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:

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)

SMH 2007:
Type of Undergrad: No one knows my university outside my country (which is a third world country).
Undergrad GPA: 3.78; Econ:3.81, Math:4.0
GRE: Quant : 800, Verbal : 570, AWA : 5.0
Math Courses: Cal 1-3 (A/A+/A), linear(A),prob(A),stats(A), ODEs(A), numerical solutions to ODEs (A+), Partial diff eqs (A+), Discrete Maths (A+), Quantitative and Computational finance(A)
Econ Courses: inter'l finance, monetary econ., dynamic econ,dev econ,IPE,econometrics1-2, Applied econ, macroeconomic analysis, public econ, (apart from all the regular micros and macros and a couple more)
Recommendation: 2 econ people and one math prof, no big names. i know all of them were full of praise for me in their letters like they are for everyone else
Research Experience: RA for a year
Teaching Experience: TA for ODEs, stats, elementary formal logic, microeconomic-II, econometrics & research methodology (grad level course)
Research Interests: econometrics
SOP: nothing special
Other: a substantial part of my CV and personal statement was only to show my achievements in sports, i know it doesnt count much but i cudnt just leave it out
RESULTS:
Acceptances: UVA, Rice, Rochester, Wisconsin-Madison, UNC (UNC funded from univ, rest funded via a scholarship)
Waitlists:
Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Chicago
(did not hear from U florida and ohio state)
What would you have done differently? if the econ dep at my univ had not made it mendatory for us to take stupid univ core courses (50 units of that) in SS like politics and sociology then i would have taken courses like real analysis and functional analysis
overall it was pretty difficult to choose between wisconsin and rochester first and then after that i got a funded offer from UNC so another difficult decision, but i would probably stick to my original decision of going to rochester
Accepts:
    Acceptances: UVA, Rice, Rochester, Wisconsin-Madison, UNC (UNC funded from univ, rest funded via a scholarship)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, Yale, Chicago (did not hear from U florida and ohio state)
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

Nymaj 2008:
Type of Undergrad: Big Ten School
Undergrad GPA: overall 3.0 degree in Econ
Type of Grad: mid size university - terminal master econ program
Grad GPA: 3.9
GRE: Q 770/ V 410 / AWA 5.5
Completed Math Courses: Calc 1-2, Multivariate Calc, Diff Eq, Stats, Prob, Real Analysis
Completed Econ Courses: Micro, macro, metrics and many others
Letters of Recommendation: Strong letter of recommendation's from two Duke prof. and two strong letter of recommendation from my home university
Research Experience: One research project with professor from Michigan State University and also with an professor at Duke. Currently working on another research project.
Teaching Experience: Teach Principles of macro and also TA for advance micro and metrics
Research Interests: Alot of stuff
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Michigan, Maryland, UT-Austin, Texas A&M, Rice, Houston,
Waitlists:
Rejections: Brown, Duke, Boston College, Iowa
Pending: Cornell
What would you have done differently? Should have listen to my professors and drop some lower ranked schools and applied to Yale and Harvard for kicks.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Michigan, Maryland, UT-Austin, Texas A&M, Rice, Houston,
Rejects:
    Rejections: Brown, Duke, Boston College, Iowa
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

