhDs)
Undergrad GPA: Econ 28.73 / 30 (= 3.83 / 4.0 ); Overall 28.27 / 30 ( = 3.77 / 4.0 )
Type of Grad: 2 years long MSc in Economics from the same university
Grad GPA: Econ 28.73 / 30 (= 3.83 / 4.0 ); Overall 28.73 / 30 (= 3.83 / 4.0 )
GRE: 790 Q, 520 V, 4.0 A
Math Courses:
Undergraduate: Mathematics (29/30; one year long course), Statistics and Probability (30/30), Econometrics (30/30)
Graduate: Multivariate Analysis (30/30), Microeconometrics (28/30)
Econ Courses:
Undergraduate: Industrial History (30/30); Microeconomics (27/30); Industrial Organization (30/30); Macroeconomics (29/30); Organization Theory (28/30); International Trade (29/30); Innovation and Industrial Dynamics (27/30); Economic Policy (28/30); Technology and Economic Development (28/30); International Monetary Economics (30 cum laude / 30)
Graduate:International Trade (30/30); Industiral Organization (29/30); Theory of the Firm and Corporate Governance (27/30); Business History (30/30); Economics of Innovation (29/30); Labour Economics (27/30); Public Economics (29/30).
Other Courses: Undergraduate: German Language, International Financial Markets, Innovation Management, … ; Graduate: Knowledge and Innovation Management, Comparative Politics, Spanish Language, …
Letters of Recommendation: associate econ professor and MSc thesis advisor (PhD UCLA); full econ professor and teacher of graduate labour econ (PhD NYU); associate econ professor and RA supervisor (PhD Northwestern); at least two of them are very very strong letters from people who know me well; two letter-writers are well-known economists and all publish on top economics journals.
Research Experience: Honors MSc thesis; started to work on co-authored paper with my MSc thesis advisor (I don’t mention it in my application but he probably talked about it in his letter of recommendation); 3 months RA at Dept of Quantitative Methods of my undergrad/grad university; 1 year RA at CHILD (Center for Household, Income, Labour and Demographic Economics);
Teaching Experience: 1 semester of Multivariate Analysis (graduate)
Research Interests: Political Economy, Behavioral Economics, Microeconomic Theory
SOP: nothing special, talked about reasons to pursue graduate studies in economics, research experience, research interests and future plans; used almost the same text for all universities; 2 pages research proposal outline added for European programs who asked for it (LSE, UCL, Oxford, UPF)
Other: international applicant; TOEFL: 107/120; no application for external funding; honor roll student in both years of MSc; submitted everywhere MSc thesis as writing sample; at least other 10 (very very strong) students applied this same year for almost the same US top programs from my university (in this sense, this was a strong year for applicants from my country/university)
RESULTS:
Admitted : Caltech (w/ funding), BU (w/out funding), LSE MSc (w/out funding), Oxford MPhil (w/out funding)
Waitlisted: Yale (not admitted in the end)
Rejected: UCSD, Columbia, Berkeley, MIT, Princeton, Northwestern, Stanford, NYU, Chicago, Harvard, LSE MRes/PhD, UPenn, Oxford Dphil, Stokcholm School of Economics, Stockholm U
Never got an answer : UPF, UCL
What would you have done differently? I would say the standard “taken more math classes” or try the alternative version “taken more graduate econ theory classes”, but since I decided to try the path of an Econ PhD less than 12 months ago (when I had already taken all classes needed to graduate) this wasn’t an option. Maybe I should have applied to a more diverse set of schools (no European at all; some Business School or some lower-ranked school with programs/faculty in line with my interests like Stanford GSB, Northwestern MEDS, Rochester or Carnegie Mellon), because I acted clearly as a risk-loving individual (I didn’t overestimated my profile, though…I know my chances at top15 schools were thin, but just wanted to come all the way to the U.S. only if it was really worth). Anyway, in this case, it worked.

canecon 2008:
School: UBC
Major: Econ (Hons)
GPA: 3.5 (3.98 upper-econ, 3.98 math (excluding failed calc 1))
GRE: 800q 480v 5.0 AWA (despite the awful verbal I am native English speaker / English background)
Courses:
Econ:Hon micro/macro I (A+'s) Game Theory (Hon) A, Hon Macro II A+, + intro metrics I/II (A+) + lots electives (mostly A+)
Math: Calc 1 (F first time then A), Calc 2, linear, multivariable, ODE's, probability(calc based), intro proof A+'s intro analysis A
Now Taking: Honours Thesis, Advanced Macro, Econometrics
Research: Thesis
letter of recommendation: 3 Assistant Profs, I say mediocre since I had no special relationship, just took their classes.
SOP: Pretty bad I think... that might just be me - but I didn't have any professors read it since I thought it was crappy (very bad reason I know - I expect I might have had spelling/grammar errors as well ). But I guess for Master's it doesn't matter that much.
Interests: Macro, Int trade/finance/development.
Schools:
Decided to apply only for Masters:
LSE, UCL, Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, UPF, UBC, Toronto, Queens, UWO, Stockholm.
My Concerns:
First year really sucked, second year was average. Only have 1.5 years of good grades.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE Msc (1 year, Res), UCL MSc, Warwick MSc, Oxford M.Phil (??), UPF MSc($$), Queen's MA ($$), Toronto Doc. Stream MA ($$), UBC MA ($$), UWO MA ($$),
Still Waiting: Cambridge M.Phil (B), Stockholm University MSc (Research)
Rejections: None (yet)
What would you have done differently?
-known that I was going to go for grad school (in econ) earlier
-started preparing to apply in the summer, or early sept, or early october. (didnt start applications earlier because very math-packed semester. No time in summer though b/c courses and GRE - basically crammed all the math I needed in last 8 mths I would have grades for).
-Looked into scholarship opportunities for study in UK (many seem to have deadlines around sept/oct. ) I started looking the next february/march.
-Basically I did what I could. Maybe should have applied to some PhD straight away, but still not sure what I want to do and I didn't really have time to put together good apps.

freecon 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Econ
Undergrad GPA: 3.90/4.0 (gpa in math&econ 3.96) Top ranked out of 150
Type of Grad: No grad degree
GRE: 780Q
Math Courses: Calculus I-II, Linear Algebra, Math for economists, Math Analysis, Graph Theory and Networks, Probability and Statistics I-II
Econ Courses: Many...Macro and micro theories, Game Theory I-II, Growth and Development, International Trade I-II, Public Finance, Monetary, Econometrics I-II, Time Series
Other Courses: Java, Matlab, Management courses...
Letters of Recommendation: I used five different recommenders. One was a famous prof, one was department chair, others were associate profs knowing me well.
Research Experience: non
Teaching Experience: Tutoring in Econ 101&102 for two years, assisting in CS 123 for a semester
Research Interests: Game theory, Macroeconomic theory, macroeconomic policy games
SOP: I have sent a standard SOP to each school by just changing the name of institution. It is neither bad nor well-prepared, although I spent great time on it.
Other:
RESULTS:
Attending: BU ($$$)
Acceptances, declined: UMD ($$$), JHU ($$), Brown, LSE-MSc, UPF-MSc ($$$)
Waitlists: Brown funding list
Rejections: MIT, Princeton, Berkeley, Yale, UCLA, UPenn, Northwestern, NYU, UCSD
Pending: UWM
What would you have done differently? Firstly, I didn't study for GRE assuming that the quantitative part was easy. Yes, it was easy. But I should have studied to gain speed. Further, the verbal part was horrible for me as an international student. If I had studied, I may do well. Secondly, I didn't apply to Cornell, Columbia, Michigan, Chigago and Minnesota. I should have made a better combination of schools instead of applying Princeton,MIT,Berkeley,Yale and so on. Thirdly, it is the important one: I should have written more specific SOPs. But, it was impossible for me since I still haven't know exactly my research interests.

