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:

applying07 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Large Private
Undergrad GPA: 3.81 (Econ: 3.9, Math: 4.0)
GRE: 800Q, 560 V, 6.0A
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Lin Alg, Prob Theory
Econ Courses: Principles, Intermediate Theories, Stats, Intl. Econ, Econ Thought, Environmental Econ, Econometrics, Intl. Econ Relations, Senior Thesis
Other Courses: A bunch of other International Studies class (poli sci, sociology, etc.)
Letters of Recommendation: Associate Prof. (Ph.D. MIT) thesis advisor and teacher, Assistant Prof (Ph.D. BC) Econometrics Teacher, Associate Math Prof. Lin Alg Teacher
Research Experience: Senior Thesis, summer of consulting as an RA
Teaching Experience: Tutoring
Research Interests: Trade and Development
SOP: Probably nothing too special, described career goals, why wanted to study econ and bits about each school
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Duke
Michigan State
Boston College
UNC-CH
Colorado
Rejections:
MIT
Northwestern
Brown
UMich
Columbia
What would you have done differently? Maybe waited a year and taken more math or worked doing a research job to fill in those gaps. Pretty happy with how turned out though
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Duke Michigan State Boston College UNC-CH Colorado
Rejects:
    Rejections: MIT Northwestern Brown UMich Columbia
Waitlists:

sonicskat 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Small Liberal Arts...Not well known
Undergrad GPA: 3.76
GRE: 760/510/5.5
Math Courses: Calc 1-3, Proofs and Topology Class, Linear Algebra, Diff Eq
Econ Courses: Inter. Micro/Macro, Business, Math, Experimental, Forecasting, Econometrics, Statistics, Int'l trade and finance
Letters of Recommendation: Two Associate professors (Duke and MSU), and one Assistant Professor (FSU)
Research Experience: One paper published in undergraduate journal, research using dynamic programming with two professors ongoing, presented at professional conferences twice, associate editor for undergraduate journal for two years, presented at campus research forum twice.
Research Interests: Macro, Int'l
SOP: Wrote how I have adequate math skills, despite no real analysis. Briefly discussed extensive research experiences. Then honed in on a couple professor's who's work I enjoy.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UVA, MSU, UC Davis, Vanderbilt, Rice,UCSB
Waitlists: Pitt (i guess), ASU (i guess)
Rejections: UT Austin, Iowa
What would you have done differently?
Taken more math and gotten an 800 on the gre
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UVA, MSU, UC Davis, Vanderbilt, Rice,UCSB
Rejects:
    Rejections: UT Austin, Iowa
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Pitt (i guess), ASU (i guess)

whitewinghk 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: A School in HK, statistics major, no analysis
Undergrad GPA: 3.66, first class honors
Type of Grad: A school in HK, MA (Econ)
Grad GPA: Grade A average
GRE: Q800, V570, A5.5
Math Courses: no rigorous math courses, but some hard statistics courses, e.g. Statistical Inference A+, Stochastic Inference A+, Nonparametric testing (A+), linear model and forecasting (A-), Stochastic calculus (A-), Risk theory (A)
Econ Courses: Intermediate macro (A+), Micro theory I, II (A+), Macro analysis (A+), Econometircs (A), International trade (B+)
Letters of Recommendation: all strong, two from econ and one from statistics
Research Experience: 2 year RA experience, working on trade and economic development of Mainland China
Research Interests: Development and micro theory
SOP: very general indicated my research interest and RA experience at university and United Nations
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Wisconsin ($), Boston University ($), MSU (no $), PSU (no $), UC Davis (no $)
Waitlists: ever waiting, Uni. of Toronto and UBC
Rejections: A long list, Minnesota, UCLA, NYU, Columbia, Maryland, Brown, OSU, Cornell
What would you have done differently?
I think I have tried my best or may be I should have applied to some applied econ programs as I have strong interest in development. Yet, I am happy with the results.
Advice: Apart from Math, RA exp really helps a lot, it may make up weak math background. There would be lots of RA opp at any university. The job may be very simple like formulting Excel sheets, collecting data or plotting charts, yet it shines in your application.
For international students, the process can be quite random especially for some are from unknown schools like me. Try to apply as many as possible, certainly you need to take into account money and how willing your referees are to write so many letters for you. Yet, if you can, try to apply as many as possible and do have a super safe one as a back up. I have seen a lot of Chinese students transfer to another school in one to two years.
All the best and good luck
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Wisconsin ($), Boston University ($), MSU (no $), PSU (no $), UC Davis (no $)
Rejects:
    Rejections: A long list, Minnesota, UCLA, NYU, Columbia, Maryland, Brown, OSU, Cornell
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: ever waiting, Uni. of Toronto and UBC

kgreene1906 2007:
Type of Undergrad: Big 10 midwestern School
Undergrad GPA: 3.32
Type of Grad: Smaller BIG 10 school with a Ph.D program in the top 50
Grad GPA: 3.599
GRE: 800 V, 780 Q, 4.0 wirting
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Diff Eq, Linear Algebra, Proof Writring, Abstract Algebra, Advanced Calculus I and II, Real Analysis(B-), Math Stats I and II, Engineering Stats, Grad Complex Analysis, Grad Real Variable Theory.
Econ Courses: MA Micro and Macro, Monetay Theory, Growth and Development, Game Theory and Firm Behavior
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: Pretty Solid, one came from a UCSD grad, one came from a Cal-Berkley Grad and one came from a Michigan Grad
Research Experience: None...
Teaching Experience: TA for 2 semesters
Research Interests: Trade, Development, IO
SOP:
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: SIU-Carbondale, Howard, Purdue, UIUC, Northern Illinois, Michigan State
Waitlists:n/a
Rejections:WUSTL, Berkley, Harvard
Attending: SIU-Carbondale(they are waving me out of alot of classes, it should take me 1.5 years to finish my course work and 1.5 to 3 to do my dissertation)
What would you have done differently? I waited until the LAST MINUTE to apply to places. And basically I wish I had took school alot mroe seriously. But dont underestimate the power of good reconomentation letters...by looking at my GPA, i really shouldnt have gotten into a few places, but letters will get u in.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: SIU-Carbondale, Howard, Purdue, UIUC, Northern Illinois, Michigan State
Rejects:
    Rejections:WUSTL, Berkley, Harvard
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:n/a

octavio 2008:
Type of Undergrad: Large US state university, econ program ranked very low
Undergrad GPA: 4.0
Type of Grad: Currently enrolled in econ masters at a US public university
Grad GPA: 4.0 through first semester
GRE: 800Q, 690V, 6.0 AW
Math Courses: Undergrad: Calc 1-4, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Real Analysis; Grad: Topology, Optimization (IP)
Econ Courses: Undergrad: All the standard intro/intermediate, econometrics, electives; Grad: Micro, Macro, Econometrics
Letters of Recommendation: All three were from economists and should be very positive. Nobody famous, that I know of... but I get the impression that they were very specific.
Research Experience: Summer RA for econometrics professor, currently an RA for a couple of professors working in applied micro
Teaching Experience: None, except some grading
Research Interests: Development, trade, applied micro
SOP: It was very conservative, about a page long, talking about what I had done as a research assistant, what my general research interests were, and my desire to work in academia after graduation. For the AREC programs, I added a short paragraph about my experiences studying abroad in a developing country and my eagerness to do field work (without sounding naive).
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Berkeley ARE ($, will be attending), UCSD ($), Maryland ($), Michigan (no $), Wisconsin AAE ($), Michigan State ($), UC Davis ($)
Waitlists: Brown
Rejections: Stanford, Yale
What would you have done differently? Things worked out well given that my pedigree was so poor. I got into Berkeley ARE, which is a perfect match for my interests, so I can't think of much to do differently. Probably shouldn't have applied to Stanford and chosen a different reach instead, not that I would have gotten in.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Berkeley ARE ($, will be attending), UCSD ($), Maryland ($), Michigan (no $), Wisconsin AAE ($), Michigan State ($), UC Davis ($)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Stanford, Yale
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Brown

kevinomic 2008:
Undergrad: Small private university (Loyola University New Orleans) majored in Accounting and Finance
GPA: 4.0
Grad: MA Economics University of Colorado Denver
GPA: 3.98
Math:Calc I-III (As), Linear Algebra (A), Diff Eq (A), Abstract Math (A), Real Analysis I (A)
GRE: 790Q/530V/5.5AW
Teaching experience: Principles of Macro Instructor, Stats Lab Instructor, TA for Econometrics (Grad), Research Methodology (Grad), Intermediate Macro / Micro, Principles of Macro/Micro
Research experience: Masters thesis, turned into co-authored paper w/ advisor, submitted for publication. Blogged about on Freakonomics! (College Football and Crime). RA job during MA program (2.5 years)
letter of recommendation: 3 from professors. I think they were really good.
Interests: labor, education, health, applied metrics
What I learned: I'm very pleased with my results
Accepted: UCSB ($$$), Cornell - PAM ($$), UC Irvine ($$), MSU ($), Washington ($), CUNY ($$), Oregon ($$), CU Boulder ($$), Michigan (no $), Wisconsin (no $), UT Austin (no $)
Rejected: Berkeley, Princeton, Maryland, Wharton (Applied Econ)
Attending: UC Santa Barbara, very excited. Not the best program I got into, but great faculty to work with, great location, great fellowship package. I know a lot of people (especially in this forum) stress going to the best ranked school you get into, but I'm a little older and location and fit were very important to me. I'm very happy about my decision.
Other: I don't have any of the pedigree (top undergrad, grad, etc.), but feel that I did very well. I got to know my professors in grad school very well and got lots of research and teaching experience. I think my LORs pushed me up a few notches and allowed me to get really good funding packages from lower ranked programs (30-70) and got in with no funding to some 10-20 ranked programs.
Although I didn't contribute, I found this forum very helpful and a little addicting. Good luck to all you future applicants.
Accepts:
    Accepted: UCSB ($$$), Cornell - PAM ($$), UC Irvine ($$), MSU ($), Washington ($), CUNY ($$), Oregon ($$), CU Boulder ($$), Michigan (no $), Wisconsin (no $), UT Austin (no $)
Rejects:
    Rejected: Berkeley, Princeton, Maryland, Wharton (Applied Econ)
Waitlists:

IrrationalActor 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Small private research university, USNWR undergrad ranking around 70, econ PhD program not highly ranked
Undergrad GPA: 3.9, 3.99 in econ, 3.85 in math
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 790Q 560V 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-IV, Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus, Probability, Math Stats, Regression, Grad Math Stats I II (In Progress), Real Analysis. A's in everything except Calc III and IV.
Econ Courses: Many
"Important" Courses: Intermediate Micro, Advanced Macro, Mathematical Economics, Econometrics. Also a Masters level research seminar in transition economies. All A's except for an A- in advanced macro
Letters of Recommendation: I used 4 letters: the Department Chair, I wrote an independent research paper for his class (PhD Stanford), an econometrician I'm doing research with (PhD Berkeley), a statistics professor, and my thesis supervisor. All are full professors, and the econometrician is very well known, though in a somewhat esoteric subfield of econometric theory.
Research Experience: RA on an applied econometrics project, wrote a senior thesis.
Teaching Experience: One semester as a TA for principles of microeconomics
Research Interests: Applied Micro (Labor, Urban, Education), Econometrics
SOP: Not really sure how to judge. I spent a decent amount of time on it and used the same basic outline for each school and changed the last paragraph.
Other: Transferred from a very low-ranked school after my freshman year.
Attending: Wisconsin ($)
Admitted, Declined: UVA (No$), UT-Austin (No$), OSU($$), MSU($)
Rejected: Maryland, Michigan, Yale, Duke, WUSTL, Berkeley ARE, UCSD, UChicago
Never Heard From: Cornell
What I would have done differently: I would have attended a more well-known undergrad and built stronger relationships with my letter-writers. I was also considering taking an additional year of courses like PhD Micro, Econometrics, and Measure theory and shooting for the top 10s, but I am quite happy with Wisconsin.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TA-Ship Notification date: 2/26/09 Notified through: email Comments: Very happy, first funded admit!
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted Funding: tuition+health insurance+13.4Kmin TAship Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: email from dept. Comments: Same email as Zmoney
Rejects:
Waitlists:

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

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 ($$$),
Waitlists: Duke funding waitlist, BU funding waitlist, Princeton Waitlist, Texas Waitlist, Michigan waitlist
Rejections: MIT, Princeton (rejected from waitlist), Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, UPenn, Chicago, UCSD, Penn State, Boston College, Cambridge
What would you have done differently? First, read jeeve's thread about suggestions for people from less known undergrads (it was impossible since it was not written until a couple of days ago, but that's what future people should do). Second, apply to NYU, Columbia and Northwestern (but most probably I would have only taken Northwestern over Duke. But still, my portfolio of schools was a little unbalanced). Third, write a much, much better SOPs that would be much better tailored to different schools. You'll be surprised how much SOPs matter (heard it directly from admissions directors at TOP10 and TOP20 schools).Fourth, don't get RA positions that are in the network of your schools and professors because you are already part of this network, so it doesn't add much to your profile. Go out and work for somebody different.
Accepts:
    Attending: Duke ($$$) Acceptances, declined: Wisconsin ($$$), Cornell ($$$), Ohio State( $$$), UNC -Chapel Hill ($$$), Michigan State ($$$), Pitt ($$$), Tinbergen Institute ($$$), LSE EME (Research), Oxford MPhil, Michigan (no $), Texas(no $), USC ($$$),
  • Institution: Purdue University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No word Notification date: Feb 18 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: U of Pittsburgh Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: Feb 18 Notified through: Email and mail Comments: It's been a really good day
  • Institution: Wisconsin-Madison economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 2/21/09 Notified through: Email Comments: I still can't believe it ...
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver and on the waitlist for a stipend Notification date: 02/27 Notified through: Mail Weird, they rejected me via the online application earlier this week. Very quick turn around.
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Ph.D. Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Hey at least I am on 1-1 for the day.
  • Institution: Cornell University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: 21,400 fellowship + 4,400 in summers ...crazy Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Sweet deal
  • Institution: Tinbergen Economics MPhil Decision: Admitted Notification date: 3/9 Funding: 975 Euros/month + Tuition Notified through: email
  • Institution: Boston U Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: E-mail Funding: -"alternative funding applicant" Comments: hey i got one Boston School, even if unfunded
Rejects:
    Rejections: MIT, Princeton (rejected from
  • Institution: Yale University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through: Email to check website Comments: Who would have known ... rejection stinks
  • Institution: PSU Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/24/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Good luck to everybody else !
  • Institution: Duke Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I was kinda hoping I was out of the woods but oh well.
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: E-Mail Comments:Another one bites the dust. 0-2 on TOP10 programs.
  • Institution: MIT Economics Ph.D. Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: E-mail Comments: MIT and Berkeley at least notify all at the same time.
  • Institution: UCSD Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/19 (Official letter) Notified through: E-mail Funding: -Nada Comments: what can you do
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Duke funding waitlist, BU funding waitlist, Princeton Waitlist, Texas Waitlist, Michigan waitlist
  • Institution: Princeton University Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: 25,750 on the off chance I get in Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: At least one TOP10 school thinks I am somewhat worth it
  • Institution: U of Michigan Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/19 (Official letter) Notified through: Mail Funding: -Not mentioned Comments: Interesting
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Ph.D. Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Really rocking those waitlsts this year

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:

sihnt2307 2009:
profile evaluation
Profile evaluation and advice please!
Undergrad: small but good liberal arts college
GPA: Overall - 3.845, Majors - Econ 3.94/Spanish 4.0, Minor - Math 4.0
GRE: Quant 800/Verbal 540/?
Econ: Principles (A), Intermediate Micro (A-), Intermediate Macro (A), Econ Stats (A), Internship Abroad - for credit, with econ research and consulting firm (A), Econometrics (A), History of Econ Thought (A), Game Theory (A), Intl Trade (in fall 08), Advanced Micro Theory (in spring 09)
Math: (took AP calc in HS), Cal 2 (A), Cal 3 (A), Diff Eq and Lin Alg (A), will take two Math Stats classes during the next year
letter of recommendation: 3 Econ profs who know me well and think highly of me (?), all went to very reputable schools
SOP: probably something about my research and teaching experience, want to go into intl econ
Accepts:
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: full tuition waiver and health insurance, no stipend as of now Notification date: 03/02 (Letter was mailed Feb 26th) Notified through: Snail Mail (I guess NC schools have something against emailing me?) Comments: Finally! Also invited to the flyout on March 30-31
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted Funding: tuition+health insurance+24K (no teaching/ra for yrs 1 and 5) Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: phone call from prof
Rejects:
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/01, checked at 2 am central Notified through: checked apply yourself Comments: Yes thats right, I'm that crazy that I check my status at 2 am on a Saturday night.
Waitlists:

GymShorts 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S.B.A. in International Economics and Finance, Math minor, from a 1st tier nation university (U.S. News and World Report) without an econ PhD program. (Had one but it was shut down a few years ago)
Undergrad GPA: 3.7 overall, 3.9 in econ, 4.0 in math
GRE: Will know in August
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Topics in Math Sol Sci, Fundamentals of Adv Math, Analysis I (fall), Probability and Stat (fall)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate micro and macro, econ stat I, econ stat II: intro metrics, econometric models, international econ
Other Courses: A lot of business classes, corporate finance, investment analysis, international corporate finance, computer programming (fall)
Letters of Recommendation: All well published, all should write great things.
Research Experience: Working on a paper now that I hope to publish
Teaching Experience: TA for econ stat I & II for a year, will continue next fall and spring probably. A year of tutoring calculus I & II and intro macro and micro.
Research Interests: Political economics, game theory, micro
SOP: In process of writing
Concerns: Haven't taken GRE yet
Applying to: I haven't finalized the list; depends on whether I ace the GRE. Any suggestions?
Accepts:
  • Institution: U Pittsburgh Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 2/16 Notified through: Phone Comments: I've been smiling all week.
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None "at this time" Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: E-mail
Rejects:
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: March 11 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Life goes on.
Waitlists:

DesperateEconomist 2009:
It's time to do this:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Bachelor in Business Administration, prestigious institution in Latin America.
Undergrad GPA: 7.6/10
Type of Grad: Master in Economics, same institution than undergrad.
Grad GPA: 8/10
GRE: 800Q, 490V, 4.0AWA
TOEFL: 104 (30R, 30L, 20S, 24W)
Math Courses: Mathematics I, II, Linear Algebra, Metric Spaces, Statistics I, II, III, Mathematical Economics (grad).
Econ Courses (Masters): Macro I, II, Micro I, II, Metrics, Time Series and others not so relevant.
Econ Courses (undergrad): Macro, Micro, no Metrics.
Other Courses: Several other courses, but with small or no relevance for admission purposes.
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (1 Chicago PhD, 1 UCLA PhD, 1 Cornell PhD), and I believe that all of them are solid.
Research Experience: RA for two econ professors and currently working on my master's thesis. I also presented a paper in an economics meeting in my country.
Teaching Experience: TA for two graduate courses (Macro and Time Series) and 1 undergrad course (Statistics).
Research Interests: Macro and IO.
SOP: The usual stuff: I put a brief description of my profile and talked about my preferences and why I think I would succeed in their program.
Concerns: Low score on the speaking section of the TOEFL. Maybe my math background is not as strong as desired by some schools. At least a few low grades that could hurt me.
Applying to: Berkeley, Boston College, BU, Cornell, Columbia, Maryland, MSU, Minnesota, Northwestern, NYU, UT Austin, UCLA, UPenn, Washington St. Louis, Yale.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Boston College Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Full tuition + 15.6K RAship Notification date: 03/01 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Ph.D Decision: Accepted Funding: tuition+health insurance+13.4Kmin TAship Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: E-mail with an acceptance letter attached Comments: Very happy, it's good to have options!
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Full tuition plus 9K fellowship Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Cornell Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: Feb 5th Notified through: E-mail Comments: Expected because they were rejecting a lot of internationals, but it was disappointing nonetheless.
  • Institution: Yale University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 20th Notified through: Email and website. Comments: T-13 and counting...
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: 0-3 so far...
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02 Notified through: E-mail Comments:
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: Website Comments: At least I don't have to wait anymore...
  • Institution: University of Pennsylvania Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/4 Notified through: Email with an attached letter
  • Institution: UCLA Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail/attachment Comments: Completely expected by now....
  • Institution: Columbia Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail directing me to website. Comments: No surprise here...
  • Institution: UPenn Economics PhD Decision: Rejected again Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I had already received an email with an attached letter, now I get an email asking me to check the website!
  • Institution: Maryland Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Website Comments: By now, it was completely expected...
  • Institution: NYU Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Finally!
Waitlists:

dale_albo 2010:
Type of Undergrad: Economics, Top South American University.
Undergrad GPA: 6.02/7 (Highest in my Class)
Type of Grad: MSc, Economics, Top South American University.
Grad GPA: 6.5/7 (Highest in my Class)
GRE/TOEFL: 790Q/780V/5.5AWA. 120 TOEFL.
Math Courses: Calculus I-III, Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Inference, Mathematics for Economists (Linear Algebra, some Dynamic Optimization), Advanced Calculus (Should be Real Analysis I), Real Analysis. All A's, except for Calculus I.
Econ Courses (u/g): Intro Micro, Intro Macro, Micro I-II, Macro I-II, Industrial Organization, International Economics, Econometrics. All equivalent to A's or A+
Grad courses: Macro Theory I, Micro Theory I-II, Econometric Theory I-II-III. In my university, I is a joint M.Sc. and Ph.D. course, while the others are Ph.D. courses. Also, Industrial Organization, Public Economics, Enviromental Economics. All equivalent to A's or A+, except for IO, B+.
Letters of Recommendation: All strong, I believe/hope. I moved them around according to the program, but the summary is 2 MIT, 2 Chicago,1 Harvard, 1 UCLA, 1 Georgetown.
Research Experience: Honors thesis, won the poster contest in the annual meeting of my country's economic society. A co-authored working paper, with a classmate, that I have presented a few times and has been submitted for publication. Also, a couple of other co-authored working papers, including one with a professor from my university. Also, a year and a half of being a research assistant for that professor.
Teaching Experience: Been a TA since 2nd year of undergrad for a bunch of courses. Of note, TA for a core Ph.D. econometrics course and for a graduate enviromental economics course. Also, have been teaching Introduction to Economics for a year.
Research Interests: IO, mostly empirical work.
Statement of Purpose: The usual, I talk about my research, what I have done and what I want to do.
Concerns:
No published or in the pipeline research. Just submitted one working paper to a journal, but I haven't heard back from them so I decided not to mention that I had submitted it.
Applying to: Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Chicago, Berkeley, Columbia, NYU, UPenn, Northwestern, UCLA, Yale.
RESULTS:
Will Attend: MIT.
Acceptances: Chicago, Northwestern ($?), UPenn ($$), UCLA. All declined.
Waitlists: Yale, declined.
Rejections: Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, NYU.
What would you have done differently? Wouldve tried harder to get published last year. Still, I got into my top choice, which is all that matters.
Accepts:
    Attend: MIT. Acceptances: Chicago, Northwestern ($?), UPenn ($$), UCLA. All declined.
  • Institution: Northwestern Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted for first year, 21k 2nd year on. Notification date: 02/24/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes
  • Institution: UPenn Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 22k Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Just got the email, so excited!!
  • Institution: University of Chicago Economics Decision: Admit Funding: None Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment: :-D
  • Institution: MIT Economics Decision:Accepted Funding: Samsung Scholarship??? Notification date: 3/15 Notified through: Email Comments: Blessed.
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Accepted Notified through: e-mail Notification date: 3/16/10 Posted on GC: No Comments: Will decline promptly.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, NYU.
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 04/04 Notified through: Email Comments: Not surprised, I messed up with my SOP and mentioned at length the work of two professors that had just left the department. Ouch.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comment: blah blah blah
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 04/04 Notified through: Email Comments: Not surprised, I messed up with my SOP and mentioned at length the work of two professors that had just left the department. Ouch.
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comment: blah blah blah
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Expected. Congrats to all the admits!
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mailed Susie Madsen. Posted on GC: no Comments: She answered quickly, but I think it was because of the fact that there was an earthquake here and Im not going to be getting mail from the US any time soon.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Yale, declined.
  • Institution: Yale Ph.D. Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/19/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes

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

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

epinefrin 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mathematics, one of the best in my country
Undergrad GPA: 3.35 (it is hard to get it: the graduation average is 2.78)
Type of Grad: M.A Economics (one of the other best
Grad GPA: 3.87
GRE: 800Q / 400V / 3.5AWA. TOEFL: 101 (R:27 L:27 S:22 W:25 )
Math Courses: Undergrad: Calculus I-II-III (BA), Real Analysis I-II (CB-DC!!!), Linear Algebra (AA), Algebra I-II (AA-BA), Statistics (BA), Probability (BA), Differential Eqns (AA), Calculus of Variations (AA), Matrix Theory(The GRE Big Book), other courses like Numerical Analysis-Mathematical Logic-Discrete Math I,II-Coding Theory are ranging between AA and The GRE Big Book.
Grad: Math for Econ (A-)
Econ Courses: Undergrad: Intro-Intermediate Micro (AA-BA), Intro-Inter-Advanced Macro (AA-BA-BA), Mathematical Statistics I-II(AA), Econometrics I-II (AA-BA)
Grad: Macro I-II (A), Econometrics I-II (A), Micro I-II(A-, B+), Time Series (A), Independent Study about econometrics and Time series (A)
Other Courses: U/G: Lots of German and French Courses, lots of Physics and Chemistry, and Seminar Course where I presented my (some kind of) undergrad thesis (or graduation project)
Grad: Financial Markets and Institutions (A), from the Industrial Eng. department Stochastic Processes and their Applic. (Intro and Adv) (non-credit)
Letters of Recommendation: 4 professors. A good reference (I hope!) from my thesis advisor but he is from Europe, thus not known much in US. Others are moderate ref. letters.
Research Experience: Master thesis and undergrad thesis.
Teaching Experience: Undergrad & Grad Econometrics I-II TA (4 semesters), instructor in the math camp for the 1st year master students.
Research Interests: (both theoretical and applied) Econometrics, Time Series, Macroeconometrics and Monetary Economics.
SOP: How my math undergrad contributed my career, explained my theoretical master thesis
Concerns: Not much research experience, bad Real Analysis grades (!), and not much known ref. letters.
Applying to: Yale, LSE, UCSD, Northwestern, UPenn, Columbia, Duke, Cornell, Wisconsin-Madison, Ohio State, Boston U, Boston College, UNC Chapel Hill, Michigan State, Washington Uni St.Louis, UNC State Raleigh, Pompeu Fabra, Tinbergen, Carlos III
In: Ohio State (waitlisted for funding)
Waitlist: Boston College
Out: Yale, LSE, Northwestern, UPenn(implicit), Columbia, Duke, Cornell, Wisconsin-Madison
Accepts:
  • Institution: Ohio State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Later Notification date: 02/09/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on Gradcafe: Yes Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) 02/09/2010
  • Institution: UNC-Chapel Hill Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: $19,000 for the 1st year; min $15,000 for the remaining years Notification date: 03/19 (03/14 asked me if I am still interested in) Notified through: E-mail
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $13,400 Assistantship + $2,000 fellowship + tuition + health insurance Notification date: 3/22 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: yes Comments: happy, but also confused between UNC and MSU
  • Institution: North Carolina State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ? (Assistantship: None Available) Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: will decline soon.
Rejects:
  • Institution: LSE MRes/PhD Economics Track 1 Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/09/2010 Notified through: website Posted on Gradcafe: yes
  • Institution: Cornell Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/08/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on Gradcafe: yes
  • Institution: UCSD Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This dream is over as the others...
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/31 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Funding: - Comments:
Waitlists:

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:

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.

kt253 2011:
Profile:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, B.A. Philosophy (two degrees) - 170s ranked National University, Top 100 Econ PhD program
Undergrad GPA: 3.97 Cumulative, 4.0 in both majors and all math courses (only 1 B, in irrelevant course)
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 770Q, 550V, 5.0 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I, II, III (A, A+, A), Linear Algebra (A), currently in Differential Equations and calc-based stats.
Econ Courses: Intro Micro, Intro Macro, Econ Stats, Inter Micro, Inter Macro, Econometrics, Mathematical Economics (in progress), Moral Foundations of Capitalism, Development, Economic History, Economics of Entrepreneurship.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 Econ Professors, 1 relatively recent PhD from Emory (will be co-authoring a paper and starting RA job with him soon), 1 well known professor from Florida State, and a math prof (my prof for Linear Algebra, m.s. from harvard, phd from Wisc)
Research Experience: RA for a professor, research on philosophical debate regarding organ markets and economics behind it
Teaching Experience: Tutored students in various math, econ, accounting, philosophy, and social science courses, TA for an intro level philosophy course.
Research Interests: Public Economics, Political Economy, Development, Microeconomics, Health Economics
Concerns: GRE score, lack of advanced math preparation (Real Analysis, Probability Theory, etc), reputation of undergrad school
Applied to: Carnegie Mellon (Econ and PP), Maryland, U of Virginia, George Mason, Florida State, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan State, Indiana, Suffolk, UCSD
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UIUC ($), MSU ($$), FSU ($$), Vanderbilt ($), WVU ($), GMU (?), Suffolk ($, already turned down), UKY (turned down before $ offered)
Waitlisted: none
Rejections: Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, UC San Diego, Carnegie Mellon
Still Waiting on: none
What would you have done differently? I would have started taking math way earlier and more often, studied more for the GRE and maybe retaken it, narrowed my research focus a little in my SOP. I would have also applied to better reach schools - better in terms of those that let in more students, and with funding, a couple more 15-25 schools, and less safeties. I underestimated myself since I came out of a less reputable state school, despite my great GPA and adequate GRE scores. Turns out my undergrad institution wasn't quite as damning as I thought it was going to be.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UIUC ($), MSU ($$), FSU ($$), Vanderbilt ($), WVU ($), GMU (?), Suffolk ($, already turned down), UKY (turned down before $ offered)
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics (PhD) Decision: accepted Funding: yes (1st year fellowship, and insurance) Notification date: 2/22/2011 Notified through: email with formal acceptance from DGS Posted on GF: not yet Comments: SUPER PUMPED!!! First acceptance and notification for that matter!
  • Institution: michigan state Econ phd Decision: Accepted Funding: Yes, UEF fellowship Notification date: 02/25/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: not yet Comment: very happy!
  • Institution: West Virginia University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Yes Notification date: 03/09/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: not yet Comment: Good to have options!
  • Institution: Suffolk University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Yes Notification date: 03/08/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: not yet Comment: Interesting new program, will check it out.
  • Institution: George Mason Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word, whatsoever, kind of strange Notification date: 03/11/2011 (date on letter), received 3/17/2011 Notified through: snail mail Posted on GC: not yet Comments: would like to find out about funding, will be emailing them
  • Institution: Florida State University Ph.d. in Economics Decision: Acceptance Funding: Fellowship ($$$) Notification Date: March 22, 2011 Notified Through: Personal email Posted on GC: No Comments: Very nice offer at a program that lines up very well with my interests, will certainly be visiting
  • Institution: UIUC Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 1st year fellowship, TAship years 2-5 Notification Date: 03/23/2011 Notified through: E-mail with acceptance letter attached Posted on GC: Not yet Comments: Very exciting!! I think this may be my highest ranked acceptance yet. I have way too much to think about now.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, UC San Diego, Carnegie Mellon Still
  • Institution: Virginia Economics PhD Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/7/2011 Notified through: website, no email, just checked the online app Posted on GC : not yet Comments: first rejection had to come sooner or later
  • Institution: Indiana University, Bloomington Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/21/11 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Not yet Comments: Disappointed, thought I had a good shot after receiving the acceptances that I've gotten to date. Guess it was a fit issue, more than anything.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics and Public Policy Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/29/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Just confirming the already-known
  • Institution: UCSD Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/06 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Last school to hear from, kind of a bummer, would have made my decision extremely easy.
Waitlists:
    Waitlisted: none

bassmantin 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Accounting/Finance at a Big 10 school
Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Type of Grad: M.B.A. Accounting/Finance
Grad GPA: 3.91
GRE: 800Q, 700V, 5.0AW
Math Courses: Calculus I, II, II, Linear Algebra, Intro to Advanced Math (all A) After submission of application: Differential Equations, Real Analysis (all A expected)
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Econometrics, lots of grad level business school classes that overlap somewhat: managerial econ, real options, valuation, corporate finance, international monetary systems and hedging (all A) after submission: History of Economic Thought, Monetary Theory (all A expected)
Other Courses: Lots of business
Letters of Recommendation: Accounting professor, math instructor, former employer
Research Experience: N/A
Teaching Experience: two semesters intro to managerial accounting
Research Interests: macro/monetary
SOP: addressed my somewhat unique situation
Concerns: no econ prof letter of recommendation, not too much math before submitting app
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Vanderbilt, Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Iowa State, George Mason, Missouri
Waitlists: WUSTL (eventually accepted), Minnesota (withdrew)
Rejections: Chicago, Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, Notre Dame
Attending: WUSTL
What would you have done differently? Take more math. Get letter of recommendation from economists. Get a mentor to guide me through the process.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Vanderbilt, Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Iowa State, George Mason, Missouri
  • Institution: Missouri-Columbia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nominated for fellowship Notification date: Feb 8 (sorry for the delay) Notified through: Email (probably notified early because of the fellowship nomination) Posted on GC: no Comments: First response. Exciting!
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics (PhD) Decision: Accepted Funding: First-Year Fellowship Notification date: 2/22/2011 Notified through: Email from DGS Posted on GF: no Comments: Extremely excited! Good program and I love Nashville!
  • Institution: Purdue Economics (PhD) Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 2/24/2011 Notified through: Email from Assistant Director of Administration Posted on GC: No Comments: Very cool!
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification Date: 3/9/11 Funding: TAship Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Awesome
  • Institution: Indiana Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification date: 3/10/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Very excited!
  • Institution: Iowa State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TA-ship Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: excellent, good fit
  • Institution: George Mason Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word Notification date: 3/18/11 Notified through: snail mail Posted on GF: no Comments: Very cool school. I might have to start a blog.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Chicago, Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, Notre Dame
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: WUSTL (eventually
  • Institution: Minnesota Economics (PhD) Decision: Wait List Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/23/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: Would love to go.
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics PhD Decision: Wait List Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GradCafe: no Comments: "We again had a record number of applicants, many of whom were highly qualified. Yet we are restricted to only a very small class of first-year students. We realize that this uncertainty is unpleasant, but we want to assure you that there is still a reasonable chance that you will be accepted into our program."