takethemoneyandrun 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Mid-ranked liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.7/4.0
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 770Q/700V/5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A/B/A-), Linear Algebra (A-), Probability Theory (B+), Mathematical Statistics (B+), ODEs (A-), PDEs (A), Advanced Calculus (A), Real Analysis (A), Topology (IP), Complex Analysis (IP)
Econ Courses : Intermediate Micro (B+), Intermediate Macro (A-), Intro to Econometrics (B), Labor Economics (A), Senior honors thesis (A)
Other courses: Nothing of value
Letters of Recommendation: Three econ professors (PhDs from top 30 programs) who advised me on research papers that turned out pretty well and one statistics professor with whom I did summer research. They are all very nice, helpful people and I get along well with them.
Research Experience: Two econ term papers and a senior honors thesis that I am proud of; one co-authored statistics publication based on summer research.
Teaching Experience: TA for 2 sections of introductory statistics and 2 sections of introductory economics.
Research Interests: Economics of labor, health, aging, and education.
Statement of purpose: I made it clear that I want to become an academic economist, discussing my math preparation and research interests.
Concerns: Low GRE Q and limited undergrad econ background with very shaky grades.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
What would you have done differently? I would have applied to more schools in the 15-30 range. I didn't expect to be accepted to at least half of the programs that admitted me and was biased towards lower-ranked schools. I have heard this over and over, but it's worth repeating: The MC of sending out an additional application is extremely low; apply to any and every school that you think matches your research interests!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
  • Institution:UC Davis Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: full tuition waiver + TAship Notification date: 8th Feb 2010 Notified through:email Posted on Gradcafe: Yes Date of Gradcafe post: 8th Feb 2010 Comments: I'm very grateful to have an offer from a school that I thought was out of my league.
  • Institution: Cornell Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None available :( Notification date: 18 February 2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Comments: I'm honored, but I can't attend without funding.
  • Institution: University of Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Funding: "Graduate Assistanship" with tuition remission + health insurance + 21k Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $0 Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'm very surprised that I wasn't offered funding. It was probably due to my low GRE score.
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None "at this time" Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: Email Comments: I'm very happy, but shocked; I thought they were all done with offers.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Washington U. in St. Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: My last one
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:

helpzwouldbenice 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.79/4.00
Type of Grad:-
Grad GPA:-
GRE: 800Q 710V 5.0AWA
Math Courses: Multivariable Calc (A); Linear Algebra (P); DiffEq (A-); Intro Proofs (A-);
Econ Courses: Intro Econ (B+), Intermediate Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (A), Econ Stats (A), Econometrics (A), Trade (A-), Public Econ (A-)
Other Courses: Took a year of physics, lots of random courses. Lots of A's in courses an econ student typically wouldn't take, like Religion and Chinese.
Letters of Recommendation: 1 Math Dept. Prof, 1 Econ Dept. Prof, 1 External Prof who I RA'd for
Research Experience: Fair amount in health services research. Have a paper up for submission, and another one that my supervisor and I are working on.
Teaching Experience:None
Research Interests: Health, Labor
SOP: Very tailored to my interests. Definitely proved to be hit or miss with regard to schools.
Other: Rejected from NSF
RESULTS:
Acceptances: University of Virginia ($$), Rice University ($$), UNC ($$), Michigan ($$)
Rejections: Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Texas, WUSTL, Duke, Caltech, Berkeley, Northwestern, Wharton Applied Econ, Maryland
Never heard from: Wharton Healthcare (interviewed, then never heard back)
Atttending: Michigan
What would you have done differently? Taken more math classes and pushed harder for A's instead of A-'s. My school doesn't have the greatest reputation when it comes to elite grad schools but the teachers are really supportive. I did pretty well here and there's no telling what would have happened if I had gone to a different school.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: University of Virginia ($$), Rice University ($$), UNC ($$), Michigan ($$)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Texas, WUSTL, Duke, Caltech, Berkeley, Northwestern, Wharton Applied Econ, Maryland
Waitlists:

DrStrangelurker 2011:
Institution: Rice
Program: Economics PhD
Decision: Accepted
Funding: Tuition Waiver + ~$18,000/yr
Notification date: 2/11
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: no
Comments: Excited! First school to hear from and one of my highest preferences, this also makes the next few weeks much less stressful!
Accepts:
  • Institution: Rice Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition Waiver + ~$18,000/yr Notification date: 2/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments: Excited! First school to hear from and one of my highest preferences, this also makes the next few weeks much less stressful!
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke PHD economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/25/2011 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: no Comment: :-( , although expected. Being rejected isn't nearly as stressful as waiting............
Waitlists:

EconHopeful2012 2012:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 10 liberal arts, LSE General Course
Undergrad GPA: 3.55 under grade deflation policy
Type of Grad: 2 semesters of Mathematical Statistics
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 168Q, 169V, 5.5W
Math Courses: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Real Analysis
Econ Courses: Intro Micro, Macro; Intermediate Micro, Macro, Metrics; Personal Finance; Public Economics; Economic Integration of the EU; Monetary Economics; Comparative Economic Development; Urban Economics; Advanced Health Economics; Finance Theory & Applications
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: Chicago PhD, Harvard PhD, Michigan PhD. Good mix of well-connected and well-known.
Research Experience: Thesis, Fed Intern, Fed RA 3 years, coauthoring 2 papers
Teaching Experience:
Research Interests: Applied Micro, Micro Theory, Urban
SOP: Generally standard, tried to tailor to different schools and mentioned professors I would like to work with.
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Chicago Harris ($), USC Price ($), Wisconsin ($), UVA ($), Wharton AE ($)
Waitlists: Michigan (withdrawn), Minnesota (withdrawn)
Attending: Wharton !!
What would you have done differently?
There's a lot I could say here and I have often thought to myself that it's too bad that most of us only do this once because you learn so much by doing. (1) I would like to have As in some of the classes where I got Bs. I wasn't remotely aware of how competitive this process is while I was in undergrad. Just assumed that as long as I was one of the top dogs at my undergrad I would be competitive anywhere. (2) I wish I had done more research ahead of time about where I really was a great fit since this turned out to be a strong predictor of where I got in. There were some schools that I probably should have applied to and didn't. (3) I wish I could have found a way to break my addiction to this forum. Although there's lots of great advice and support to be had, checking for updates every 5 minutes during the months of February and March probably just made me super stressed out and unfocused.
Despite these lessons, Wharton was a top choice for me going in and there's a good chance I would have gone even if I had gotten into some other highly ranked schools. I can't wait to get started in the fall!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Chicago Harris ($), USC Price ($), Wisconsin ($), UVA ($), Wharton AE ($)
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TA + $20K Notification Date: 3/5/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Glad I don't have to check my online status anymore!
  • Institution: Wisconsin Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: None for first; TA/RA afterwards Notification date: 3/7/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I feel like my luck is definitely turning!
  • Institution: Wharton Applied Economics Phd Decision: Accepted Funding: 26K Fellowship Notification date: 03/14/2012 Notified through: email Posted on GC: no Comments: Couldn't be happier!!
Rejects:
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Michigan (withdrawn), Minnesota (withdrawn)
  • Institution: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Economics PhD Decision: Waitlist Funding: 18K stipend + health/dental insurance if admitted Notification Date: 3/9/2012 Notified Through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I think I'm going to pass out I'm so happy I at least made it on the wait list.


Rejections:

econominee 2009:
Institution: Columbia
Program:Economics PhD
Decision:Extreme unwillingness to accept
Funding:-Application Fee
Notification date:March 5
Notified through:E-Mail
Comments: I have no idea why I applied to Columbia. I wish I had used the application fee to apply to somewhere else. This is the second rejection which further brought me down. I also contacted Rice and they told me that they already made the first rounds and they would wait till April 15th for the second round. In short, two official and one unofficial rejections so far!
Accepts:
  • Institution: UW-Madison Economics, PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: No 1st Year Funding Notification date: 3/12 Notified through: Email Comments: This is my first acceptance and I am very delighted about that. At least I understood that my credentials are worth being accepted to such a good school like UW-Madison.
  • Institution: Iowa State Masters (Applied to PhD) Decision:Acceptance Funding: if you have the resources to attend Iowa State on your own funding, we hope that you will enroll Notification date:04/01/2009 Notified through:E-Mail Comments: Iowa State hurt my feelings and more than that my professors counting on Iowa State hurt me further. The e-mail regarding "if you have the resources part" is not kind at all. It sounds indifferent and exploitative.
  • Institution:West Virginia University Economics PhD Decision:Acceptance Funding:Tuition wavers + waitlisted for assistanship Notification date:03/18/2008 Notified through:E-mail Comments:My first half-funded admit....unable to accept if not offered assistanship
  • Institution: Missouri University Science and Technology Master of Applied Mathematics Decision: Accepted Funding: Graduate Assistantship 1,850$ a month Notification date: April 23 Notified through: E-mail Comments: I have a place to go! I am so happy.....
Rejects:
  • Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/13 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Totally shocked!
  • Institution: Boston College Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding:..... Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Mail Comments: I had told my key referee that I needed safer places, but I could not convince him. Meanwhile, I got the UW-Madison acceptance letter and Boston College at the same time. What a strange thing!
  • Institution: NYU Economics, PhD Decision: Rejected Funding:............ Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: Test Magic Comments:I know I am not admitted for sure.
  • Institution:Rice University Economics PhD Decision:Rejected Funding:--*-- Notification date:04/03/2009 Notified through:E-mail Comments: I e-mailed the grad director and he wrote back to me on the same day. The earlier you know the less painful it becomes......
Waitlists:

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

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

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

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:

blackwhite 2011:
Institution: USC
Program: PhD Economics
Decision:rejected
Funding:
Notification date: 1/15/2011
Notified through: Postal Mail
Posted on GC : No
Comments: Disappointing
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: USC Economics Decision:rejected Funding: Notification date: 1/15/2011 Notified through: Postal Mail Posted on GC : No Comments: Disappointing
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 15 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: SAD...
  • Institution: Duke PHD economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/25/2011 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: no Comment: Expected but still hurts no admission so far
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: no acceptance so far
  • Institution: UNC, Chapel Hill Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification Date: 03/23/2011 Notified through: Email from DGS Posted on GC: No Comments: It was a big disappointment
  • Institution: Boston University Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejection FUnding: N/A Notification Date: 03/25/2011 Notified Through:Email Comments:Mass email
  • Institution: Arizona State University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/29/2011 Notified through: Check MYASU Posted on GradCafe: No Comments: Heartbroken
Waitlists:
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: I need admission!!! Fingers crossed...

geofflane 2011:
Institution: Rice
Program: Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: Feb 15
Notified through: Email
Posted on GC: Yes
Comment: first rejection, big SAD....
Accepts:
Rejects:
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Feb 15 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: first rejection, big SAD....
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."

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:

wright 2012:
Institution: UVa
Program: Econ. Ph.D
Decision: Rejection
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 02/16/2012
Notified through: Email to check web
Posted on GC: No
Comment: Expected but still feeling sad...
Accepts:
  • Institution: Stockholm University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 11.000 SEK per month Notification date: 04/02/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Can't believe it! If it was sent yesterday, I would definitely think it's a joke! So happy and relieved now~~o(>_<)o ~~
Rejects:
  • Institution: UVa Econ. Ph.D Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 02/16/2012 Notified through: Email to check web Posted on GC: No Comment: Expected but still feeling sad...
  • Institution: Lund University Ph.D Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification Date: 2/27/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Economics Ph.D. Decision: Rejection Funding: NA Notification date: 3/7/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Sad and worried about future...
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 03/22/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: seems nowhere to go...
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Uppsala University, Sweden Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Only if admitted Notification date: 3/8/2012 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Crossing my fingers...
  • Institution: Tilburg University Research Master in Economics Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notified: 3/13/12 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: no Comments: always waiting...that hurts...

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:

takethemoneyandrun 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Mid-ranked liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.7/4.0
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 770Q/700V/5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A/B/A-), Linear Algebra (A-), Probability Theory (B+), Mathematical Statistics (B+), ODEs (A-), PDEs (A), Advanced Calculus (A), Real Analysis (A), Topology (IP), Complex Analysis (IP)
Econ Courses : Intermediate Micro (B+), Intermediate Macro (A-), Intro to Econometrics (B), Labor Economics (A), Senior honors thesis (A)
Other courses: Nothing of value
Letters of Recommendation: Three econ professors (PhDs from top 30 programs) who advised me on research papers that turned out pretty well and one statistics professor with whom I did summer research. They are all very nice, helpful people and I get along well with them.
Research Experience: Two econ term papers and a senior honors thesis that I am proud of; one co-authored statistics publication based on summer research.
Teaching Experience: TA for 2 sections of introductory statistics and 2 sections of introductory economics.
Research Interests: Economics of labor, health, aging, and education.
Statement of purpose: I made it clear that I want to become an academic economist, discussing my math preparation and research interests.
Concerns: Low GRE Q and limited undergrad econ background with very shaky grades.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
What would you have done differently? I would have applied to more schools in the 15-30 range. I didn't expect to be accepted to at least half of the programs that admitted me and was biased towards lower-ranked schools. I have heard this over and over, but it's worth repeating: The MC of sending out an additional application is extremely low; apply to any and every school that you think matches your research interests!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
  • Institution:UC Davis Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: full tuition waiver + TAship Notification date: 8th Feb 2010 Notified through:email Posted on Gradcafe: Yes Date of Gradcafe post: 8th Feb 2010 Comments: I'm very grateful to have an offer from a school that I thought was out of my league.
  • Institution: Cornell Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None available :( Notification date: 18 February 2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Comments: I'm honored, but I can't attend without funding.
  • Institution: University of Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Funding: "Graduate Assistanship" with tuition remission + health insurance + 21k Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $0 Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'm very surprised that I wasn't offered funding. It was probably due to my low GRE score.
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None "at this time" Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: Email Comments: I'm very happy, but shocked; I thought they were all done with offers.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Washington U. in St. Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: My last one
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:

SASsy 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Small Public U (~12K UG & G) comparable to liberal arts college; top 5 party school
Undergrad GPA: 3.38 overall, 3.81 econ, 3.76 Spanish, 3.35 intl studies
Type of Grad: same as UG
Grad GPA: 3.50
GRE: 800Q/760V/4.5W (12/2010)...but 700Q/700V/3.5W (11/2010 - obviously I had to study harder)
Math Courses: Cal I (B), Cal II-IV (As), Foundations (B), Linear Algebra I (B), Intro to Stat Methods (B), Differential Equations I (A), Intro to Math Stats (A), Advanced Cal I-II (As)
Econ Courses: Honors Principles Micro (A), Honors Principles Macro (A), Int Micro (A), Int Macro (B), Honors Global Econ (A), International Trade (A), Game Theory (A), Managerial (A), Econ for Engineers (B), Econ Stats II (A)
Grad Econ Courses: all taken with PhD students, Micro I (A), Macro I (B), Econometrics I (A), Price Theory (A), Managerial (A), IO (A), Math Econ (A), Econ History (A), Math Methods for Econ (B), Stat Methods for Econ and Business (B), three Econ seminars, and a course that I failed 5 years ago due to very odd circumstances...hence the low grad GPA.
Other Courses: 6 senior history courses, 2 senior sociology courses, 1 law school course, several heterodox courses (polisci/history/sociology/philosophy/law) for intl studies; lots of language courses, including graduate level spanish (but other languages as well)
Letters of Recommendation: I used a mix of 5 professors, to reduce the burden on them. 1 prof recommended me to all schools with what I assume was a very strong letter of recommendation. I asked all of my grad-level theory professors (micro, macro, metrics) plus the two professors I had written research papers for (and who had taught many electives to me). None were extraordinarily well-known (to my knowledge) but knew me very well and knew my understanding of applications of econ.
Research Experience: My Formal experience was very limited; At time of application I had just accepted RA job at a university, in an unfamiliar field. Otherwise, had collected my own data for papers and had done all research independently.
Teaching Experience: TA for campus-wide service during MA, more like a math tutor; tutored for 8 years
Research Interests: micro/labor/health, IO, public finance, behavioral, development...isn't it all related on some level?
SOP: It was ever-evolving. The "best" SOP (the one that yielded my Chicago acceptance) was very professional, very direct, and discussed all research papers I had written previously. The others talked more about my one big idea. I also took a more "persuasive" tone in them. All mentioned that I want to teach.
Other: I have won several scholarships and fellowships in the past, for which I think I provided a pretty good ROR on the investment. I also worked 40 hours/week for the last 3 years while bringing my grades up significantly. During this time I made sure to be one of the top, if not the top, students in each class. (Except macro. Damn.) Also my Chicago writing sample was a paper in which I disproved my undergraduate thesis.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Chicago with level one fellowship
Waitlists: Rice
Rejections: Harvard, NYU, Princeton, Northwestern, UT-Austin, Rochester, Georgetown, Duke, Maryland, Cornell, Brown, UVA and LSE
Incomplete: Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Melon, American, George Mason
What would you have done differently?
This is a difficult topic. Obviously I did something right. I also did many things wrong. Points (1) and (2) are changes that would've made me an entirely different person. These are more like life lessons, that required trial and error with my own life to discover. On the other hand, I like to think that if I had only enacted (3) and (4) from below, I would have had a much better application season in spite of my past.
(1) I would have taken my academic destiny into my own hands years ago. I let my course load and academic interests be chosen by well-meaning advisers instead of determining what I actually wanted to learn. Thus I was disinterested in many of my courses, and I underperformed. I also let exogenous factors affect my grades too much. I would have been more mature about accepting life's hardships rather than taking a few semesters to mope about it. I would not have partied so much.
(2) I would have been proactive about research with professors. This problem started with my undergrad thesis. I continually chose "interesting" rather than "executable" topics. My adviser at the time encouraged me to be intellectually curious. I should have asked to continue research under his specialty so the paper would have been easier. Instead, I spent the past 6 years chasing down data about a seemingly irrelevant topic. It makes me unique to have this expertise, but it also makes me OLD.
(3) I would not have experimented with my SOP. Really, what the hell was I thinking? I could've been shut out entirely this year. Clearly I am a strong candidate, but I really shot myself in the foot with the changes I made to my SOP at the end of December. While the SOP may not help an applicant, it surely can hurt him/her; I am a good example. I should've been professional, straightforward, and commanding in all of the SOPs.
(4) I would have planned to rock the GRE by mid fall. I cut it really close by taking the GRE in November and then again in mid December. If I had given myself a little more study time between the two exams, I think I could've aced the verbal and significantly improved my AWA. I took the exam late because I didn't expect to do so well, preventing myself from the possibility of applying to many excellent schools. I applied to Harvard at the last minute, and it was the only Dec. 15 deadline I met. I like to think that if I had taken more time to prepare that application, I'd be going to Cambridge in the fall.