rvalchev 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Small private school. First tier according to US News but dead last in that tier
Undergrad GPA: 4.0 - I have another 2 weeks till graduation but hopefully it'll stay this way
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800Q, 530V, 5.0 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Optimization, Real Analysis, Topology, Probability Theory, Computational Statistics, Differential Equations
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro and Macro, Econometrics and Forecasting, Game Theory, Money and Banking, Public Economics
Other Courses: Assortment of Business core classes.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Letters from Econ Profs and 1 from a math prof. I think letters will be good to great, math professor has taught me for 2 years and I've conducted research for an year together with one of my econ profs.
Research Experience: Honors Thesis, RA for two summers but I wasted those summers so nothing really came out of it.
Research Interests: Metrics, applied metrics ... i am open to anything
SOP: It was weak, unfocused and not customized for schools
RESULTS:
Attending: Duke ($$$)
Acceptances, declined: Wisconsin ($$$), Cornell ($$$), Ohio State( $$$), UNC -Chapel Hill ($$$), Michigan State ($$$), Pitt ($$$), Tinbergen Institute ($$$), LSE EME (Research), Oxford MPhil, Michigan (no $), Texas(no $), USC ($$$),
Waitlists: Duke funding waitlist, BU funding waitlist, Princeton Waitlist, Texas Waitlist, Michigan waitlist
Rejections: MIT, Princeton (rejected from waitlist), Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, UPenn, Chicago, UCSD, Penn State, Boston College, Cambridge
What would you have done differently? First, read jeeve's thread about suggestions for people from less known undergrads (it was impossible since it was not written until a couple of days ago, but that's what future people should do). Second, apply to NYU, Columbia and Northwestern (but most probably I would have only taken Northwestern over Duke. But still, my portfolio of schools was a little unbalanced). Third, write a much, much better SOPs that would be much better tailored to different schools. You'll be surprised how much SOPs matter (heard it directly from admissions directors at TOP10 and TOP20 schools).Fourth, don't get RA positions that are in the network of your schools and professors because you are already part of this network, so it doesn't add much to your profile. Go out and work for somebody different.

miaataro 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad/Grad: BSc in Economics (minors in Mathematics, Statistics and Business Studies) and MSc in Economics (+ a still unfinished MSc in Statistics) from an unknown university in Finland.
Undergrad/Grad GPA: Overall 4.90, Econ 4.94, Math 4.83, Stat 4.94 (on a scale of 1-5)
GRE: 800Q, 390V, 4AWA
TOEFL: 111 (29R, 30L, 23S, 29W)
Math Courses: Unfortunately, they don't have illustrative names. I tooks a course sequence for a minor in math that dealt with the basic areas (linear algebra, differential calculus, integral calculus, real analysis, etc.) in more of an applied fashion.
Stat Courses: A lot. Mathematical Statistics 1 & 2 and Probability Calculus A & B + courses in time series analysis, survival models, mixed models, regression models, multivariate statistics, stochastic simulation, computational statistics, bayesian statistics, robust and nonparametric methods etc.
Econ Courses: A lot. Intermediate and advanced level courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics and econometrics + courses in labour economics, regional economics, microeconometrics, applied econometrics, game theory etc. I also took the econometrics core course in the Finnish Doctoral Program in Economics during the ongoing academic year.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 economics professors and a statistics professor from my university and a research director from an economics research institute. I guess they all know me quite well and believe in me, so their letters should have been good in that sense. None of them were well-known, however (but apparently they had some important connections after all).
Research Experience: BSc and MSc theses in economics, RA for one of my economics professors for 7 months, two last summers as a research trainee in an economics research institute, two last falls as an assistant researcher in an economics research institute, a researcher in an economics research institute from January onwards.
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Econometrics and empirical/applied microeconomics
SOP: Nothing spectacular. Tried to emphasize my research experience and convince the reader that my educational background in economics, mathematic and statistics is strong enough, I guess.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: MIT, Tinbergen, LSE MSc EME (Research), Tilburg MPhil (2nd year), Uppsala (it was never official, though, as I withdraw my application)
Waitlists: -
Rejections: Princeton, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, U Michigan, UCL MSc
What would you have done differently? Absolutely nothing. I'm still amazed by my outcomes and really happy that I listened to my recommenders advice to try my luck with some of the top US schools. It definitely paid off...

desemejante 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics from Top 5 European
Undergrad GPA: Predicted 1st class honours
Math Courses: Courses covering: Single and Multivariate Calculus, Analysis, Statistical Theory, Econometrics
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Advanced Micro, Advanced Macro, Industrial Economics, Economic Theory (Game Theory, Information Economics, General Equilibrium, Decision Theory)
Other Courses: Finance, Accounting
Letters of Recommendation: 2, both from Tutors, should be solid!
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Micro Theory and IO
SOP: Good
Applying to: LSE MSc, UCL MSc, Oxford MPhil, potentially Bocconi & Cambridge

JohntheExistentialist 2009:
Institution: LSE
Program: PhD Finance
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 13k GBP
Notification date: 2/28/09
Notified through: email
Comments: First funded offer! So happy, excited, and relieved after series of rejection. Good luck to all!

daniel.k 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top Brazilian BA Econ
Undergrad GPA: 8.4/10 (2nd in my cohort so far - graduating in June)
Type of Grad:
Grad GPA:
GRE: 800Q, 460V, 3.5AWA (Toefl 113)
Math Courses: Calculus I & II, Mathematical Econ I & II, currently auditing Linear Algebra, Stat I & II, Econometrics I, II & III (A's or A+)
Econ Courses: many, Micro I & II, Game theory, Info & Corporate Governance, Macro I & II, Monetary Econ, Economic history, Brazilian Econ history I & II, Financial Math, International econ, Institutional Econ, Development
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: Very good, I guess. One got his PhD at UCLA (my thesis supervisor) and the other did his Post Doc at LSE (did pretty well in his class and kept in touch since then)
Research Experience: Currently writing undergrad thesis
Teaching Experience:
Research Interests: Development, Info, IO, Financial Econ (Corporate Governance)
SOP: Standard, I suppose.
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE MSc Econ, Tilburg MSc Econ, Barcelona GSE MSc Econ (half TAship), Toulouse M2 Eco-Math, CEMFI Masters ($$)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: None
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? At the beginning I care nothing about grades. The first year is supposed to be the easiest at my uni and I didn't take advantage of that. Had no idea I'd be willing to get a masters or PhD. It's particularly easy/simple to take more math because math courses are offered by another department and I wouldn't get fully accredited for that. Anyway, should have taken more. At least Linear Algebra and maybe Analysis. Other than that, I think it's almost impossible to go straight from undergrad to top PhD's coming from a Uni which is outside the Europe-US axis. Most of the people from Brazil that go to top PhD's did their masters at a top school at home.

Philippmetrics 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Ba Economics small school mainly known for business
Undergrad GPA: 5.65/6
Type of Grad:
Grad GPA:
GRE: 800 / 550 / 4.5
Math Courses: not that many math classed offered just applied math for economics students, as much as I could but econ only really starts in the 3 semester and was at a school for politics in the 5th as an exchange
Econ Courses: standard micro / macro 1-3 etc. all 5.5 or 6.0 of 6
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: don't really know, one from a math professor i had 3 or 4 courses and one from a young phd from upf
Research Experience: worked a bit for the math professor, nothing serious
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests:
SOP: I guess the usual
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE Msc EME, Oxford Mphil, Cambridge Mphil (all no $)
Waitlists:
Rejections:
What would you have done differently? Maybe tried to apply in the US for a PHD directly? But not really sure if I want to do a PHD anyway. Applied for funding before it was too late

hecka88 2010:
PROFILE:
(at the time of application)
Type of Undergrad: B.S. in Mathematics and Finance, Minor in Economics from a large public school in Midwest, overall top 80 by USNEWS
Undergrad GPA: overall 3.794/4, Econ 4.0, Math 4.0
GRE: 800Q 360V 3.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus 1-4, Liner Algebra, Differential Equations 1-2, Probability Theory 1-2, PDE 1, Numerical Analysis 1, Real Analysis 1, Honor Real Analysis 1 (in progress), and Intro to Statistical Theory, all A/A+
Econ Courses (PhD-level): Econometrics 1
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Micro, Intro to Macro, Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Development Economics, all A/A+
Other Courses: intro to programming, java, some finance and accounting courses, and some physics and astrophysics courses as GE.
Letters of Recommendation: 1 finance assistant professor (WUSTL) and 2 math full professor (NYU and MIT)
Research Experience: senior honor thesis on executive compensation
Teaching Experience: TA for one semester for an honor business technology class
Research Interests: Development Economics, Macroeconomics, and Financial Economics
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE Msc Economics (1 year), UCL Msc Economics, Warwick Msc Economics (2 years), UWO direct entry PhD (18000 plus tuition)
Waitlists: none
Rejections: (all PhD) Northwestern, Brown, John Hopkins, Cornell
Pending: Toronto MA (Don’t care anymore)
What would you have done differently?
I have decided to attend LSE and apply again next year. Overall, I think I should apply to more schools and retake the GRE for higher verbal score. And I should have taken more Econ classes and obtain at least one recommendation from Econ professor. Anyway I’m quite satisfied with my LSE offer.