econm 2011:
PROFILE: econm
Type of Undergrad: Double major math (top 20) economics (top 30)
Undergrad GPA: 3
GRE: 800, 590, 4.5
Math Courses: all of them
Econ Courses: intermediates + urban, international, game theory, policy, development
Other Courses: year of bio & chem, 2 CS courses (matlab, java, C++, some unix), Thermal Physics & Statistical Mechanics
Letters of Recommendation: 1 semi-famous, 1 young rising star, 1 visiting, 1 emeritus
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Varied
SOP: Bad, just really not good
Other: Rejected by Oregon, accepted by MSU for a difference in ranking of about 30
RESULTS:
Acceptances: MSU ($$), Illinois (MS)
Waitlists: OSU (rejected on 14th after emailing), Purdue (withdrew)
Rejections: Virginia, Washington, Penn St, Oregon, BC, Cornell AEM, Iowa St
Attending: Michigan State University
What would you have done differently?
1) Taken less math
2) Taken math in the right order
3) Drank more milk
4) Not applied to Iowa St, Cornell AEM, Penn State, BC
5) Applied to UC Davis, UBC, Toronto, Texas, UNC
Accepts:
    Acceptances: MSU ($$), Illinois (MS)
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: confusing, sounds like none for the first year Comments: brain happy, tummy happy, my feet are rap dancin'
Rejects:
    rejected on 14th after emailing), Purdue (withdrew) Rejections: Virginia, Washington, Penn St, Oregon, BC, Cornell AEM, Iowa St
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: rejected Comments: Perhaps it was the egregious typo that I just found located conveniently in the second sentence of my SOP: "I culminate economics, PhD."
  • Institution institution: penn state program: phd economics decision: rejected comments: last name start with r
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: OSU (

AgEcon29 2011:
Type of Undergrad: Small liberal arts college (Economics and Math major)
Undergrad GPA: 3.96/4.00 Econ(4.0) Math(4.0)
Type of Grad:n/a
Grad GPA:n/a
GRE: 730 Quant. 580 Ver. 4.5 Writing
Math Courses: Calc 1-3 (A), Differential Equations (A), Discrete Structures(A), Linear Algebra(A), Probability Theory(A), Statistics(A), Abstract Algebra(A), Real Analysis(current)
Econ Courses (grad-level):n/a
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro Micro and Macro(A), Intermediate micro and macro(A), econometrics(A), economics of poverty(A), public sector economics(A), urban and regional economics(current)
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 3 good letters: two econ, one math
Research Experience: summer reu
Teaching Experience:3 years as supplemental tutor for econ and as a writing tutor
Research Interests: industrial organization/econometrics
Concerns:low GRE quant. score
Applying to:Minnesota ARE, Michigan State ARE, Texas A&M ARE, Penn State ARE, University of Kentucky ARE, UCONN ARE, UMASS ARE, University of Arkansas Econ
Accepted: Minnesota ARE, Michigan State ARE, Texas A&M ARE, Kentucky ARE
Waiting: Penn State ARE, University of Kentucky ARE, UCONN ARE, UMASS ARE, University of Arkansas Econ
Rejected: none
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Minnesota Masters Ag Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: unknown Notification date: 2/3/11 Notified through: website Posted on GF:yes
  • Institution:Michigan State University Masters ag econ Decision:Accepted Funding:RA Notification date: 1/18/11 Notified through: email Posted on GF: yes Comments:
  • Institution: Texas A&M University Masters Ag Econ Decision:Accepted Funding: TA Notification date: 12/9/10 Notified through: email Posted on GF: yes
  • Institution: University of Kentucky Masters Ag Econ Decision:Accepted Funding: RA Notification date: 12/6/10 Notified through: email Posted on GF: yes
  • Institution:University of Arkansas Decision: admit Funding: 27,000, fellowship/ta Notification date: 2/24/11 Notified through: email Posted on GF: yes In: Texas A&M ARE, Penn State ARE, Minnesota ARE, MSU ARE, Kentucky ARE, Arkansas Waiting: everywhere else
Rejects:
Waitlists:

acoustickel 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Business Administration & Public Accounting (tiny liberal arts college in South Dakota)
Undergrad GPA: 3.92
Type of Grad: MS Economics from private Texas school
Grad GPA: 3.96
GRE: Q 750 / V 590 / AW 4.5
Math Courses: Er...Cal I-III, Prob & Stats, Linear Algebra (currently taking)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Econometrics, Micro, Health Econ, Development, Intl Policy, Econ of Information, Macro Analysis, Urban, Thesis
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro, Econ of Religion, Intl Trade
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: None well known. Two are pretty enthusiastic about helping me get in somewhere and the other is supportive but probably didn't write a glowing letter.
Research Experience: RA for 3 semesters, Master's thesis
Teaching Experience: TA for 2 semesters and tutored for 2 semesters
Research Interests: IO, education, labor, maybe behavioral
SOP: I tried to make myself sound interesting even if I may not be all that qualified
Concerns: Obviously math...and my GRE score...
Other: I think I win the least math award
Applying to: Minnesota (Applied), Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas State, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, Michigan State, Colorado, U of Illinois - Chicago, Vanderbilt, Purdue
In: Minnesota (Applied), Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas State ($), Missouri
Accepts:
  • Institution: Minnesota Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Funding decisions made later Notification date: 2/3 Notified through: Email to check decision in application system Posted on GF: No Comments: One of my top choices, so I'm pretty happy.
  • Institution: Missouri Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Nominated for school wide fellowship...as are many others, so I'm not holding my breathe. Notification date: 2/8 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: It's nice to be wanted.
  • Institution: Kansas State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decisions made later Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: This school was the safety of my safeties...but a yes is always nice!
  • Institution: Oregon Phd in Economics Decision: Accepted "pending grad school approval" Funding: ??? Notification date: ??? Notified through: Just happened to check the website after the post earlier in this thread--Ditto! Posted on GC: No Comment: I'm pretty happy, but I'm starting to feel like I should have aimed higher.
  • Institution: Nebraska Phd in Economics Decision: Recommended for Admission Funding: Received a phone call from gd saying he'd like to arrange a campus visit and they have a little funding Notification date: 2/24/2011 Notified through: email and phone call Posted on GC: No Comment: Meh.
  • Institution: Kansas State Phd in Economics Decision: Recommended for Admission Funding: Pending Notification date: 2/19 Notified through: Email from grad director Posted on GC: No Comment: Another meh.
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Econ of Education Fellowship years 2-5 but I have to wait to hear about funding for year 1 Notification date: 3/7/2011 Notified through: email Posted on GC : no Comments: My first choice...so I'm beyond thrilled! I just hope funding comes through for the first year
  • Institution: Purdue Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Nothing official yet--making decisions in the next couple weeks Notification Date: 3/10/2011 Notified through: phone call Posted on GC: No Comments: Yay!!!!!!
  • Institution: UC-Boulder Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None first semester--can apply spring semester and depending on grades will receive funding in later years Notification date: 3/11/2011 Notified through: email Posted on GC : no Comments: Meh.
  • Institution: UI-Chicago Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TA + Fellowship Notification date: 3/16/2011 Notified through: mail Posted on GC : no Comments: Update:
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Did NOT receive the econ of education fellowship--my folder was put in the wrong pile. DGS applied for university fellowship...have to wait to hear about that. Notification date: 3/7/2011 Notified through: email Posted on GC : no Comments: Bummer.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Kansas Economics PhD Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/4/2011 Notified through: email to check website Posted on GC : not yet Comments: first rejection had to come sooner or later and it surely won't the be last
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/15/2011 Notified through: email Posted on GC : no Comments: Even though this was the best program I applied to, it was a horrible fit so I can live this rejection.
Waitlists:

kekecib 2011:
Institution: Rice
Program: PhD in Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification date: Feb 13
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Comments: Terrible news for me. 1st decision I got. It was one of my safeties. I do know what is wrong with my profile according to their ad. committee's view.
Institution: UIUC
Program: PhD in Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: NA
Notification date: Feb 17
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Comments: I started to freak out. I am wondering what will happen to the rest of my applications. This one did hurt and made me pretty sad.
In: None Out: Rice, UIUC Waiting: 19 Econ PhD
Accepts:
  • Institution: Rutgers Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 2/24/2011 Notified through: I personally looked at application status check web page after seeing a post here. Posted on GC: No idea. Comments: No funding = No PhD. I feel devastated.
  • Institution: MSU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: None at this time but waitlisted for funding Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: E-mail with decision and accept/decline letters attached Posted on GC: No Comments: Wait 2-3 weeks to see if funding becomes available.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: Feb 13 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Terrible news for me. 1st decision I got. It was one of my safeties. I do know what is wrong with my profile according to their ad. committee's view.
  • Institution: UIUC Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: Feb 17 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I started to freak out. I am wondering what will happen to the rest of my applications. This one did hurt and made me pretty sad. In: None Out: Rice, UIUC Waiting: 19 Econ PhD
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 2/22/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: After I did send an e-mail to the graduate coordinator, they did send my rejection letter or they were anyway going to send it today. I wanted to get in this one. It was one of my reaches. I feel OK after unexpected rejections from Rice and UIUC. If I get another rejection from a low-tier school, I am gonna feel terrible then.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/28/2011 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comment: After getting very abnormal results, I find this very normal.
  • Institution: UW Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/11/11 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: The best rejection e-mail I have received so far.
  • Institution: UT Austin Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/10/11 Notified through: E-mail to check the application website Posted on GC: No Comments: No Comment
  • Institution: UVa Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/10/11 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: No Comment
  • Institution: Duke Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 02/28/11 Notified through: E-mail to check the application website Posted on GC: No Comments: I wanted so bad to gain admission to that program. I will give another shot in 2013 Fall application cycle.
  • Institution: Uni. of Iowa Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/15/11 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: No comment.
  • Institution: NYU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/18/11 Notified through: Unofficial e-mail from the secretary of the Economics Department upon my e-mail. Posted on GC: No Comments: This was my dream school. This time, it did not happen. See you on the application cycle of Fall 2013, NYU.
  • Institution: Iowa State University Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/21/11 Notified through: E-mail upon my e-mail asking if they have decided on my application. Posted on GC: No Comments: I have no idea about how ad-coms are deciding this cycle
  • Institution: Indiana University, Bloomington Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/21/11 Notified through: E-mail upon my e-mail asking if they have decided on my application. Posted on GC: No Comments: What a shame.
  • Institution: NYU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification Date: 3/22/11 Notified through: Official e-mail from the GSAS Posted on GC: No Comments: My dream university.
  • Institution: BU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 03/23/2011 Notified through: E-mail upon my e-mail sent to the Ph.D. Program Administrator Posted on GC: No Comments: I do not understand why they are not bothering to send an e-mail saying "I got rejected."
  • Institution: UCSD Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 04/06 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I was expecting this.
  • Institution: Boston College Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 04/06 Notified through: Official rejection letter via postal mail. Posted on GC: No Comments: Am I a genius? I knew this.
  • Institution: UNC - CH Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: None Notification date: 04/14/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: No comment.
  • Institution: OsU Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: None Notification date: 04/14/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: No comment.
  • Institution: USC Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 04/18/2011 Notified through: E-mail after I e-mailed "Have you lost my application?" - Literally like this. Posted on GC: Of course, No. Comments: Waste of money. That school's application fee is one of the highest, and its application deadline is the earliest (together with OSU). Look at their treatment. They definitely make their life easy by making our application process harder.
  • Institution: University of Western Ontario Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected from the waiting list. Funding: NA Notification date: 05/20/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: No comment.
Waitlists:
  • Institution: UWO Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Certainly on the second offer round. Notification date: 3/21/11 Notified through: E-mail upon my e-mail asking if they have decided on my application. Posted on GC: No Comments: I will wait and see what will happen.
  • Institution: UNC-Chapel Hill Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: NA Notification date: 04/07 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: They have not decided yet. Simply the e-mail says "wait a little more until after April 15."