Note: I would not have changed my initial course of study or UG institution. I believe that my background gives me a true appreciation for economics, and without it, I'd be a physicist (true story). I tried out the other social sciences first, as I chased down my interests in foreign cultures and varying governance systems. Writing research papers for other social science courses left me utterly frustrated because I could never prove what I said. My senior thesis left me utterly dissatisfied. Enter economics. It was a natural fit for my data and research. I am proud to say that I am passionate about economics.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Chicago with level one fellowship
  • Institution: Chicago Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 5 year fellowship Notification date: 3/7/11 Notified through: email from dean of students Posted on GF: yes Comments: WOOT! I thought this day would never come. A good research match (though I'm still waiting for that rejection from the perfect match before I accept).
Rejects:
    Rejections: Harvard, NYU, Princeton, Northwestern, UT-Austin, Rochester, Georgetown, Duke, Maryland, Cornell, Brown, UVA and LSE Incomplete: Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Melon, American, George Mason
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: nil Notification date: 2/22/11 Notified through: email from grad school Posted on GF: yes Comments: meh. I applied because of their reputation in IO, but I study applied micro theory/labor.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: nada Notification date: 2/25/11 Notified through: email to check website Posted on GF: yes Comments: ouch. Our reasearch doesn't match though.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: -- Notification date: 3/4/11 Notified through: email to check website Posted on GF: yes Comments: started to worry I was going to be shut out.
  • Institution: UVA Economics Decision: rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/09/11 Notified through: website Posted on GF: yes Comments: I wanted to go there. Dreamed of going there since I was an undergrad. Research matched the DGS so closely. I have the weirdest record.
  • Institution: UT - Austin Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 3/9/11 Funding: n/a Notified through: Website Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Man, was my judgement way off. Clearly I don't know how to market myself.
  • Institution: LSE Track 1 and Track 2 Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification Date: 3/9/11 Funding: n/a Notified through: Website Posted on GC: No Comments: Expected. Never turned in the 1500-word research proposal. It took them long enough.
  • Institution: Princeton Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/11/11 Notified through: Email Comments: I appreciate their promptness, too. The email had multiple fonts though. Everyone else get odd formatting too?
  • Institution: Georgetown Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/11/11 Notified through: Snail Mail (Didn't look at the date) Comments: The letter was solely from the graduate school and mentioned something like 8000 total applicants to the grad school. I read that as, "We didn't even send your file to the department." It was expected by now, but still feels like a slap in the face. Until last fall, GTU was my dream school.
  • Institution: Brown U Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/11 Notified through: Email to check Embark website. Posted on GF: no Comments: "We regret that we have to disappoint many bright and talented students."
  • Institution: Penn State University Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Think they'd send me a few bucks anyway? Notification date: 3/14 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: I was wondering. The post immediately before mine on GC has almost the same GPA/GRE mix. I thought that was interesting.
  • Institution: Harvard University Economics PhD Decision: (rejected) Funding: rien!! Notification date: 3/14/11 (dated 3/11) Notified through: la poste Posted on GC: ouais Comments: "When you are a skunk, you learn how to hold your breath for a long time." Alors... Thus ends my Pepe le Pew obsession with the Harvard Econ Department. Stay tuned for the sequel in 5-7 years..
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: can i has money n e way? Notification Date: March 22, 2011 Notified through: Official e-mail Posted on GC: yes Comments: A polite letter. Have been waiting for it for 2-3 weeks though.
  • Institution: Cornell Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: -($80 application fee + $23 ETS score report + some fraction of the favors I inevitably owe my letter of recommendation writers) Notification Date: 03/25/2011 Notified Through: Email Posted on GradCafe: Yes, in a sec Comments: Not a surprise at all. It's a nice touch that the email came from the DGS rather than the Dean of the Grad School.
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Rice
  • Institution: Rice Economics Decision: Waitlist Funding: implied that it goes with an offer Notification date: 2/13/11 Notified through: email from DGS Posted on GF: yes Comments: It was a nice email. Not super attached to the department, but Houston is nice.