in_limbo 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ and Math from a top U.S public with a good Econ PhD program
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 800Q, 640V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses(undergrad): Calculus(I-III), Linear Algebra, Diff eq, Discrete, Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Chaotic Dynamical systems, Probability, Topology
Math Courses(grad): Analysis, Measure Theory
Econ Courses(undergrad): standard, including Econometrics and Advanced Macro
Econ Courses (grad): Quant Methods, Macro I and II.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Econ, 1 Math. Did some good RA work for one of them
Research Experience: RA for about a year and currently doing an honors thesis
Teaching Experience: Principles, Intermediate Micro
Research Interests: Macro theory and public finance
statement of purpose: pretty standard
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Minnesota($$), LSE-EME(no$)
Waitlists: UCLA (Withdrawn)
Rejections: MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, Penn, NYU, Northwestern
Attending: Minnesota
What would you have done differently?
I am extremely happy with my outcome. Minnesota was always a top choice for me given my research interests and I probably would have chosen to go there over most of the other schools I applied to. That being said, in retrospect it was probably a good idea to apply to some safeties given the tough admissions season. Also, my grades in some classes weren't stellar which is probably why I was rejected at many of the other top places. My advice to those applying in the future is to really concentrate on getting As in important math classes. The margin for error is minimal and the difference between a B+ and an A is larger than you might think. I think its also extremely helpful to have a good idea of what you might want to study as you can then apply to schools that may not be top 5 overall by have fantastic programs in your chosen field. However, the most important part of your application are your recommendation letters and these can very often make up for other parts that are lacking.

Fantiki 2010:
Type of undergrad:
1. B.Sc. Finance from the best business school in a mid-size European country. In terms of financial research output the school is usually ranked as Top 10 European/Top 100 worldwide
2. (concurrently) B.Sc. Systems Science from the best university in the same European country
Undergrad GPA: not obvious to translate, somewhere between 3.6 and 3.9, Top 5%
Type of Grad:
1. M.Sc. Finance, same business school as above
2. (concurrently) M.Sc. Computer Science, same university as above
Grad GPA: again hard to translate, I would say between 3.8-4.0, Top 5%
GRE: 800Q, 570V, 3.5AWA
Math Courses (undergrad): Introductory mathematics I (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Analytical Geometry) (B+/A-), Introductory mathematics II (Theory of continuity, Measures and Integrals) (A), Introductory mathematics III (Functional analysis, DE) (A), Introductory mathematics IV (PDE, IE), Introduction to optimization (A), Introduction to statistical inference (A), Time series analysis (B+/A-)
Math Courses (grad): stochastic processes (A), optimization theory (B), mathematical investment theory (B+/A-), game theory (A), decision making (A)
Econ Courses (undergrad): Introductory, Intermediate micro, Intermediate macro, International economics and finance, Money & Banking - A:s
Other Courses: Finance & Computer Science (theory courses may be relevant), LSE summer school (A)
Letters of Recommendation:
1. Finance full professor, thesis advisor, many A publications
2. Computer science full professor, thesis advisor, many A publications (in comp science)
3. Circulating weakly positive letters from semi-famous full professors in finance and economics
Research Experience:
1. B.Sc. thesis in finance
2. B.Sc. thesis in systems science
3. M.Sc. thesis in finance - on decision making under information asymmetries in finacial markets (game-theoretical model+empirical evidence)
4. M.Sc. thesis in computer science - empirical part (as a chapter in an article) accepted in a top general interest journal, but the publication is not related to economics/finance (biology), I am a coauthor, but there are many others
5. RA for the computer science professor
6. Research internship at an internationally well-known company, also 1 paper from there, but published in a professional journal
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Information economics, financial economics (theory + empirical)
Statement of purpose: http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/119180-post-your-statement-purpose-sop-here.html#post789723
Other: graduated in advance, some good awards (placed third nationwide in math competition, scholarship for publishing thesis etc.), strong technical skills (Assembler and similar hardcore stuff)
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Columbia finance ($) -> accepted this offer, LBS finance ($), UNC-CH finance ($), UBC finance ($), LSE finance (external EU funding)
Rejections: Stanford finance, UCLA finance, Stern finance, Wharton finance, Haas finance, Kellogg finance, CMU finance, INSEAD finance, MIT economics, Penn economics (out of the waitlist)
What would you have done differently?
Probably not much, may be would establish better relationships with a couple of professors at my school. The application process to US universities is difficult for European applicants because information asymmetries are pretty large. I would recommend to establish good relationships with professors who have strong ties to schools you are applying (e.g. coauthoring, previous academic positions etc.). Also if you are coming from a less known educational system/school try to get short but informative course descriptions for the key courses as an attachment to your transcripts (e.g. course names like Math I-IV are not very helpful for admissions commiteas). I have received the feedback from some schools that these two things helped my case.
Overall I did much better than I expected.

hotfuss 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: 4 year Honours degree in economics at a major Australian university
Undergrad GPA: First Class Honours (ranked first in Honours class)
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q
Math Courses: First and second year advanced maths courses, differential calculus, integral calculus, discrete mathematics, first and second year linear algebra, vector calculus, PDEs
Econ Courses: Game Theory, Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, International Trade, Applied Economics, Industrial Organisation, Mathematical Economics
Other Courses: First year psychology
Letters of Recommendation: One Fellow of the Econometric Society and two other economics professors with US PhDs (these LORs knew me very well; two of these had marked my thesis, including one who was my adviser, and I had taken one course with one letter of recommendation and two courses with another letter of recommendation (coming first in everything (including thesis), except one course))
Research Experience: Honours thesis and one other game theory paper
Teaching Experience: TA for undergrad economics courses, including intermediate microeconomics
Research Interests: Microeconomic theory and its applications, behavioural economics
SOP: Standard
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Northwestern ($$), Wisconsin Madison ($$), Penn State ($$), Maryland (?), Oxford (MPhil in Economics), LSE (MSc in Economics (Research))
Waitlists: Boston
Rejections: Yale, Princeton, Stanford, UCSD and many other places
Attending: Northwestern
What would you have done differently? Not much. I think I should have applied earlier (I worked for a few years after my undergraduate degree) or done more maths courses at university. I would have also applied for a few business schools and a couple more top 10 places.

Econ.Aprentice 2010: Type of Undergrad: Bachelor in Economics in a well-known Brazilian University
Undergrad GPA: brazilian grading system: 9.0/10.0 (from zero to ten)
Type of Grad: Masters in Economics
Grad GPA: NA
GRE: 790Q, 500V, 3.5AWA
Math Courses: Linear Algebra, Calculus I, Calculus II, Operational Research, Mathematical Economics.
Econ Courses (PhD-level): Game Theory (taken at a top US university)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro, Macro, Economic History, Development Economics, Public Economics, Statistics I, Statistics II, Principle of Econometrics, Advanced Econometrics.
Other Courses: Finance, Sociology, Philosophy, Agribusiness.
Letters of Recommendation: 5 econ professors (1 PhD Harvard, 1 PhD University of Illinois, 1PhD LSE, 1 PhD Stanford, 1PhD UofChigago )
Research Experience: Individual Research tutored by a famous professor, Final Thesis tutored by the head of the Econ department of my Brazilian College.
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Contract and incentives economics, Public Economics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics.
statement of purpose: Standard format
Concerns: GRE AWA is not so high.
Other: none
Applying to: LSE, Cambridge, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Chicago.
Accepted: LSE (one of my top options), waiting for replies from other programs to make my final decision.
Rejected: none

MicroIOGuy 2010: Type of Undergrad: Honours B.A. Economics, minor concentration in Mathematics, #1 univeristy in Canada for undergrad, consistenly top 25 in the world, mediocre economics department, but small and rigorous honours undergrad program
Undergrad GPA: 3.9/4.0
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 680V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: calculus 1 and 2 (exempt), calculus 3 (A), intro linear algebra (A), linear algebra (A-), ordinary differential equations (A), discrete structures (A), real analysis 1 (A), probability theory (A), advanced calculus (Spring), real analysis 2 (Spring)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Honours intermediate micro (2 semesters A), honours intemediate macro (2 semesters, B), honours economic statistics (2 semesters, A), behavioural economics (A), honours advaced theory (2 semesters, A for first semester, Spring), honours econometrics 1 (A), economics research project (on IO and price theory, A), honours econometrics 2 (Spring)
Econ courses (grad-level): game theory (A), experimental economics (A)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (Northwestern, U Montreal, Pittsburgh; not famous)
Research Experience: Experimental economics paper, some IO independent study
Teaching Experience: Just some game theory tutoring
Concerns: Recommenders are not famous. Not too many acceptances in top PhD programs in econ from my school. That damn B in intermediate macro.
Research Interests: Micro theory, IO, game theory, experimental econ
Applying to: Harvard, MIT, Yale (Rejected), Columbia, NYU, Berkeley, Stanford, Chicago, Northwestern, Penn, Princeton, Toronto (MA), UBC (MA), Oxford (MPhil), LSE (MSc (Research) (Accepted; scholarship), UCL (MSc)