buddycat 2011:
Institution: Duke
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: n/a
Notification date: 02/28/2011
Notified through: via email
Posted on GC: no
Comment: None
Accepts:
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Yes Notification date: 03/09/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comment:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 02/28/2011 Notified through: via email Posted on GC: no Comment: None
Waitlists:

heming611 2011:
Institution:Michigan State
Program: Econ Ph.D.
Decision: admitted
Funding: TA
Notification date: 3/8
Notified through: email
Posted on GF:
Comments:
Accepts:
  • Institution:Michigan State Econ Ph.D. Decision: admitted Funding: TA Notification date: 3/8 Notified through: email Posted on GF: Comments:
Rejects:
Waitlists:

Abibler 2011:
Institution: Oregon, Michigan State
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Waiting to hear from Oregon, not likely from MSU unless more funds become available
Notification Date: Oregon - January, MSU 3/8
Posted on GF:
Comments: Oregon grants admission on a rolling basis and decides on funding in March and April according to the website. No funding yet, still waiting to hear from 8 schools
Institution: Rice, Ohio State, Georgetown, Penn State
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding:
Notification Date: End of February, beginning of March
Posted on GF:
Comments: Nothing too surprising, only need funding from one school
Accepts:
  • Institution: Oregon, Michigan State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waiting to hear from Oregon, not likely from MSU unless more funds become available Notification Date: Oregon - January, MSU 3/8 Posted on GF: Comments: Oregon grants admission on a rolling basis and decides on funding in March and April according to the website. No funding yet, still waiting to hear from 8 schools
Rejects:
  • Institution: Rice, Ohio State, Georgetown, Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification Date: End of February, beginning of March Posted on GF: Comments: Nothing too surprising, only need funding from one school
Waitlists:

greenrebelette 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA in International Studies and Chinese, Minor in Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.95
Type of Grad: MA in Economics at top 20 Econ Department, PhD-Track
Grad GPA: 3.49
GRE: Q800, V720, AW5.5
Math Courses: Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus, Probability
Econ Courses: Econometrics I & II at PhD level, lots
Other Courses: first course in Stat PhD sequence
Letters of Recommendation: 1 excellent (well-known economist), 1 great (unknown instructor), 1 excellent (from political scientist), 1 of unknown (and suspect) quality.
Research Experience: 1 paper, presented at a conference & published on conference website
Teaching Experience: TA for Master’s level class, TA for introductory Chinese course
Research Interests: Environmental Economics, International Economics (Trade)
SOP: Told it was excellent by several profs
Other: none
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Michigan Econ, UMD AREC, UC Davis ARE, MSU AFRE, Ohio State AEDE, Duke UPEP, Iowa State Econ, Wisconsin AAE
Waitlists: Michigan Econ (originally)
Rejections: UC San Diego Econ, Harvard PEG, Brown Econ, Cornell AEM, Berkeley AREC, Georgetown Econ
Attending: Michigan Econ
What would you have done differently? Figured out what kind of career I wanted (in an econ dept or ARE dept) BEFORE I applied!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Michigan Econ, UMD AREC, UC Davis ARE, MSU AFRE, Ohio State AEDE, Duke UPEP, Iowa State Econ, Wisconsin AAE
Rejects:
    Rejections: UC San Diego Econ, Harvard PEG, Brown Econ, Cornell AEM, Berkeley AREC, Georgetown Econ
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Michigan Econ (originally)

hulk86 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BS Econ (top 25, top 50 econ)
Undergrad GPA: 3.69
Type of Grad: MA Econ (Top 20 econ)
Grad GPA: 3.81
GRE: 800Q 710V 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A, A, A), Linear Algebra (A), Real Analysis I-II (A, A-)
Econ Courses (Ph.D.-level): Micro I (A-) Macro I (A-) Metrics I (A)
Econ Courses (MA-level): Time Series (A-), Micro theory (A+), Macro I-II (A, A)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Typical undergrad econ major with political economy electives, mostly A-/B+ with some As
Other Courses: (All Stat Ph.D.-level) Probability (A), Stat. Inference (B), Probability and Measure Theory (A)
Letters of Recommendation: 2 from profs that taught me, 1 from prof I RAed for
Research Experience: Undergrad thesis, 2 semesters RA + current full-time RA job
Teaching Experience: Private tutoring in math and econ
Research Interests: Political economy, growth, development, social choice, public economics
SOP: Standard
Other: n/a
RESULTS:
Acceptances: U Virginia ($$), Michigan State ($$$)
Waitlists: Duke, Johns Hopkins
Rejections: Yale, Berkeley, MIT, Wisconsin, Princeton, Maryland, UCSD, Michigan, Brown, Harvard, NYU, Cornell
Attending: Michigan State
What would you have done differently?
I would have been more careful about selecting letter writers. I expected to bag a few more admits (as did my adviser)--especially target schools like Maryland or Wisconsin--and I suspect one reason why I didn't was because one of my letters was weak. I overestimated the signalling power of good grades in hard classes and didn't fully appreciate the primacy of LORs until the process was underway. Nonetheless, I'm very pleased with my great offer from MSU, which became my top choice yesterday (without hearing about my waitlists) due to external, personal/geographic factors. Really excited to get started in August!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: U Virginia ($$), Michigan State ($$$)
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $25K, 5 years (university fellowship) Notification Date: 2/08/2012 Notified through: phone, then email Posted on GC: yes Comments: oops, disregard old signature
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: tuition, health, 20k TAship Notification date: 03/05/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes
Rejects:
    Rejections: Yale, Berkeley, MIT, Wisconsin, Princeton, Maryland, UCSD, Michigan, Brown, Harvard, NYU, Cornell
  • Institution: Yale Decision: reeeeeejected Funding: Notification date: 02/22 Notified through: Email to check online status change Posted on GC: no
  • Institution: UC-Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification 2/24/12 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: tornado watch where i'm at...
  • Institution: MIT Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification Date: 2/29/2012 Notified Through: Email to check webpage Posted on GC: No
  • 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: Princeton Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 3/8/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: it's about time.
  • Institution: University of California, San Diego Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N.A. Notification Date: 3/9/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Maryland Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N.A. Notification Date: 3/9/2012 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: No Comments:
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Duke, Johns Hopkins
  • Institution: JHU Econ PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Notification Date: 3/1/12 Notified Through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: hmm.
  • Institution: Duke Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/8/12 Notified through: email Posted on GC: no Comments: good grief, not again!

unfixie 2012:
Type of Undergrad: Private US university, top 100 U.S. News and top 100 Ph.D.-granting econ program. Double-majored in economics and international relations. All math except for Intro Stats and Calc II taken post-bac at a flagship state school known for econ and math.
Undergrad GPA: 3.8
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: Q 166 V 170 AWA 4.5
Math Courses: Intro Stats (A), Calc II and III (B+, A), Lin Alg (A), Intro to Proofs (A), Probability (B-), Real Analysis (B)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Labor Econ (B+), Math Econ (A)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro Micro (A), Intermediate Micro and Macro (A-, B+), Intro Econometrics (A), Econ of Africa (A), U.S. Econ History (A), Micro of Econ Development (A), Senior Thesis (B)
Letters of Recommendation: Moderately strong. One from my development econ professor with degree from Berkeley AREC. One from supervisor of senior thesis with degree from UIUC. One from supervisor at work, with MA in econ from Cambridge U.
Research Experience: Senior thesis that included some fieldwork. 2 years working for public policy nonprofit as a researcher.
Teaching Experience: TA 1 semester for intro macro
Research Interests: Applied development
SOP: Tried to demonstrate my long-term commitment to development economics. Explained that B in senior thesis and withdraw from first Calc II course was due to illness. Mentioned specific professors at each department in all SOPs.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Wisconsin AAE ($$), Michigan State AFRE ($$), U Connecticut ARE ($$), Ohio State AEDE ($$$), UC Davis ARE Master's ($)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: Cornell AEM
Attending: Wisconsin AAE
What would you have done differently? I should have aimed a little higher in my application strategy. I underestimated my competitiveness and ended up getting into almost all of the programs I applied to. I should have applied to Berkeley AREC and the PhD program of Davis ARE, and perhaps Maryland AREC. I'm not sure I would have been accepted, but at least I would have the peace of mind that I went as far as I could. I also would have done the Peace Corps instead of working at a nonprofit after college. The research I was doing at the nonprofit wasn't particularly rigorous, and the Peace Corps experience probably would have generated a lot of research ideas and intuition.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Wisconsin AAE ($$), Michigan State AFRE ($$), U Connecticut ARE ($$), Ohio State AEDE ($$$), UC Davis ARE Master's ($)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Cornell AEM
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: None

EconNerd 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BS in Business with concentration in Finance and Economics, Minor in Theology from a Midwestern Catholic private institution
Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q/560V/4.0A
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A), Linear Algebra (A), Discrete Math (A), Applied Probability Models (A), Differential Equations (A), Real Analysis (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Inter. Micro (A), Inter. Macro (A), International Trade (A), Development Economics (A), Latin American Economics (A), Economics of Immigration (A), Econometrics (A)
Other Courses: Various Finance and Theology courses that have no bearing
Letters of Recommendation: Econ Professor, Finance Professor, Linear Algebra Professor
Research Experience: N/A
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Latin American Development, Immigration, Microcredit and Savings, possibly Public Finance or Labor
SOP: Have interesting background after graduation, math courses were taken at various institutions
Concerns: Little-none Research Experience and lower Verbal score
Other:
Applying to: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan State, Cornell, Yale, BC, Duke, Pittsburgh, Texas, UCSD, Berkeley, Colorado, WUSTL
Accepts:
  • Institution: Pittsburgh Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: To come Notification date: 2/29/12 Notified through: Email Comments: Have family there... pretty exciting
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship Notification date: 3/2/12 Notified through: Email Comments: Pretty excited!! First funded offer
  • Institution: University of Colorado at Boulder Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TA + fellowship, tuition, and health insurance Notification Date: 3/8/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Fiance is happy about location and I just got skis for Christmas!
Rejects:
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 2/29/12 Notified through: website Comments: This was my top choice... such is life
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/08/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: expected
  • Institution: University of California, San Diego Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N.A. Notification Date: 3/9/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: such is life... San Diego was too expensive to live in anyways
  • Institution: UT - Austin Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N.A. Notification Date: 3/22/2012 Notified through: Checked Web site and later got an email Posted on GC: No Comments: None
  • Institution: Cornell Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 4/4/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Agreed to above, took long enough but still trying to choose where to go
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Boston College Economics Decision: Wait List Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/29/12 Notified through: Email Comments: We'll see...
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Wait List Funding: Let's get accepted first Notification date: 2/28/12 Notified through: Email Comments: Awesome!! didn't have an interview