mikekohyw 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad:BS in Business at private top-25 school
Undergrad GPA:3.62, 4.0 in econ courses
Type of Grad:MA in econ at Public Master's univ.
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 800Q/630V/4.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc 1-3, Intro linear alg and diff equations (all A's), math probability, linear algebra, proofs (all A's; completed in Fall 2010), real analysis, math stats (in progress, will complete by Spring 2011)
Econ Courses (grad level): MA Macro, Micro, econometrics (all A's), time series (B+, Fall 2010), research methods (A, Fall 2010)
Econ Courses (undergrad level): Basic and intermediate macro/micro, econometrics, math econ, macroecon and growth (all A's)
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 4 econ professors from master's program
Research Experience: Master's thesis (Still in progress), 1 year as graduate assistant
Teaching Experience: 1 year as econ tutor
Research Interests: Not sure yet...leaning towards applied micro/development
SOP: Probably not well-written as indicated by the results...
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Houston ($$$), UC Santa Cruz ($$), Hawaii (waitlist $)
Waitlists: Rice, Washington
Rejections: Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UT-Austin, Vanderbilt, USC
Pending: Texas A&M
Attending: Houston
What would you have done differently? Taking more math courses in undergrad. I've spent 2 years in grad school trying to catch up the math courses, as I have no math courses under my belt in college. Apparently, I still fell short of the top-50 programs after 2 years of preparation. Since I spent most of the time playing catch-up, I could not start to do some research of my own as I was too occupied with course works. That probably hurts my profile as well. Overall, I would say if I could choose again, I will definitely not do the garbage degree called business administration in my undergrad years.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Houston ($$$), UC Santa Cruz ($$), Hawaii (
  • Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz International Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: 2 Quarters Notification date: 02/28/2011 Notified through: via email Posted on GC: no Comment: I thought there are 3 quarters in an academic year...does that imply I have to find fundings for the 3rd quarter?
  • Institution: Houston Decision: Accepted Funding: TA+Fellowship Notification date: 3/10/11 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: First (and possibly only) fully funded offer!
Rejects:
    Rejections: Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UT-Austin, Vanderbilt, USC
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Expected
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/2011 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Expected, if a mid-tier school like Santa Cruz only gives partial funding, how can I expect anything from the top schools?
  • Institution: UC Santa Barbara Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/4/2011 Notified through: Website Posted on GC: no Comments: My profile is worse than I've expected; now I'm wondering whether I should wait till next year?
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/08/11 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: "Not competitive with other applicants because of inadequate preparation for advanced study in the proposed program." They should just explicitly state the math courses required for admission...that way I wouldn't be wasting my time and money applying to their programs...
  • Institution: Texas-Austin Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/10/11 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GC: No Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 03/30/2011 Notified through: E-mail Comments: On a positive note, that makes my decision process easier...
  • Institution: UC Irvine Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/4 Notified through: randomly checked the website and the rejection letter was on there. Posted on GC: no Comments: 2 more schools (rejections) to go.
  • Institution: UCSD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 4/5 Notified through: email Posted on GC: no Comments: 1 more school (rejections) to go.
Waitlists:
    waitlist $) Waitlists: Rice, Washington
  • Institution: Rice Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/13 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: ? Comments: Off to a bad start...
  • Institution: U Washington Decision: Waitlisted/Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/1/11 Notified through: email Posted on GF: No Comments: "We are not able to offer you admission at this time, but if you would like to be placed on our waiting list for admission, please let us know." Sent a email earlier asking about funding, no full funding is available for the waitlist candidates, although partial funding "may be available".