Lachis 2010:
Institution: Yale
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -
Notification date: 2/18
Notified through: E-mail to check site
Posted on grad cafe: No
Comments: Not surprised. At least I gave it a shot!
Institution: Duke
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Fellowship: 18k + health insurance
Notification date: 2/22
Notified through: E-mail to check site
Posted on grad cafe: No
Comments: Yay!!! My first admission! Very excited!

jackie21 2010:
Institution: UCLA
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: being considered for fellowship
Notification date: feb 2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Institution: Michigan
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: none
Notification date: march 2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Institution: LSE
Program: MSc Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: none
Notification date: feb 2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Institution: University of Toronto
Program: MA
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 25000
Notification date: march 2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Institution: Cornell
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 22000
Notification date: 08/03/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Institution: Stanford
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: 32000!!
Notification date: 11/03/2010
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: no
Rejected: Yale, Princeton, Chicago, Berkeley

troll2 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BSc Economics from a swedish uni.
Undergrad GPA: we don't calculate gpa over here
GRE: 790/490/4.0
Math Courses: One var calculus, Multivar calculus, Linear Algebra, Maths for econ
Econ Courses: Intermediate micro/econometrics/macro, labor, game theory, IO, environ. econ
Letters of Recommendation: Thesis advisor (unkown), Political Science prof at UCSD (somewhat known)
Research Experience: Mandatory BSc thesis
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: No idea
SOP: Who reads them anyways?
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE (MSc EME), Barcelona GSE (MSc Econ), Tilburg (Msc Econ)
Waitlists: Cambridge (MPhil Econ)
Rejections: N/A
Pending: SSE (MSc Econ)

teddypicker 2011:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics from a somewhat-known non-US, non-EU university, (ranking 100+ in Times Higher Education)
Undergrad GPA: 3.89/4.0 (Class Rank:5)
Type of Grad: none
Grad GPA: none
GRE: Q800 V450 AWA4.5
Math Courses: Calculus I&II (A, which is the highest grade you can get), Mathematics for Economists (A), Introduction to Linear Algebra (A), Probability and Statistics I&II (A), Programming for Social Sciences (A)
Econ Courses: Macro-Micro Theory (A), , International Economics I&II (A), Econometrics I&II (A), Transition Economics (A), Theories of Growth and Development (A), Institutions and Development (A), History of Economic Thought (B+, A), Finance (A), Principles of Accounting (A-), Fiscal Economics (A), Monetary Economics (A-), World Economy in 20th Century (A), Analytical Writing for Economists (A), Game Theory I (A), Advanced Economic Theory (A), International Political Economy (A), Political Economy of Natural Resources (A), International Money (A-), Seminar in Macroeconomic Policy (A)
Other Courses: Selected Topics in Law (C+ basically why my GPA got lower), Social Transformation and Political History of my country (both A), History of Civilization (B-), Sociology and Social Psychology (both A)
Letters of Recommendation: All three are macro-economists. One got his PhD from Princeton (among top 6ited economists), one from Minnesota (considered to be the top economist of my country) and one from Maryland.
Research Experience: Currently conducting one with the professor who got his PhD from University of Minnesota. (A proposal on the Brazilian capital controls). I also wrote some papers for my previous professors; the most "credible" one is something I wrote for Sweder van Wijnbergen when I was an exchange student in the University of Amsterdam.
Teaching Experience: Worked as a TA for Introduction to Economics and Macroeconomic Theory classes over the summer.
Research Interests: Macroeconomics, Growth and Development, Political Economy
SOP: Talked about my previous research, my extra-curricular activities and my interests. Took 3 pages. It might have been shorter.
Others: TOEFL ibt: 114 (26R, 30L, 28S, 30W)
Concerns: Math courses are not sufficient.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE (MSc Economics -Research-), BGSE (MSc Economics), Warwick (MSc Economics), CEMFI Madrid (MSc Economics and Finance), King's College London (MA International Political Economy), University of Bristol (MSc Economics, Management and Finance), University of Edinburgh (MSc Economics)
Waitlists: UCL (MSc Economics)
Rejections: Warwick (MA International Political Economy)
What Would You Have Done Differently?
I like the outcome of my results, as my only rejection is from a program I considered to be of low priority. Still, I would have
-taken more math courses during my undergraduate
-wouldn't be so scared of getting a rejection so maybe applied for some US Universities as well as Oxbridge
-would have pressured my professors for an RA position.
-would have studied more for the verbal section of GRE

kushluk 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics at a Top 10 South American University
Undergrad GPA: Don't know the conversion, but approximately 90th(ish) Percentile
Type of Grad: MSc Economics at the same SA University as above
Grad GPA: Don't know the conversion, but approximately 90th(ish) Percentile
GRE: 790Q 580V 4.5 AW
Math Courses:
Undergraduate: Calculus I, II; Algebra I,II;
Graduate: Mathematics for Economists (Vohra), Mathematical Methods (introductory maths for graduate course)
Econ Courses: Undergraduate and Graduate Macro, Micro, Econometrics, Development, Monetary Policy, Economic Policy, Labour Economics, International Trade
Other Courses: Graduate Microeconometrics (Advanced and Applied)
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Oxford PhD graduates (in the early 2000s), one of them well known in liberal arts college development/innovation economics circles and 1 MIT Phd graduate unknown (but who knew me best)
Research Experience: Have been working at an International Development Bank for 7 months now. Also in the process of publishing my graduate thesis at a second tier european journal.
Teaching Experience: 1 semester as lecturer of Introduction to Macroeconomics for undergrads
Research Interests: Labour Economics, Microeconometrics, Macroeconomics, Political Economy
SOP: Don't know how to describe it, but I tried to be funny.
Other: I have had my share of political participation in my country, and made a note of it on my SOP
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Oxford (MPhil Economics), LSE (MSc Economics Research), Warwick (MSc Economics)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: None
Pending: None
What would you have done differently?
I would have applied to more programmes. Should of taken a chance with the USA programmes. But my dream school is LSE and will probably attend. Funding is sketchy though.

philecon 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BS Business Economics, relatively unknown university in Southeast Asia
Undergrad GPA: no idea how to convert it, but I graduated magna cum laude (Rank: 7/150)
GRE: 800Q, 590V, 5.0AW
TOEFL:112/120
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis and Math Stats
Econ Courses: the standard Econ courses, nothing special
Letters of Recommendation: 1 Northwestern PhD, 1 Ohio State PhD, 1 PhD from my uni
Research Experience: undergrad thesis (won an award, forthcoming in local journal), RA for six months
Research Interests: Health Economics, Industrial Organization
SOP: Pretty standard
Concerns: I shifted from Accounting to Economics, and I took a leave for a year to take a break; first to apply as an undergrad from my school (never been done ever)
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Georgetown, LSE EME, BGSE MS Economics, CEMFI MSc Economics and Finance, PSU (from waitlist)
Waitlists: PSU (eventually admitted, but without funding), Michigan (rejected off the WL though)
Rejections: Northwestern, Columbia, Brown, Penn, Virginia, Stanford, Duke, Singapore Management
COMMENTS:
I wasn't an economics major when I entered college, and I left school for a year after sophomore year (since something happened to me) to evaluate myself, and the direction I was going. I accidentally stumbled upon economics, and I found out that I loved it. Like the previous poster, however, I decided to do a PhD only around my junior year, so I had to cram a lot of math during my last two years, plus take the economics classes. I knew it was a huge risk, applying with only an undergrad degree, as most students from my university had at least a year of graduate coursework before applying to even European masters. I am very pleased with my results, though, and I look forward to attending the program that I chose. The only things that I probably would've done differently are: (1) I would've probably majored in math when I first thought about it (since my Math average is significantly higher than my Business average), or that I would've done my undergrad in the US when I had the chance and (2) I would've probably applied to mainly masters programs.
I guess I'll be back again for Fall 2013 PhD admissions.

