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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:

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

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.

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

Totoro 2011:
Institution: Simon Fraser University
Program: Economics Masters
Decision: Accepted
Funding: yes
Notification Date: 3/10/2011
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GC: Yes
Comments: Applied to their PhD prog. but accepted into Masters, better than to be rejected anyway.
Accepts:
  • Institution: Simon Fraser University Economics Masters Decision: Accepted Funding: yes Notification Date: 3/10/2011 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Yes Comments: Applied to their PhD prog. but accepted into Masters, better than to be rejected anyway.
  • Institution: Virginia Tech Economics Decision: Accept Funding: - With fund but did not mention exact amount. Notification date: Letter dated 3/11/11 Notified through: email Comments: Happy
  • Institution: Georgia State University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: RA-ship with 18k Notification date: 3/24/2011 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Happy
Rejects:
Waitlists:


Rejections:


Waitlists:

corolla09 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Math/Econ Good Eastern liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.28 (3.45ish for Econ & Math)
GRE: 720Q, 470V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus Sequence, Vector Calculus, Intro to Proofs, Linear Algebra, Ring Theory, Real Analysis, Applied Stats, Probability, Mathematical Statistics, Stochastic Processes
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro & Macro, Labor, IO, Econometrics, Environmental, Experimental, Behavioral, Econ of Conflict
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ, 1 math all senior faculty whom I knew very well
Research Experience: Senior thesis in Probability Theory/Stochastic Processes
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: Public, Labor, Experimental/Behavioral
SOP: I think this was a 'good' deciding factor for some schools showing a fit/common research interest with their program and I believe it matters a lot more for smaller non top-30 programs.
Concerns: A lot, low GRE/GPA low grade in Analysis
Other: had to wait a year to apply for good senior grades, take GRE
RESULTS:
Attending: Florida State Univ ($$)
Admitted, Declined: Binghamton ($), Kentucky (WL$), Oregon (WL$), NC State (no$), Mississippi ($), UNH-masters
Waitlists: Va Tech
Rejections: Vanderbilt, Virginia, Syracuse (never heard back)
No Word: Louisiana State
What would you have done differently? A lot, actually study in undergrad for one. Had difficulty figuring out where to apply with my profiles and increase in apps, should've applied to places like Purdue, Pitt, Riverside and research schools with experimental more. Results almost identical to what I thought they would be. Had random safety's. Originally started with math major then added econ very glad I did both. Very happy with results considering my profile and for those similar to mine it is possible to get a decent funded offer without perfect transcript especially if you're looking for a LACish placement like me.
Accepts:
    Attending: Florida State Univ ($$) Admitted, Declined: Binghamton ($), Kentucky (WL$), Oregon (WL$), NC State (no$), Mississippi ($), UNH-masters
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/5/09 Notified through: E-mail Comments: Very glad...details TBA
  • Institution nstitution: Florida State Economics, PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: TAship + Fellow! Notification date: 3/13 Comments: Stunned!! not top 50 but with my profile it'll be of serious consideration
  • Institution: NC State Econ (pure side), PhD Decision: Admit Notification date: 3/16 Notified through: website Comments: Interesting...no details yet
Rejects:
    Rejections: Vanderbilt, Virginia, Syracuse (
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Va Tech
  • Institution: Virginia Tech Economics, PhD Decision: wait-listed Notification date: 3/23 Notified through: e-mail (I e-mailed the grad secretary) Comments: ehhh, very very small program
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 4 accepted out of 5 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.70, average GREQ was 766.7.
No link to department posted statistics has been added, please let me know if these exist and I will add them.

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Last Updated: 14:58:27, Fri May 11, 2012