lian 2011:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. economics (unknown west-european university with a lot of unnecessary business courses)
Undergrad GPA: 1.3 on a scale from 1.0(best possible) to 5.0, (best of my class out of ca. 350)
Type of Grad: none
Grad GPA: none
GRE: Q700, V340 (TOEFL 109), AWA pending - awful, always scored 800Q before, taking it again in october
Math Courses: math for econs (A+), stats I (A), stats II and econometrics (in progress), real analysis I (in progress), linear algebra and analytical geometry I (in progress), 2 further high math courses in spring..
Econ Courses (grad-level): none, not possible at my university
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): micro theory I (A+), micro theory II (B+), macro I (A+), macro II (A-), Public Econ (A-), Institutional Economics and Game Theory(A+), International Economics (A+), Industrial Organization (A+), development econ (A+)
Other Courses: a lot of compulsory boring business classes, mostly A's, one B, one B-..
Letters of Recommendation: two micro profs, (i work as a RA for one, the other is an american prof), one macro prof. every letter should be very strong, but they aren't known outside europe.
Research Experience: RA for approximately 1.5 years. one research paper in progress. one discussion paper co-authored.
Teaching Experience: none but private tutoring since 1st school grade . i've tried, not allowed in my university as an undergrad to teach official courses.
Research Interests: microeconomics. IO, behavioral/institutional economics and game theory.
SOP: in progress, nothing special.
Concerns: terrible first GRE scores; totally insufficient math background; unknown recommendators and unknown undergrad university. Before studying economics a was a terrible student: A-Levels were awful - 2.7, and i quit my first university study (physics major, math minor)
Applying to: Master: LSE, Cambridge, UCL, UEA, Tinbergen, Tilburg, Toulouse, Paris, Barcelona, Toronto, British Columbia. PhD: Cornell, Michigan, Minnesota, Madison, ... not yet decided, depending on second GRE and self-confidence. i am not even sure if to apply now for a phd or after making a master degree.. any advice?
Accepts:
  • Institution: Southern Methodist University Ph.D. Decision: Admit FUnding: Additionally to my fellowship - a stipend that covers all uncovered expenses; full funding for last 2 years, Notification Date: 03/25/2011 Notified Through:Email Comments: WOW my first offer - soooo happy, sure I'll accept. Just 10 days to decide. For the future applicant: "short list" means: accepted if you show interest!
  • Institution: UCL M.Sc. Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/30/2011 Notified through: e-mail after i inquiered Posted on GradCafe: yes Comments: damn, i was so sure I'll attend SMU, now i have to make pro-cons-lists for another week
Rejects:
  • Institution: Texas Austin Economics Decision: rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/08/11 Notified through: website which says that i won't get an e-mail, website contains the official rejection.. Posted on GF: yes Comments: not surprised, missed like every single deadline they have, and apparently, they never received my third letter of recommendation.. still sad
  • Institution: JHU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: -.- Notification date: March 14 Notified through: email Posted on GC: yes Comments: that was my dream school..
  • Institution: Cornell Econ PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: .. Notification date: 03/21/2011 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: annoyed, just annoyed.. soooo disappointed, although it was totally expected..
  • Institution: LSE MSc Economics 1 year Research Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/24/2011 Notified through: e-mail Comments: and the next one... I'm getting used to it..
  • Institution: UVa Ph.D. in Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: April 8 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: Y Comments: Finally, took them long enough..
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Rice University Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: they have ressources for 7 funded admissions Notification date: 2/13 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Honestly, with my international profile and nearly no official math at all - i didn't even expect to be waitlisted.. They received 200 applications with request for fin.aid.
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 7 accepted out of 22 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.72, average GREQ was 780.0.
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