jaymerchi 2011:
Attending US NEWS Top 40 East Coast Liberal Arts college.
Major: Economics and Public Policy. Minor: Applied Math
Rising Senior. GPA So far : 3.88 (Major 3.94)
Class Rank: 15/565
Study Abroad at Oxford University. Two 2:1, two firsts out of 4 tutorials.
Omicron Delta Epsilon Honors Society (for whatever its worth)
GRE: Q 780, V 600, AWA 5.5
Econ So far: Intro Macro (A), Intro Micro (A), Inter Macro(A), Inter Micro(A-), Econ Stats(A), Econ of China's Growth and Trade (A-), Marxian Economics and Perspectives (A), Money and Banking (A) Public Economics (A) Welfare Economics (A-)
Taking:Macroeconomic Stabilization, Impact of Trade Liberalization
Will Take: Econometrics
Math So far: Calc 1(A), Calc 2(A), Calc 3(A), Dynamic Optimization (A), Stats (A)
Taking: Linear Algebra & Diff Equations, Prob Stats 2
Will Take: Advanced Stats
Research Exp: Authored one research paper on unemployment and incarceration with a professor last summer.
Other Stuff: Did a course on global trade and development this summer.
Recommendations: Professor at Oxford. Well known here. Would definitely help with my application for the Oxford Mphil program. (professor taught at LSE and attended a top 10 institution in the USA)
Another from a not so well known professor at my college. The professor knows me very well and the recommendation should be excellent.
The third one is from a top professor from my department who attended a top 10 institution in the USA
SOP: Should be decent.
Research Interests: Trade, FDI,

2011applicant 2011:
Type of Undergrad: Top 5 US liberal arts college (Economics and Political Science double major). Graduated more than 2 years ago.
Undergrad GPA: 3.87 (3.9 in majors)
Type of Grad: Math Certificate Program
Grad GPA: 3.6
GRE: 790 Quant. 800 Ver. 5.5 Writing
Math Courses: Linear Algebra (Pass), Multi-Var (Pass), Real Analysis I (A-), Real Analysis II (A-), ODE (A-), Masters Level Math Stat I (B+), taking Masters Level Math Stat II
Econ Courses (grad-level):n/a
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): all the basics, except only intro to econometrics. Took advanced IO seminar (A) and advanced Micro theory seminar (B+/A-)
Other Courses: Lots of Political Science, History, and Philosophy courses.
Letters of Recommendation: Professors: One MIT graduate and UMD graduate, who both know me well, but only from classes. One Penn State professor who doesn't know me well. Supervisor at work (economic consulting firm) who has a PhD in Econ from UVA.
Research Experience: research position at think tank, analyst/associate position doing antitrust work at economic consulting firm, 1.5 years doing non-quant research for political science professor.
Teaching Experience: TAed three economics classes.
Research Interests: Industrial organization and Public Finance. Plan to do joint JD/PhD.
Concerns: Letters of Recommendation, Lack of academic research experience, inadequate econometrics background.
Decided to apply to no safeties for PhD programs (all schools I would definitely want to go) and Masters programs as my backups. I also may consider taking econometrics and doing research over the summer and going to a law program next year (since I want to get the law degree too), and then reapply next year from law school.
Applying to: Berkeley, Stanford GSB (Political Economics), Harvard Political Economy, Yale, Michigan, Maryland, Duke, Minnesota, Northwestern, Chicago; Cambridge MPhil, Oxford Mphil, LSE Msc EME, U Toronto Mphil (Doctoral track), UPF/Barcelona GSE + many associated law schools.

illuminatus 2011:
Type of Undergrad: BSc in math from a regular less known Midwest university
Undergrad GPA: 3.95
Type of Grad: MA in Econ
Grad GPA: 3.95
GRE: 560V / 800Q / 4.0 awa
Math Courses: lots, grad level: RA, CA, differential geometry, optimization (1st course, so not too rigorous), categorical data analysis, Bayesian statistics.
Econ Courses (grad-level): econometrics, time series, microeconometrics, micro theory, macro theory, forecasting,
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): basic and intermediate theory and econometrics
Letters of Recommendation: 3 from econ ans 1 from a math less known professors. All of them are probably pretty good.
Research Experience: senior thesis, masters thesis
Teaching Experience: TA for 1.5 years
Research Interests: macro, development, econometrics
SOP: standard 1.5 pages.
Concerns: not a lot of experience in research and teaching. (partly concerned about low verbal and awa scores on GRE).
Other: I have a pretty high credit score.
Applying to: LSE MSc EME (2nd year), Oxford Mphil, Toulouse 2nd year ECOMATH, BGSE Masters in econ. PhD in econ: Minnesota - Twin Cities, Columbia, Northwestern, UMich, Wisconsin - Madison, U Washington, UCSD, U Toronto.

econger 2011:
Institution: LSE
Program: EME 2y
Decision: Accepted
Funding: no "graduate support scheme" - other available scholarships pending till July...
Notification date: 01/21/11
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: no
Comments: if I don't get any form of financial support, I cannot afford the fees (plus living expenses London!) - so I guess I hope for PhD-admits or other Master-programs, which are more generous

growth 2011:
Institution: UPenn
Program: Phd in Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 02/24/2011
Notified through: Website
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Expected result. I still don't know why I applied there in the first place.
Institution: LSE
Program: MSc Economics (research)
Decision: Accepted (conditional offer)
Funding: No
Notification date: 02/24/2011
Notified through: Email
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Happy but I can't fulfill all the conditions. Have to negotiate with the admittion committee.

3yellowroses 2011:
I'm an international applicant that has been lurking around. Time to disclose my results:
Accepted:
Institution: American University
Program: Phd Economics
Decision: Rejection
Funding: will be notified mid march.
Notification date: 9 March 2011
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Waitlisted:
Institution: Tilburg University
Program: Research Master, Economics
Decision: Waitlisted. will hear from them in mid april
Funding: there's a chance to get a TA if admitted
Notification date: 14 March 2011
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Institution: Cambridge University
Program: DPhil Economics
Decision: Waitlisted. will hear from them in mid april
Funding: haven't heard a word
Notification date: 10 Feb 2011
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Rejections: NYU, Columbia, Berkeley, MIT, Brown, Maryland, Tinbergen, Oxford.
Haven't heard of: Umass, Cornell, WUSTL, Michigan State, Paris School of Economics, Bonn GSE, LSE (Econ & Phil Msc)

TA89 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Dual Major in Economics/Mathematics from Top 10 liberal arts college. Transfer from a top public after one year, Summer Coursework at an ivy, top 15 national university, and another top public.
Undergrad GPA: 3.85 (Math: 3.90, Economics: 3.85)
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: Q:780 V:570 AWA:6.0 (second attempt)
Math Courses: Calculus I (A+), Calculus II (B+), Calculus III (A), Linear Algebra (A), Differential Equations (A-), Introduction to Analysis (A), Analysis & Optimization (A), Probability (Fall 2011), Principles of Real Analysis I (Fall 2011)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Advanced Microeconomics I (A), Advanced Microeconomics II (A): The first semester course used MWG and covered consumer theory/producer theory/GE topics. The second semester course used half the class to cover Gibbons' Game Theory, and the second half covered Contract Theory using Bolton and Dewatripont, as well as Berkeley lecture notes. Both were Ph.D. level courses.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Principles of Microeconomics (A), Principles of Macroeconomics (A), Experimental Economics (B+), Intermediate Microeconomics (A-), Intermediate Macroeconomics (A-), Economics Statistics (A), Econometrics (A-), International Trade (A),
Other Courses: Not sure what to say here, but I took a year of Chinese (A/A), and a Philosophy Seminar/Tutorial double course (A-/A-)
Letters of Recommendation:
1. Adviser. TA'd his UG Advanced Microeconomics class. I will be doing my thesis under him and have spent this summer working on a research project for him.
2. Advanced Microeconomics I-II Professor. Took both my Ph.D. Micro classes and have discussed my graduate school plans with him.
3. Analysis Professor: I took intro Analysis and Principles of Real Analysis I with him.
All should have been very good.
Research Experience: Summer research project in Health Economics for adviser. Will continue this project as my senior thesis. The plan is to submit as a co-author.
Teaching Experience: TA'd undergraduate Advanced Microeconomics.
Research Interests: Micro Theory, International Trade, Applied Micro (very open)
SOP: I haven't written in yet, but will be good.
Concerns: Typical concerns of a liberal arts applicant. Not really sure what to think or expect.
Other: Again, not really sure what to put here. Unlikely it's relevant, but President of Model UN for two years, and lots of Model UN awards.
RESULTS:
Accepted: Duke Fuqua School of Business: Decision Sciences ($$$), Wisconsin ($$), Cornell ($$$), WUSTL ($$$), UT-Austin (?), LSE MsC Econ (-)
Waitlists: Michigan (high on WL, but withdrew), UCLA (rejected), Penn (rejected), UVA (withdrew)
Rejected: Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Stanford GSB, Chicago, Yale, Northwestern MEDS, Columbia, NYU, Caltech, UCSD, Duke Econ, Brown, LSE MsC EME
Attending: Duke Fuqua School of Business: Decision Sciences
What would you have done differently?
Nothing. I could not be happier with the way the process turned out. I am so fortunate to have been presented with so many great offers. Thanks TM for all the guidance along the way.