kekecib 2012:
Institution: Texas Tech
Program: PhD in Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: TAship (~$15K)
Notification date: 1/23/2012
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: NO
Comments: One of my safety schools. Good to know that I am in. However, they want me to let them know by 2/17/2012 about my decision. I'll try to extend the decision deadline.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Texas Tech Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship (~$15K) Notification date: 1/23/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: NO Comments: One of my safety schools. Good to know that I am in. However, they want me to let them know by 2/17/2012 about my decision. I'll try to extend the decision deadline.
  • Institution: Pittsburgh Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Decisions are still being made. They will let us know. Notification Date: 02/29/12 Notified Through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Yesssssssssss. I needed this so badly.
  • Institution: University of Delaware Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship (Full tuition waiver + 16K) Notification Date: 3/1/12 Notified Through: E-mail saying the official admission letter is coming. Posted on GC: No Comments: It is great to know that I have a place for next Fall with good financial support.
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship (Tution Waiver, Health Insurance, +17.5K) Notification Date: 03/02/12 Notified Through: E-mail Comments: This is the school I want to go really bad. The offer is good, and I feel great.
  • Institution: University of Kansas Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship (Full tuiton waiver + 13.8K) Notification Date 03/09/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I will decline their offer, I hope somebody from this forum gets it.
  • Institution: ArSU Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: RAship (Full tuition waiver + Insurance + Summer Aid + 20K) Notified: 03/14/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Good to know that I got in ArSU, and their financial aid package is very good,
  • Institution: GSU (Georgia State University) Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: RAship (Full Tuition Waiver + $18K - $1100 Mandatory Fees) Notification Date: 3/15/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I am glad to hear this news. It would have been a better offer if they paid the mandatory fees.
Rejects:
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: None Notification date: 02/07/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Pretty disappointed. I thought I had a chance there.
  • Institution: BC Economics Decision: Rejected (implicitly) Funding: None Notification date: 02/08/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I feel pretty bad and disappointed upon reading that I am not a very good fit for the department. I thought I had a chance there and really wanted to go to that university. I believe my coming from unknown universities is playing a very big role in this rejection because I think they are pretty good in econometrics.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 2/28/12 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Receiving a master's degree from unknown universities is playing a big role in this decision. My NYU application probably seems like it is gonna be rejected. Damn.
  • Institution: UT Austin Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/08/12 Notified through: I checked my application status online. Posted on GC: No Comments: I am very surprised that they rejected me.
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/21/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Expected. It would be very nice to be in NYC.
Waitlists:

ededo 2012:
Institution: Ohio State
Program: PhD in Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: ??? needs to find out
Notification date: 02/08/2012
Notified through: Email
Posted on GC: No
Comments: I need to send GAO some financial forms follow on. This makes the following weeks much easier ^_^.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Ohio State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ??? needs to find out Notification date: 02/08/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I need to send GAO some financial forms follow on. This makes the following weeks much easier ^_^.
  • Institution: Tinbergen Institute MPhil in Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: no funding for the first year Notification date: 2/24/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: Glad to get in my safety!
  • Institution: UPenn Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship Notification 2/24/12 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: Yes! This is just great!!!
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship Notification: 2/26/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: NO Comments: Glad to know the result on weekend!
  • Institution: Columbia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: full tuition, health insurance, stipend Notification Date: March 2 Notified Through: email
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: no 1st year funding Notification Date: March 2 Notified Through: email
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TAship Notification Date: March 2 Notified Through: email
  • Institution: LSE MRes\PhD Econ Track 1 Decision: Accepted Funding: 18k Notification date: 3/5/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: NO Comments: Unexpected! Glad get in
Rejects:
  • Institution: Yale Econ PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: --- Notification date: 02/22 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: Guess miracle doesn't exist. Still it hurts a bit. Congrats to all those got accepted!!!
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification 2/24/12 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 2/29/12 Notified Through: Application website Posted on GC: No Comments: hate myself by checking the website. should just wait a few days more and keep myself happy...
  • Institution: UChicago. Econ PhD. Decision: Rejected. Funding: - Notification Date: February 29. Notified Through: E-mail. Posted on GC: No. Comments: A whole new day begins with a rejection...
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: rejected Funding: - Notification Date: March 2 Notified Through: email to check website
  • Institution: Princeton University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification Date: 3/8/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Not a surprise. Long shot anyway. Congrats to all got admitted!
Waitlists:


Rejections:

Sonaar 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, minor in History from a Latin American University
Undergrad GPA: 4.3/5.0, ranked 2nd in cohort.
Type of Grad: M.A. Economics, same Uni as undergrad
Grad GPA: 4.4/5.0, ranked 7th in cohort.
GRE: 790Q, 500V, 4.0 AWA. Second time.
Math Courses: Calculus I, II and multivariate (A, B+, A), linear algebra (A), Math for economics (A), Math statistics I and II (both As), Econometrics I and II (both As)
Econ Courses (PhD-level): Micro (A+), Macro (A), Econometrics (A), Growth theory (A), International Economics (A), etc. for M.A.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I, II and III (A, B+, A); Macro I, II and III (A, B, A+), Fiscal and Monetary theory, Public Economics... lots of them, lots of As.
Letters of Recommendation: one from a pre-tenured economics professor, one from the senior economist of a IFI, other from an economist of another IFI. One from a prof of a Public Policy School.
Research Experience: lots, almost 7 years between an Latin American think tank, now at IFI.
Teaching Experience: tutor of linear algebra and other econ courses, TA and later main instructor.
Research Interests: Applied Microeconomics, Health economics, Development, Labor
SOP: Done, pretty good
Concerns: some weak grades and econ and math courses (I was young and stupid then), and no formal, more advanced math.
Other: M.A. thesis published at local refereed journal, presented at an international conference.
RESULTS:
Attending: Maryland ($)
Acceptances: Maryland ($)
Rejections: Michigan, Duke, Michigan St, UT Austin, Johns Hopkins, U British Columbia, Brown.
Pending: BU
What would you have done differently? A lot. besides the obvious (more math, better grades, apply to more safeties), I should have applied earlier. Too much RAship (7 years!) probably hurt my application. I was extremely lucky to get a funded offer.
Accepts:
    Attending: Maryland ($) Acceptances: Maryland ($)
  • Institution: Maryland - College Park Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: $18+tuition waiver+health insurance Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: pheeeww... relieved at last!
Rejects:
    Rejections: Michigan, Duke, Michigan St, UT Austin, Johns Hopkins, U British Columbia, Brown.
  • Institution: Duke Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: Feb 18 9:07 AM EST Notified through: Email Comments: I thought I had a chance there...
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/11 Notified through: shortest rejection email in history. Comments: A micro guy applying to JHU, trying to fit into health economics... long shot, but it worthed!
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Website Comment: there goes my dream school...
  • Institution: University of British Columbia Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/17 Notified through: email Comments: and there goes Canada for me...
  • Institution: Brown University Economics Ph.D. Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: E-mail Comments: expected
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: E-mail Comments: nah, I don't care anymore
  • Institution: University of Texas - Austin Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/30/09 Notified through: Website Comments: why did it take that long?
Waitlists:
    Pending: BU

TomRod 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mathematics and B.A. Economics[listed as 'additional major'] with decent math program and well-known undergraduate economics program [without doctoral program]
Undergrad GPA: 3.36 or so overall
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q/640V/5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I,II,III, Linear Algebra, Matrix Analysis, Univariate Real Analysis, Multivariate Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Financial Mathematics, Graduate Topology, "Proofs Class", (waived Diff E.Q. because of related research experience)
Econ Courses: Intro Macro & Micro, Intermediate Macro & Micro & Econometrics, Economic Statistics, Intermediate I/O, Graduate Macro & Micro & Statistics, Graduate Game Theory (Repeated Games & Reputations)
Letters of Recommendation: LORS requested only from professors who actually cared to see where I end up and wanted to see me personally succeed. Spent a long time getting to know professors personally and professionally. Mostly math and a few economics professors. Felt snubbed by a majority of my economics professors due to a low overall GPA (it took my awhile to find my interests and a bad grade never scared me from taking a class I was only marginally prepared for)
Research Interests: Varied. Ideally computational economics and econometrics or macroeconomics
SOP: "Best written [SOP] I've ever seen..." I'm a sucker for flattery, but it seemed a little over the top. Talked strongly of recent experience, how it shaped my current goals, and where I'd like to see these goals end up, and why grad school is essential for me to achieve those goals in their current incarnation.
Teaching Experience: Linear Algebra TA, Matlab teacher, econometrics tutor, microeconomics tutor, Math Lab TA
Research Experience: Research involving Computational Economics and Financial Systems
Work Experience: Researcher for 1.5 years, Measurement and Verification engineer for 2 years
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UT Austin
Rejections: Rochester, Michigan, UT Austin (Management), NCSU (Statistics)
Pending: None
What would you have done differently? Probably nothing but try to get higher grades in my intermediate classes. Man I hate filling out these kinds of things [showboating is not something I enjoy, nor pointing out flaws] but I hope it helps some undergrad in a situation and with goals similar to mine achieve what they hope for!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UT Austin
  • Institution: University of Texas Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 4/7/2009 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Finally! Anyone down for a study group? PM me.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Rochester, Michigan, UT Austin (Management), NCSU (Statistics)
  • Institution: Michigan State Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I don't even remember applying to this one. Must have thought it was UM-Ann Arbor at the time. Application dated in Sept! Didn't have letter of recommendation sent or transcript or GRE sent.
Waitlists:
    Pending: None

Dr. Who 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Big state school
Undergrad GPA: 3.2 BES
Type of Grad: MBA (2008) and MA Economics (anticipated 2009)
Grad GPA: 3.98 MBA, 3.97 MA
GRE: 770Q, 680V, 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Recent math GPA (3.78) all taken in my spare time while in MBA and summer. Calc I, II, III, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Grad Math Stats, Grad Real Analysis
Econ Courses (MA level): Micro, Math Econ, IO, Econometrics I & II, Macro, Environmental, some other electives, and finance courses
Econ Courses (undergrad): Macro and mirco only (took as prereq’s for the MA)
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ from masters and 1 math
Research Interests: Labor and HR, IO, Business economics
SOP: probably adequate
Research Experience: GA for economic forecasting shop
Concerns: MBA to Econ, older than your average student, less math than some
Attending: WUSTL
Accepted: Missouri ($), CU-Boulder ($WL), Indiana (no $), WUSTL ($)
Waitlisted: WUSTL (with $ if accepted), Vanderbilt
Rejections: Northwestern, UMich, MSU
Never heard so assumed rejection: OSU and UIUC
What I would have done differently: I should have spent more time on my SOP. I think for someone like me, who is older, it could have made all the difference in the world, especially on funding decisions. It was a lot harder than I anticipated talking about myself and articulating my goals. Also, I don’t think I did a very good job matching myself up to programs strengths.
If you are in school, take a lighter load in the spring semester. Dealing with school decisions has been a HUGE time waster and I haven’t been able to concentrate for months.
I didn’t appropriately account for the economic downturn…My reaches were unattainable and seeing the decline, I should have added in a couple more safeties. Also, I should have taken more care with the safety choices. Out of the top 50 it gets a lot harder to get good info on the programs. For my interests I think KY and WY would have been solid.
Advice: For older candidates…don’t let people intimidate you into thinking there is a “ceiling” on how old you can be when you go back to get your PhD. You might not get into the top 5, but top 50 is achievable.
Find advisors that are familiar with the PhD process and what it takes to get in to a good school TODAY. My school does not grant PhD’s in business/econ and I found my advisors to be out of touch with the process. Hunt down the newer faculty and hit them up for advice.
I think the recent math background was crucial in my outcomes. Take the math. It’s never wasted.
When I returned to school, I had no idea I would end up following this path. If you are planning on a terminal masters, choose your graduate institution carefully. It will make things easier just in case you decide to continue your education.
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Missouri, Columbia Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: GA+ tuition+ health Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD later Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email
  • Institution: Indiana University, Bloomington Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/20 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I emailed to check on application status. They are still working on financial aid decisions.
  • Institution: Washington University, St. Louis Economics PhD Decision: Accepted off the waitlist Funding: min. 9K + tuition waiver with hope of increasing the stipend Notification date: 4/9/2009 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Whew! One waitlist down one to go.
Rejects:
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Website Comments: Well at least it is one less thing to worry about...
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: response to my inquiry email Comments: Finally knocking some of the unknows off the list
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics, PhD Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Totally shocked! So frackin' happy to still be in the game.