vcb 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.Sc. in Economics in one of the best universities in a small EU country
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: research masters in economics in the same university
Grad GPA: 3.7
GRE: Q: 170, V: 159, AW: 4.5
Math Courses: Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra, Mathematics I and II, Advanced Mathematics, Probabilities, Statistics
Econ Courses (grad-level): - Microeconomics, Microeconomic Theory I and II, Game Theory I and II, Macroeconomics, Macroeconomic Theory, Macro Theory I and II, Development Economics, Tools for Applied Policy Analysis.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I-III, Macro I-III, Global Economy, Information and Games, European Economic Policy, Comparative Political Economics
Other Courses: -
Letters of Recommendation: Should be strong.
Research Experience: R.A. for 3 professors.
Teaching Experience: 3 years as T.A.
Research Interests: "Applied" Macroeconomics, Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Debt Management and Internacional Finance (pretty much open to everything).
SOP: Standard.
Other: -
Results:
Accepted: Duke ($), Rochester($$), LSE (EME Program, no funding)
Waitlisted: JHU (declined)
Rejected: Harvard, MIT, NYU, Chicago, Northwestern, Yale, Michigan
Attending: Duke!
What I would have done differently?
I would have taken a B.Sc. in Mathematics and I would have gone for a masters in economics (research track) in a major european program such as the Barcelona GSE or LSE.

toffeenutlatte 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad:Econ-math double major, one of the best econ and math programs in my country
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: -
Grad GPA: -
GRE: 154V, 167Q. 5.0 AW
Math Courses: Finite mathematics (A), Calculus for engineers (A), Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra (A), Statistics (A-), Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (C), Advanced Calculus (B+), Numerical Methods (A), Real Analysis 1 (B), Real Analysis2 (B+), Abstract Algebra1 (B), Abstract Algebra2( B),Diiferential Equations (C+)
Econ Courses (grad-level):Micro, Macro (currently Taking)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level):Intermediate Micro(A), Intermadiate Macro(A), History of Economic Thought(A), Turkish Economics(A), Econometrics 1(B+), Econometrics 2 (A), Advanced Macroeconomics (A), Financial Globalization and Emerging Markets (A), Game Theory, Economics of Institutions
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation:
- a math prof who knows me very well (4 courses, all A"s, one semester of TA)
- very famous development economist (took one course from him(A), 2 years of RA job,1 semester of TA)
- a very famous macro economist, all of them should be encouraging
Research Experience:2 years of RA
Teaching Experience:TA in Turkish Economics, Global Political Economy and Calculus
Research Interests:Development, Political Economics, Economic history
SOP: -
Concerns: Math grades - getting A's from math classes in my school is impossible. I was the first ranking student in the department of mathematics for the past 3 years with the grades above.
Applying to:
Phd: Chicago,Northwestern, NYU, Maryland, Cornell, Brown, UCLA, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Duke, Minnesota,Johns Hopkins, Columbia,
Masters: Toulouse, LSE, Oxford, Barcelona GSE

AusEconGuy 2012:
Another data point (for Australians)
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad:Econ with first class honours from Go8 Australian Uni
Undergrad GPA: 3.8 for standard Bachelor, 4.0 in Honours (Converted to US scale)
Type of Grad: M Phil in Economics
Grad GPA: Coursework: 4.0 (US converted)
GRE: 159V, 168Q. 5.0 AW
Math Courses: Math for Economists (B, undergrad), econ students dont do pure math courses in my institution
Econ Courses (grad-level): Macro (A+), Micro (A), Metrics (A+)
Econ Courses (honours-level): Macro (A+), Metrics (A+), Advanced Math Econ (A+); Behavioural Game Theory (A+); Micro (B; whoops!)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I/II (B+; A+); Macro I/II (A+, A+); Metrics I/II/II (A+;A+;B); Econ Theory (B); Trade II/II (A+;A+); Econ History (A); Development (A); Money & Banking (A); Public Econ (A);
Other Courses: Finance I/II (A+;A) and some politics stuff
Letters of Recommendation:
- thesis supervisor for Hons and MPhil thesis, also taught me
- Prof I RA'd for over 2 years
- Assist Prof whom i tutored with for three years
- Head of School .... All should be positive
Research Experience: 6 years as RA for various profs (since 2nd year undergad); 3 conference presentations in 2011 for MPhil thesis; 2 thesis in experimental econ
Teaching Experience: TA for 4 years in range of courses from first year through third year
Research Interests: Behavioural Econ and Experiments, Political Econ, Information Econ
SOP: These are hard work! But its over
Concerns: Lack of obvious maths training (hons and Mphil courses are all at graduate level... LORS hopefully mention this), occasional B's in theory classes - These aren't horrible grades, I was still in top few students in these courses but no scaling
Applying to:
Phd: Northwestern, NYU (Econ and Stern), Cornell, Brown, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Princeton, Stanford ,Caltech, U Penn
Masters: Oxford; U College London; Autonoma, UC3M; Barcelona GSE; LSE; Toronto

salatariov 2012:

Institution: LSE
Program: MSc in Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 02/17/2012
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: Yes
Comment:.... Unexpected... waiting for 16 more...

Kash 2012:
Institution: Yale
Program: Econ PhD
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -
Notification date: 02/22
Notified through: Email
Posted on GC: no
Comments: Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted. 13 more to go.

Wadders 2012:
Institution: LSE
Program: MSc EME (Research)
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 02.15.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: UCL
Program: MSc Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 03.02.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: Barcelona GSE
Program: MSc Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 01.16.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: Cambridge
Program: MPhil Economics (Research)
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 02.15.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: York (UK)
Program: MSc Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 01.26.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: Manchester
Program: MSc Economics and Econometrics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 02.10.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:
Institution: Birkbeck, University of London
Program: MSc Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: (no decision)
Notification date: 02.25.2012
Notified through: email
Posted on GC: yes
Comments:

DerPumuckl 2010:
Undergrad: Top 3 in Germany, BA in Economics
Undergrad GPA: 1.45/5.00 (the nearer to 1, the better)
Exchange: UW, Seattle
Exchange GPA: 3.86/4.00
GRE: 800Q/560V/4.5AWA
Math Courses: 2 Math courses for Economists, 2 Statistics Classes, Game Theory
Econ Courses: A lot including Micro I & II, Macro I & II as well as Econometrics I & II.
Grad courses: None - even though advanced German courses are well above Econ 400 level.
Letters of Recommendation: 3 from Profs with PhDs from Columbia, Chicago and Harvard. All should be strong.
Research Experience: RA for one Semester (for one of my letter of recommendation writers).
Teaching Experience: TA for one Semester.
Research Interests: International Macroeconomics, Finance.
Statement of Purpose: Good.
Other: Applying for Masters.
Concerns: Maybe not good enough grades.
RESULTS (Masters only):
Acceptances: Cambridge, UCL, Tinbergen ($$$) and Warwick
Still waiting for response: SSE, UBC
Rejections: LSE, Oxford
What would you have done differently? I'm attending Cambridge for my MPhil - very happy!

oleador 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA International Economics, unknown Eastern European school
Undergrad GPA: 3.4/4
Type of Grad: MSc Economics, Barcelona GSE
Grad GPA: 6.78/10
GRE: 780Q, 560V, 3.5AW
Math Courses: Advanced math for economists(B) one year course which includes uni- and multivariate calclulus, linear algebra, difference and differential equations, set theory and basic topology, intro to real analysis; Probability and Statistics (B), Theoretical Statistics (A), Optimization (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro theory (D ), Advanced Micro theory (A some improvement over micro ), Econometrics (B), Advanced Econometrics I (C), Macroeconomics (A), International Economics (B), Experimental Economics (B), Econ growth (A).
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Microeconomics (B), Macroeconomics (B), other standard courses
Letters of Recommendation: All from BGSE, should have been quite good.
Research Experience: Macroeconomic research analyst at an investment bank (2.5 years)
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Macroeconomics, international economics and finance, economics of information
SOP: Standard, focused on research interests and ideas
Concerns: Many My profile has many drawbacks as you can see.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: U Houston ($$), Warwick (no $)
Rejections: Maryland, Carnegie Mellon, Emory, LSE MSc, UBC MA, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, McGill, Simon Fraser, WUSTL, USC
Attending: University of Houston
COMMENTS:
I realized that I want to do a PhD only after I finished my BA and started working. If I knew this since my first year of undergrad I would study much harder and would have a much better GPA. To some extent getting an MSc from a top European school helped me, though my performance there was quite mediocre (due to poor undergrad preparation). I have made a large progress by now and studied a lot on my own, so now I am confident that now I am well prepared to study at a PhD level.
Finally, given my terrible profile, it's good that I got into U of Houston, which could not be a top school, but fits my interests and has quite decent placement.

lian 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. economics (unknown west-european university with a lot of unnecessary business courses)
Undergrad GPA: 1.3 on a scale from 1.0(best possible) to 5.0, (best of my class out of ca. 350)
Type of Grad: none
Grad GPA: none
GRE: Q700, V340 (TOEFL 109), AWA pending - awful, always scored 800Q before, taking it again in october
Math Courses: math for econs (A+), stats I (A), stats II and econometrics (in progress), real analysis I (in progress), linear algebra and analytical geometry I (in progress), 2 further high math courses in spring..
Econ Courses (grad-level): none, not possible at my university
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): micro theory I (A+), micro theory II (B+), macro I (A+), macro II (A-), Public Econ (A-), Institutional Economics and Game Theory(A+), International Economics (A+), Industrial Organization (A+), development econ (A+)
Other Courses: a lot of compulsory boring business classes, mostly A's, one B, one B-..
Letters of Recommendation: two micro profs, (i work as a RA for one, the other is an american prof), one macro prof. every letter should be very strong, but they aren't known outside europe.
Research Experience: RA for approximately 1.5 years. one research paper in progress. one discussion paper co-authored.
Teaching Experience: none but private tutoring since 1st school grade . i've tried, not allowed in my university as an undergrad to teach official courses.
Research Interests: microeconomics. IO, behavioral/institutional economics and game theory.
SOP: in progress, nothing special.
Concerns: terrible first GRE scores; totally insufficient math background; unknown recommendators and unknown undergrad university. Before studying economics a was a terrible student: A-Levels were awful - 2.7, and i quit my first university study (physics major, math minor)
Applying to: Master: LSE, Cambridge, UCL, UEA, Tinbergen, Tilburg, Toulouse, Paris, Barcelona, Toronto, British Columbia. PhD: Cornell, Michigan, Minnesota, Madison, ... not yet decided, depending on second GRE and self-confidence. i am not even sure if to apply now for a phd or after making a master degree.. any advice?

economics girl 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 50 undergrad
Undergrad GPA: 3.42
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 740Q, 590V, 4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-II (B, A-), Math for Economists (A), Linear Algebra (proof-based) (B+), Currently taking Diff EQ, and plan to take Real Analysis over the summer
Econ Courses (grad-level): Took applied economics (A), microeconomics (A), and econometrics (A+) at the AEA Summer Program (these courses are supposedly taught at a "graduate" level)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): intermediate microeconomics (B+), intermediate macroeconomics (A), labor economics (A+), urban economics (A), applied econometrics I-II (A, B), managerial economics (B)
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: well-known labor economist (PhD Harvard), an assistant director of AEA (PhD U. Chicago), my employer (PhD UF)
Research Experience: I am currently working as a full-time RA at a public research center. Before that, I worked as an RA for a PhD student for one quarter. At AEASP I did a research project on replication & added to it by updating the paper with newer data. Lastly, during my senior year I was part of the honors program and wrote a senior thesis.
Teaching Experience: I am a certified tutor (CRLA) and tutored microeconomics during my senior year
Research Interests: labor economics, education economics and urban economics.
SOP: Should be fine. I talked about why I had a low GPA, discussed what I have done since graduating (AEASP, RA), and talked about my future plans
Concerns: low grades, GRE score & GPA
Other: I'm only applying to Master's programs and later plan on applying to PhD programs with a better profile and a master's under my belt.
Applying to: Barcelona GSE MSc Economics, LSE MSc Economics, UIUC MSPE, NYU MA Economics, Tufts MS Economics, USC MA Economics, Duke MA Economics, Michigan MA Applied Economics, BU MA Economics

jj1234 2011:
Institution: LSE
Program: MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (2yr) (L1UT)
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: Feb 09
Notified through:Email
Comments: Competition is fierce and most positions have been already filled up for this program

obsequious 2011:
Institution: Duke
Program: Economics MA
Decision: Wait Listed
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/09/11
Notified through: email
Posted on GF: No (what does this mean?)
Comments: Better than I expected

Pho 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A in Economics (major), Maths & East Asian Studies (minors) from top 20 LA college
Undergrad GPA: 3.8/4.0
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 790Q (91%), 580V (79%), 4.0 AWA (wanted to retake the GRE but did not have time to study)
Math Courses: Calc II-III (A,A), Linear Algebra (A), Intro. to Prob. and Stats. (A-), Real Analysis (A-), ODE (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A
Math Courses (grad-level): Mathematical Statistics
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): The usual, mostly A, a few A-
Other Courses: Many
Letters of Recommendation: PhD OSU (very strong), PhD Michigan (strong), 2 Math Professors (strong, strong), 1 PhD MIT (work supervisor)
Research Experience: Senior research project
Teaching Experience: TA/tutor for Intro to Stats & Probability, Metrics, and Intermediate Macro
Research Interests: Monetary as of now, might change later
SOP: Decent, I think. I tried to tailor for each school (specific research topics of the faculty that I am interested in working with, but not mentioning names, research centers...)
Other: I studied abroad for a year in London. Have been working for 2 years at an economic consulting firm. As an undergrad, I never thought I would want to pursue a PhD, so I filled my summers and work study assignments with banking and consulting gigs in the private sector.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: MA: Duke ($$), Oxford MPhil (???) PhD: WUSTL ($$$), JHU (off the waitlist - tuition waiver, but no 1st year stipend)
Waitlists: PhD: JHU (later off the waitlist), MA: Columbia Statistics
Rejections: Chicago, Princeton, Stanford, NYU, Columbia, Northwestern, Georgetown, Maryland, OSU
Pending:
Attending: Duke for Masters
What would you have done differently?
- Once I realized that I wanted to do a PhD, I should have actively sought out for RA positions, instead of staying in the private sector (even though the visa issue might complicate this).
- Took more Math classes in undergrad. Maths never hurts, regardless of what direction/sector I would go later. Also, majoring in Maths would give me extra OPT months, hence solving the visa issue.
- Took Econ classes with more professors (I took more than half of my classes with the PhD OSU professors), so that I didn't have such a hard time asking for recs.
Anyway, happy that I got such choices and I am excited to head to Duke!