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:

Texcards 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minor Economics and Math at very large state school (top 15 engineering, top 50 economics)
Undergrad GPA: 3.35/4.0 (3.65 Math, 4.0 Econ)
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q, 550V, 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(A,B,A), Differential Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (A), Fund Discrete Math (Spring 09)
Econ Courses: Principles of Micro and Macro (A, CR by exam), Intermediate Micro and Macro theory, Econometrics (A,A,A)
Other Courses: Lots of engineering
Letters of Recommendation: 2 not well known assistant econ professors (UT-Austin, Rice) but excelled in their classes, 1 associate engr professor (Berkeley) that I went on a study abroad trip with
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: International and Development
SOP: Paragraph about why I wanted to do econ even though I did engineering as an undergrad, another on my interests, and another on why I wanted to be an academic. Slightly altered my interests paragraph depending on the school, but for the most part the same for each one.
Other: Didnt start considering this until fall of last year.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding
Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
Pending: Toronto MA, Queens MA
What would you have done differently?
I wouldnt have applied to the Canadian MAs (1 year wouldnt have been enough to help me), Michigan State, UCSC, or UI-Chicago and maybe applied to a couple more reaches instead, but I really didn't think I would get into as many as I did. I dont know if it would have changed anything though, after really thinking about it I think an MA is a very good choice for me. Ive realized that my 3 economics courses hasnt given me enough of a background in general economics knowledge. Yes I could learn it in the course of a PhD but I think strengthening my economics background will allow me to have more focus on what field I want to go into and give me more ideas when I eventually start to write my dissertation. An MA will also allow me to improve 3 big weaknesses in my profile: (1) Do some research which will allow me to have (2) stronger letter of recommendations and (3) a more focused SOP.
I think I learned a lot in this application process and feel like I will be able to put together a much better application in 2 years after an MA.
Attending:
University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
  • Institution: UC-Riverside Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship: 13.5K stipend first year, 16.6K TA/RA next 4 + Health Insurance Notification date: 1/22/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: My super safety
  • Institution: UC-Davis Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: End of March Notification date: 2/4/09 Notified through: e-mail Comments: Very Excited! Especially if I get funded!
  • Institution: UC Santa Cruz International Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "I regret that I am unable to offer you any financial support at this time" Notification date: 2/20/09 Notified through:Email Comments: Surprised again... too bad there is no funding
  • Institution: Oregon Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Currently being evaluated for a graduate teaching fellowship" Notification date: 3/5 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Kind of expected after the UCSC and Davis admits. I'm hoping it will replace Riverside as my best funded offer. Even if I am funded, will likely decline in favor of Davis
  • Institution: UI-Chicago Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Mid-March Notification date: 3/6/09 Notified through: USPS letter dated 2/26, postmarked 3/3 Comments: I applied to far too many safeties.
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: I was hoping I would get funded...
  • Institution: Washington-Seattle Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Cannot offer you funds right now" Notification date: 3/24 Notified through: e-mail Comments: I e-mailed the grad director and got a response saying I was "very appealing" and if I wanted an unfunded offer they would send me a letter of admission "right away."
  • Institution: University of San Francisco International and Development Economics (IDEC), Master's Decision: Accepted Funding: Didn't say anything about it Notification date: 4/11/2009 Notified through: Postal Mail Comments: Would actually consider this if they fund me...but will definitely decline if not (EDIT: No funding, will decline)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Website Comments: Oh well...
  • Institution: Maryland Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: Website Comments: Expected...
  • Institution: UBC Economics, MA Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/18 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Wasn't ever really sure I would want to go this route and go through this whole process again anyways...
  • Institution: Boston College Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Agora Comments: Grad A+S Decision Letter mailed, I am assuming this is a rejection but I'm on spring break so I can't check my mail! Edit: officially a rejection!
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/25 Notified through: response to my inquiry email Comments: I don't think I would have liked living in East Lansing anyways
  • Institution: Boston University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Continuing the trend of no East Coast love
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/13/2009 Notified through: E-Mail Comments: Finally after sending 2 e-mails.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding

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

valelee 2011:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, minor history and arts from Peking University, No.1 in China
Undergrad GPA: 86%
Type of Grad: M.S. Agricultural and Resource Economics from a flagship state university
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 780Q, 530V, 3.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus and intro statistics were taught in high school; in college, adv mathematical analysis 1 2, topo, linear algebra, prob theory, adv stats, dynamic programming, things like that (a total of about 30 hours); in grad school, adv stat, topo, real analysis
Econ Courses: In college: pretty much standard as in U.S. schools, and mostly taught by profs with U.S. PhDs (econ 101/102 was taught by a UC Berkeley prof when he was on sabbatical). In grad school: adv micro, two adv metrics, adv environmental field classes
Other Courses: My history and western arts minor classes. Some environmental science classes in grad school.
Letters of Recommendation: four very solid letters
Research Experience: A lot. Undergrad RA since sophomore year, post-undergrad full time RA (10 months), RA in grad school, etc. Have several papers published/accepted in U.S. and in China.
Teaching Experience: In undergrad, TA for intro environmental econ and micro. In grad, econ 101 sort of things for one semester.
Research Interests: Environmental economics and policies, but had also been involved in health, energy and public policies.
SOP: Nothing special, but emphasized my consistent interests and experiences in environmental economics and policies.
Concerns: GRE not so great. Not really solid GPA.
Other: It's my second application cycle. Oh, and I am sort of a writer while in China (I published about 50 articles, prose, short novels, etc., and was editor in chief of a student publication for three years )
RESULTS:
Attending: North Carolina State University
Acceptances: UC Davis ARE (waitlist $), UNC Econ (waitlist $), NCSU Econ ($$$), Wisconsin AAE ($$), Purdue ARE ($$), UMN Applied Econ ($$, declined), Oregon State Applied Econ ($$, declined), Texas A&M AgEcon ($$, declined), VT ARE ($$, declined), Iowa State Econ (waitlist $, declined), Oklahoma State AgEcon ($$$, declined), Washington State Econ ($$, declined)
Rejections: Berkeley ARE, Cornell AEM, UCSD Econ, UCSB Econ
Withdrawn: MSU ARE, Ohio State ARE
No news so far: UFL Econ
Accepts:
    Attending: North Carolina State University Acceptances: UC Davis ARE (
  • Institution: Texas A&M University Ag Economics Decision:Accepted Funding: Will notify me in Feb Notification date: 12/22/2010 Notified through: Postal mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: This one is really fast...
  • Institution: Washington State University Economics Decision:Accepted Funding: Will notify whether it's fellow- or assistantship in Feb Notification date: 1/7 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: Virginia Tech Ag Economics Decision:Accepted Funding: Pending... Will let me know in March. Notification date: 1/9 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Minnesota Applied Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Pending Notification date: Feb 03 Notified through: Was told to check website Posted on GF:Yes Comments: As expected
  • Institution: North Carolina State University Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: "Your Major Department Will Contact You" Notification date: Feb 07 Notified through: Website Comments: I thought I should get in...
  • Institution: University of Wisconsin Madison Agricultural and Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "At this time, we are still taking stock of our funding situation for next year. We will keep your application under review for funding, and if an opportunity becomes available we will notify you immediately." Notification date: Feb 24 Notified through: Randomly checked online Posted on GC: No way... I will ignore GC... Comments: Yes, I like cheese, beer and ginseng.
  • Institution: Oregon State University Applied Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Pending Notification date: Mar 3 Notified through: Email with attachment Posted on GF: Said I will stay away from GC.. XDDD Comments: Glad. I know they have pretty good env&resource people.
  • Institution: Oregon State University Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Roughly 19.5K/ 12 months Notification date: March 08 Notified through: Phone call Posted on GC: No Comments: My second funded admit (I forgot VT)
  • Institution: Oklahoma State University Agricultural Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 24.5K for three years, plus 4.05K fellow for the first year Notification date: March 13 Notified through: Email and phone Posted on GC: No Comments: This funding is amazing and crazy. But...
  • Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Agricultural Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 17K Notification date: Feb?? Notified through: Phone. Mail received last week Posted on GC: No Comments: Will decline
  • Institution: Iowa State Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlist Notification date: 3/18/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: However, I do not think I am not going to wait for them...
  • Institution: Purdue Agricultural Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Pending. Notification date: 3/16/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Probably waitlisted for funding.
  • Institution: North Carolina State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Updated today. 16k for 9 months and 4k fellowship. TA...?? Notification date: 03/23/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: Finally. Would be perfect if it is not TA...
  • Institution: U Wisconsin Agricultural and Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 16K for 9 months Notification date: 4/5 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No Comments: A very late offer, I would say. Basically ruled by the UC Davis admit, but a tough choice against NC State.
  • Institution: Purdue Ph.D. Ag Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: RA Notification date: April 8 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
Rejects:
    Rejections: Berkeley ARE, Cornell AEM, UCSD Econ, UCSB Econ Withdrawn: MSU ARE, Ohio State ARE No news so far: UFL Econ
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Agricultural & Resource Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/14 Notified through: e-mail to check status Posted on GC: no
Waitlists:
    waitlist $), UNC Econ (waitlist $), NCSU Econ ($$$), Wisconsin AAE ($$), Purdue ARE ($$), UMN Applied Econ ($$, declined), Oregon State Applied Econ ($$, declined), Texas A&M AgEcon ($$, declined), VT ARE ($$, declined), Iowa State Econ (waitlist $, declined), Oklahoma State AgEcon ($$$, declined), Washington State Econ ($$, declined)
  • Institution: UNC Chapel Hill Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Waitlist Funding: Notification date: April 7 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Interesting... If I go to NCSU, I still can meet UNC folks, I presume.