TA89 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Dual Major in Economics/Mathematics from Top 10 liberal arts college. Transfer from a top public after one year, Summer Coursework at an ivy, top 15 national university, and another top public.
Undergrad GPA: 3.85 (Math: 3.90, Economics: 3.85)
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: Q:780 V:570 AWA:6.0 (second attempt)
Math Courses: Calculus I (A+), Calculus II (B+), Calculus III (A), Linear Algebra (A), Differential Equations (A-), Introduction to Analysis (A), Analysis & Optimization (A), Probability (Fall 2011), Principles of Real Analysis I (Fall 2011)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Advanced Microeconomics I (A), Advanced Microeconomics II (A): The first semester course used MWG and covered consumer theory/producer theory/GE topics. The second semester course used half the class to cover Gibbons' Game Theory, and the second half covered Contract Theory using Bolton and Dewatripont, as well as Berkeley lecture notes. Both were Ph.D. level courses.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Principles of Microeconomics (A), Principles of Macroeconomics (A), Experimental Economics (B+), Intermediate Microeconomics (A-), Intermediate Macroeconomics (A-), Economics Statistics (A), Econometrics (A-), International Trade (A),
Other Courses: Not sure what to say here, but I took a year of Chinese (A/A), and a Philosophy Seminar/Tutorial double course (A-/A-)
Letters of Recommendation:
1. Adviser. TA'd his UG Advanced Microeconomics class. I will be doing my thesis under him and have spent this summer working on a research project for him.
2. Advanced Microeconomics I-II Professor. Took both my Ph.D. Micro classes and have discussed my graduate school plans with him.
3. Analysis Professor: I took intro Analysis and Principles of Real Analysis I with him.
All should have been very good.
Research Experience: Summer research project in Health Economics for adviser. Will continue this project as my senior thesis. The plan is to submit as a co-author.
Teaching Experience: TA'd undergraduate Advanced Microeconomics.
Research Interests: Micro Theory, International Trade, Applied Micro (very open)
SOP: I haven't written in yet, but will be good.
Concerns: Typical concerns of a liberal arts applicant. Not really sure what to think or expect.
Other: Again, not really sure what to put here. Unlikely it's relevant, but President of Model UN for two years, and lots of Model UN awards.
RESULTS:
Accepted: Duke Fuqua School of Business: Decision Sciences ($$$), Wisconsin ($$), Cornell ($$$), WUSTL ($$$), UT-Austin (?), LSE MsC Econ (-)
Waitlists: Michigan (high on WL, but withdrew), UCLA (rejected), Penn (rejected), UVA (withdrew)
Rejected: Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Stanford GSB, Chicago, Yale, Northwestern MEDS, Columbia, NYU, Caltech, UCSD, Duke Econ, Brown, LSE MsC EME
Attending: Duke Fuqua School of Business: Decision Sciences
What would you have done differently?
Nothing. I could not be happier with the way the process turned out. I am so fortunate to have been presented with so many great offers. Thanks TM for all the guidance along the way.

toffeenutlatte 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad:Econ-math double major, one of the best econ and math programs in my country
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: -
Grad GPA: -
GRE: 154V, 167Q. 5.0 AW
Math Courses: Finite mathematics (A), Calculus for engineers (A), Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra (A), Statistics (A-), Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (C), Advanced Calculus (B+), Numerical Methods (A), Real Analysis 1 (B), Real Analysis2 (B+), Abstract Algebra1 (B), Abstract Algebra2( B),Diiferential Equations (C+)
Econ Courses (grad-level):Micro, Macro (currently Taking)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level):Intermediate Micro(A), Intermadiate Macro(A), History of Economic Thought(A), Turkish Economics(A), Econometrics 1(B+), Econometrics 2 (A), Advanced Macroeconomics (A), Financial Globalization and Emerging Markets (A), Game Theory, Economics of Institutions
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation:
- a math prof who knows me very well (4 courses, all A"s, one semester of TA)
- very famous development economist (took one course from him(A), 2 years of RA job,1 semester of TA)
- a very famous macro economist, all of them should be encouraging
Research Experience:2 years of RA
Teaching Experience:TA in Turkish Economics, Global Political Economy and Calculus
Research Interests:Development, Political Economics, Economic history
SOP: -
Concerns: Math grades - getting A's from math classes in my school is impossible. I was the first ranking student in the department of mathematics for the past 3 years with the grades above.
Applying to:
Phd: Chicago,Northwestern, NYU, Maryland, Cornell, Brown, UCLA, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Duke, Minnesota,Johns Hopkins, Columbia,
Masters: Toulouse, LSE, Oxford, Barcelona GSE

econobot 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. in Economics at a top LA University
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: M.A. in Economics, same institution
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: Q: 800, V: 480, AW: 3.5
Math Courses: Calc. I-III, Algebra, Probabilities, Statistics, ODE, Introductory Real Analysis.
Econ Courses (grad-level): Microeconomic Theory I, Macroeconomic Theory I, Econometric Theory I-II, Asset Pricing, Financial Economics, Financial Econometrics, Applied Macroeconomics.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro. Micro., Micro. I-II, IO, Intro. Macro, Macro. I-II, International Economics.
Other Courses: Finance I-II, Seminar of Finance.
Letters of Recommendation: Should be very strong. Several Professors from Chicago, MIT, UCLA, Cornell.
Research Experience: 1 year as R.A. in different projects + 1.5 year doing applied research in the public sector.
Teaching Experience: Several years as T.A. (grad and undergrad. courses), two semesters teaching Introductory Microeconomics.
Research Interests: Behavioral Finance, Financial Economics, Asset Pricing.
SOP: Partially tailored for each school.
Concerns: GRE: low Verbal and AW scores (although a pretty decent TOEFL), solid but not stellar grades.
Other: Unpublished co-authored paper.
Applying to: Ph.D. Econ: Top 10 + BU, UCLA, Cornell, Duke, Brown, JHU. Master Econ: Toulouse, LSE, Toulouse, PSE

jerseyGuy 2012:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Computer Science / Math (two separate but concurrently taken degrees)
Undergrad GPA: 3.88/4.0/3.98 (community college / computer science bachelor record / math bachelor record)
GRE: 800Q 690V 6.0AW
Math Courses: Partial Diff Eq, Probability & Stat, Lin Alg, Numerical Techniques, Times Series, Adv Calc, Complex Variables, Stochastic Processes, Math Senior Project, lower level courses
Letters of Recommendation: 2 math professors, 1 computer science professor (when three are needed), all with some degree of research
Teaching Experience: Math tutor
Research Interests: No clue, just wrote some random bull when needed.
SOP: Depends on program. For PhD I gave two pages and for LSE since they required two pages. For others, more like 1-1.3 pages.
Concerns: Getting funding ... app screwups (Oxford MPhil late application) ... getting funding ... QEM stuff (Changing careers -- where should I apply??) ... getting funding
Applying to: Oxford MPhil, LSE 2-year MSc, Duke PhD, UCSD PhD, Rutgers PhD,Bocconi Econ & Soc Sci Master, BGSE Master, CEMFI Master, Tilburg MRes,Toulouse M1, UWO Masters
In: QEM Erasmus (waiting to hear on funding)
Additional profile information here (Changing careers -- where should I apply??).

Popolo2 2012:
Institution: LSE
Program: MSc EME
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification Date: Feb. 20
Notified Through: E-mail
Posted on GC: Yes
Comments: Kind of surprised, but I did indicate that I was more interested in MSc Econ anyway. And I was kind of doubtful that I had enough background to do the program in one year myself.

tunedradio 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.89
Type of Grad: audited 1st year micro, 2nd year development
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q/700V/6.0A
Math Courses: Multivariate Calc (A-) Linear Algebra (A), Real Analysis (currently taking), Statistics (A), Diff Eq. in High School
Econ Courses: lots, A's throughout, A+'s in intermediate micro and macro
Other Courses: lots of political science / development / policy
Letters of Recommendation: one very famous, one very good one (coauthor) but junior, another junior
Research Experience: substantial; senior honor's thesis, presentations at four conferences, year of RA full-time, co-authored (yet to be published) less-technical papers with two professors (one very famous)
Teaching Experience: TA for three semesters (one at graduate level)
Research Interests: devo / trade
SOP: good (but it doesn't really matter)
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: NSF, Yale ($), Berkeley ARE ($), Michigan Econ/Public Policy ($), USSD ($), Penn State ($), Brown (waitlisted $), Duke ($), UC-Boulder ($), LSE (Msc)
Waitlists: Princeton PolyEc PhD
Rejections: Harvard KSG, Cornell, LSE (PhD), MIT
What would you have done differently? I actually applied last year with substantial less math and research experience and was accepted into two top 20 programs but no top 10 programs (and honorable mentioned on the NSF), so for those who are considering it, I found a year of RAing and a few more classes (and better recs) can really boost your admits.

keano 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Econ, top 5 UK university
Undergrad GPA: First (not sure how this translates)
Type of Grad: MSc in Competition Economics, part-time UK university
Grad GPA: On course for distinction
GRE: 800Q, 790V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Maths for economists courses: calculus, linear algebra etc
Econ Courses (Ma-level): A lot of micro-based + econometrics: mostly As
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Lots
Letters of Recommendation: 2/3 econ professors (not well known) Current Employer (Economic consultant with Econ PhD). Hopefully v.positive but names probably won't be known in US.
Research Experience: 3.5 years in economic consultancy
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Micro theory, IO
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Caltech (from waitlist), EUI, LSE (MSc), Oxford (MPhil), BGSE (MSc), Toulouse (M2)
Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Stanford GSB, Kellogg, Wharton (Applied Econ), MIT, UCSD, Berkeley, Wisconsin-M, PSU, Chicago, NYU
What would you have done differently? At the time of the applications process not sure I could done have lot a lot more. Looking at my results, I was a lot more successful in Europe which I would speculate is due to a lack of formal maths courses. So going back a few years, I would have tried to address that somehow.