mallikagarg 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics from top Indian University
Undergrad GPA: N/A
Major GPA: N/A
Type of Grad: MA Economics from mid ranked Indian University
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: Q 790 V 640 A 3.5;
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Math for economists, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Statistical methods and probability, Differential Equations, Advanced multi-variable calculus.
Econ Courses (grad-level): Advanced Micro, Advanced Macro, Econometrics, Game Theory, International Trade, Industrial economics and investment analysis, International Banking and Finance, Development Economics
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I & II, Macro, Public Finance, Money and Baning, Economic History, Comparitive economic development, Development Economics, Economic Systems
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from grad quant prof, 1 from grad econometric prof, 1 from a well known economist i've RAd with.
Research Experience: one year's experience as an RA
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Applied Microeconomics, Industrial Organisation
SOP: Nothing out of the world
Concerns: Inadequate research experience, no publications, inadequate math courses, unknown Graduate university, unknown recommenders.
Applied to: MIT, stanford GSB, Chicago, Texas (Austin), Texas A&M, UIUC, Rice, Vanderbilt, USC, MSU, UCR, UVA, Clemson, Colorado at Boulder
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Clemson ($$); Colorado (Without funding)
Rejections: MIT, stanford GSB, Chicago, Texas (Austin), Texas A&M, UIUC, Rice, Vanderbilt, USC, MSU, UCR, UVA
Attending: Clemson
What would you have done differently?
With my kind of background, I am happy to have made it to where I did. Though, I guess I should not have targeted so high. I could have got better results had I applied to more schools in the 30-60 range and completely skipped the top 15.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Clemson ($$); Colorado (Without funding)
  • Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Notification date: March 12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Clemson University Ph.D. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: yes Notification date: April 9 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
Rejects:
    Rejections: MIT, stanford GSB, Chicago, Texas (Austin), Texas A&M, UIUC, Rice, Vanderbilt, USC, MSU, UCR, UVA
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 15 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: first rejection, fingers crossed for the remaining 13...
  • Institution: Stanford GSB Economic Policy and Analysis Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: February 18 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: yes Comments:
  • Institution:University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: February 19 Notified through: email Posted on GC: yes Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Ph.D. Economics Decision: rejected Funding: NA Notification date: March 3 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: MIT Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: March 7 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: University of Chicago Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: RA Notification date: March 8 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: University of Texas - Austin Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: March 12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: UIUC Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: RA Notification date: March 26 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: University of California, Riverside Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: - Notification date: 13/6/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I didn't want to go there anyway!
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:

anibalem 2012:
Institution: University of Rochester
Program: PhD Finance
Decision: Rejected
Funding: -
Notification 2/23/12
Notified through: E-mail
Posted on GC: No
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Tennessee - Knoxville Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + 16K Notification 02/09/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Very happy! My first acceptance.
  • Institution: Texas A&M University Economics PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: Tuition + 19K Notification Date: 3/19/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Very happy!!
  • Institution: UC Riverside Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Full Funding Notification date: 4/2/12 Notified through: I called them and asked for the status of my application Posted on GC: No Comments: -
Rejects:
  • Institution: University of Rochester Finance Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification 2/23/12 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No
  • Institution: Rice University Finance Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification 02/24/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This program was one of my first options
  • Institution: NCSU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification 02/08/12 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: -
  • Institution: USC Finance Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification 01/30/12 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments: - In: UTK Out: USC Fin, Rice Fin, Rochester Fin, NCSU Waiting:19.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/5/2012 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Boston University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification Date: 3/19/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Expected
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics Decision : Rejected Funding : Notification Date: 27th March Notified through: I called them asking my status Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Indiana University Bloomington Economics Decision : Rejected Funding : Notification Date: 28th March Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Washington Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/30/12 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No Comments: -
  • Institution: Indiana University Bloomington Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/30/12 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No Comments: -
  • Institution: UNC Chapel Hill Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 04/13/2012 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: - Attending University of California at Riverside.
Waitlists:


Waitlists:

tmdruie 2009:
So I can get on the shiny charts!
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Physics and Economics from a top 10 liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.14/4.0
Type of Grad: One stats class
Grad GPA: 3.3
GRE: 790Q, 600V, 5.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(I took them in high school, I really dont remember and nor do my transcripts), Linear Algebra (B), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (B-, B), Real Analyst(A, at a different school then my undergrad), Stochastic Processes (B+, grad course, at a different school then my undergrad)
Econ Courses: AP Micro and Macro (A, in high school), European Economic History (B+), Law and Economics (B), Intermediate Price Theory (B), Intermediate Macro Theory (B), Econometrics (B), Contemporary British Economy (B), Industrial Revolution-Britain (A-), Econ of Multinational Corps (A-), Thesis (labor econ)
Other Courses: Physics, which I put in my math lists. Quantum Mechanics I, Partial Differential Equations (B+), etc. I only did the bare minimum for a liberal arts major
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors (my thesis advisor and the person who led my study abroad), 1 physics professor (thesis advisor), 1 economist who is my supervisor
Research Experience: RA for 2.5 years at a central bank
Teaching Experience: Tutored, graded and lab assisted for two years for physics in college
Research Interests: All over the place. Labor, policy, experimental, applied micro, development, etc.
SOP: Intro, I did physics I can do math!, I wrote a thesis in economic and liked doing research, Im working as an RA and like doing research, I took extra math and can write proofs, I was part of an econ paper reading group and like reading papers, interests (changed a bit depending on what the school had, and more policy oriented for ag econ schools). Also a few sentences about things I did that I removed or added depending on the school. The 500 word schools were hard, the 1000 word schools were easy. I also had a Personal History Statement about being a female doing math for the schools that wanted it.
Other: Applied for the NSF. I tried not to say anything to risky, and not say much about interest in policy to non policy/ ag econ schools. I like Aikido.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Boston University (waitlist for $), Michigan State(no $), University of Essex (ISER), Ohio State (Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics) ($-Fellowship), Indiana University ($-TA), Iowa State University ($-TA)
Waitlists: University of Minnesota
Rejections: MIT, Harvard (Econ and Political Economy and Government), Yale, Berkeley (Agricultural & Resource Economics), Northwestern, NYU, U Penn (Econ and Wharton), University of Wisconsin Madison (Econ and Agricultural and Applied Economics ), Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, University of British Columbia , Ohio State, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Econ and Public Policy and Economics), University of Maryland (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of Minnesota (Applied Economics), University of California Davis (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Duke, University of Essex, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon (Econ, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Public Policy and Economics)
Pending: Toronto MA, Queens MA
What would you have done differently?
Gotten better grades in undergrad. When I really started understanding what the things I need to do for a PhD I think I did the best I could, took real analysis, applied for the NSF (if only to write a SoP for them), read papers etc. I probably could have gotten more research experience at my job (co-author), and I defiantly could have gotten better grades and taken more math as an undergrad. But over all Im happy.
Attending:
Boston University
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Boston University (
Rejects:
    Rejections: MIT, Harvard (Econ and Political Economy and Government), Yale, Berkeley (Agricultural & Resource Economics), Northwestern, NYU, U Penn (Econ and Wharton), University of Wisconsin Madison (Econ and Agricultural and Applied Economics ), Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, University of British Columbia , Ohio State, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Econ and Public Policy and Economics), University of Maryland (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of Minnesota (Applied Economics), University of California Davis (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Duke, University of Essex, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon (Econ, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Public Policy and Economics)
Waitlists:
    waitlist for $), Michigan State(no $), University of Essex (ISER), Ohio State (Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics) ($-Fellowship), Indiana University ($-TA), Iowa State University ($-TA) Waitlists: University of Minnesota

baj393 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin
Undergrad GPA: 4.00
Type of Grad: 500f a MA in Economics from Duke University (not going to finish)
Grad GPA: 4.00
GRE: 740Q, 560V, 6.0AW
Math Courses: Cal I-III, Linear Algebra, Applied Differential Equations, Economic Statistics, Intro. to Statistics, Applied Data Analysis, Real Analysis
Econ Courses: Intro. Macro, Intro. Micro, Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Industrial Organization, Political Economy, Health Economics, Labor Economics. GRADUATE LEVEL: Advanced Microeconomics, Environmental Economics
Other Courses: Bunch of philosophy courses
Letters of Recommendation: 1 Princeton, 1 Yale, 1 Cornell, and 1 MIT
Research Experience: RA for a semester with a top environmental economist at Duke
Teaching Experience: Supplemental instructor for an intro. microeconomics course
Research Interests: Environmental economics
SOP: 2.5 pages. Reflected my goals, ambitions, and specific research interests. I know that this was the most important part of my application, which enabled me to overcome my low GRE score. This was told to me by several adcoms. Thus, the SOP is the difference for those of you with terrible GRE scores. MAKE IT COUNT!
Other: Was not expecting too much given my low GRE.
RESULTS:
Acceptances:
Arizona State University ($21.5k stipend, full tuition, and health insurance)
NC State University ($18k stipend, $5k fellowship, full tuition, health insurance)
Penn State University ARE (don't know the specifics, but ~20k stipend, full tuition)
Virginia Tech Applied Economics ($19.7k stipend, full tuition, and 80% health insurance)
Rejections: Duke Environmental Policy PhD (no adviser for my research interests)
Pending: Michigan State ARE. Would not go even if accepted at this point.
What would you have done differently? Very little. GRE score was low, but I got into my reach school, ASU. I really wanted to work with Kerry Smith, so am very happy to have such an opportunity. I suppose that I could have applied to a few more reach schools higher up in the rankings (like UCSD), but I doubt that I would get in.
Again, SOP is the most important part of your application. I spent a month on mine going over every little detail. It really made the difference for me and I could not have gotten into ASU without it. Spend lots of time on your SOP and make it great!!!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Arizona State University ($21.5k sti
  • Institution: Virginia Tech Applied Economics (though the actual PhD is in Economics) Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition + $19,860 stipend with RA position Notification date: January 15th Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) Yes Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) January 15th Comments:
  • Institution: NCSU Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Will know by March 15th Notification date: 2/9/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) Yes Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) 2/9/10 Comments: I'm excited!
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: Admitted Funding: unknown Notification date: 2/17/10 Notified through: Email to check website at 9:39 EST Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Date of Gradcafe post: (if yes) Comments: Was not expecting this at all! Was my reach school.
  • Institution: Arizona State University (ASU) Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Letter on 2/26 ($19k, tuition, and health insurance) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Postal Service Unless it is terrible when I visit, I'm probably going. :p
  • Institution: Penn State Agricultural, Environmental, and Regional Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 21k plus tuition Notification date: 3/4/10 Notified through: Email from director Posted on GF: No Comment: Interesting
  • Institution: Arizona State University (ASU) Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Letter on 2/26 ($19k, tuition, and health insurance) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Postal Service Unless it is terrible when I visit, I'm probably going.
  • Institution: Penn State Agricultural, Environmental, and Regional Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 21k plus tuition Notification date: 3/4/10 Notified through: Email from director Posted on GF: No Comment: Interesting
  • Institution: NC State Economics Decision: Accepted (just got funding today) Funding: $18k stipend, $5k fellowship, tuition, health insurance Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: email from Tamah Morant Comments: Will probably turn down!
Rejects:
    Rejections: Duke Environmental Policy PhD (no adviser for my research interests)
Waitlists:
    Pending: Michigan State ARE. Would not go even if

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)
Accepts:
    Accepted: Institution: American University Program: Phd Economics Decision:
  • Institution: Barcelona GSE Economics MSc Decision: Admitted Funding: Partial tuition waiver (3000 euros off) Notification date: 04/11/11 Notified through: e-mail Comments:
  • Institution: London School of Economics MSc Economics and Philosophy Decision: Accepted Funding: none Notification date: April 12 Notified through: Emailed enquiry last week; received e-mail today Posted on GC: No Comments: don't know how hard it is to get to a PhD in Economics from here, don't know if I will attend then.
Rejects:
    Rejection Funding: will be notified mid march. Notification date: 9 March 2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: American University 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: Cornell Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejection FUnding: N/A Notification Date: 03/25/2011 Notified Through:Email Comments:
  • Institution: University College London Economics MSc Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 04/09/11 Notified through: snail mail Comments:
  • Institution: Washington University St. Louis (WUSTL) Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: April 13 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: yes Comments: finally
  • Institution: Michigan Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 04/18/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Paris School of Economics Master APE M2 Decision: Rejected Notification date: 04/18/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Dream school!!!! damn!
Waitlists:
    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
  • Institution: Tilburg University 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 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)
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 34 accepted out of 47 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.79, average GREQ was 790.0.
No link to department posted statistics has been added, please let me know if these exist and I will add them.

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