The chart will appear within this DIV. This text will be replaced by the chart.
Most Recently Selected profile:

The data below comes from testmagic forums and shows accepted, waitlisted, and rejected applicants for 2007-2009 for economics graduate school. Clicking on the graph above will make the most recent profile appear to the right of the graph.

All profiles:

Acceptances:
ockam 2007:
hey, I just heard about this forum a couple weeks ago. wish I had know about it earlier, but I hope somebody else might find my info useful

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: large "top-ten" public research university w/ top 15ish econ dept

Undergrad GPA: 3.95 overall, 3.97 math
GRE: 800Q/610V/5.0
Math Courses: majored in math, with rigorous year-long sequences in analysis, stats, and abstract algebra. upper div electives included applied linear algebra and mathematical modeling. note to future applicants: the admissions director at princeton seemed to take very seriously the fact that i had taken the more rigorous math courses
Econ Courses: very few: intro to micro, mathematical econ, grad-level micro. After applying, some macro and behavioral (and said I would do so on application)
Other Courses: lots of philosophy including grad-level coursework in philosophy of science.

Letters of Recommendation: These were probably the strongest part of my application. One from a full professor each of: econ, math, phil departments. Math letter came from my real analysis prof who is also a college provost. Phil letter was from my honors thesis advisor. I took a grad course with the econ prof. I know all my letter writers quite well, so there were lots of very specific things they could say about me.
Research Experience: none in economics. Assisted research in epidemiology (with a sociologist) and genomics. Independent research in philosophy of science and sabermetrics.
Teaching Experience: tutor/TA for the computer science dept (java)
Research Interests: very broad. mostly micro and metrics, both theory and applied

SOP: 700 words, nothing fancy. described how my background in math and phil led me to economics. said my interests in econ were broad and described a couple specific topics that interest me. Used mostly the same statement at every school, changing just the last two sentences for each application
Other: Residential advisor, phil club president, and undergrad phil journal editor.

RESULTS:
Acceptances:
full funding:
Princeton, Stanford, Chicago, UPenn, Columbia, Northwestern Wisc-Madison, UBC

no $: UCSD
Waitlists:
Yale, MIT
Rejections:
Harvard, Berkeley
What would you have done differently?
absolutely nothing. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
chappl 2007:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: small university in Switzerland, 215th on econphd.net

Undergrad GPA: not easy to compute
Type of Grad: same as undergrad
Grad GPA: 5.73/6
GRE: 800Q, 610V, 5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III, LinAlgebra, Mathematical econ (undergrad), Mathematical methods in finance (undergrad), Math and Statistics (MA-level), Stochastic Processes (MA-level)

Econ Courses (MA-level): Adv. Macro I-II, Adv. Micro, Game theory, Public econ, Empirical Macro, Experimental econ, Econometrics (general), Time Series econometrics, Microeconometrics, Applied Econometrics, Theory of Finance I-II
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Macro I-IV, Micro I-IV, 3 Development econ courses, Labor, Trade, Monetary, Public, 2 metrics courses
Other Courses: lots of undergrad management and law courses (compulsory in my school)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 professors (1 Princeton PhD, 1 Swiss PhD, 1 German PhD), 1 head of research dept at central bank; all probably very positive
Research Experience: 1 year RA at central bank

Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: modern macro, international finance
SOP: stated my background and research interests
Other: I have no BA, only an MA, as a consequence of the transition of my school to the Bologna system. My MA transcript only contains grades for MA courses, translation of undergrad level transcripts all sent as individual sheets of paper. This might have confused some adcoms.


RESULTS:
Acceptances: Michigan (no $), Wisconsin (no $), Maryland ($), Rochester ($), JHU ($), BU ($), Virginia ($), UBC ($)
Waitlists: NYU, ultimately r*jected
Rejections: Princeton, Yale, Penn, Northwestern, Columbia, Duke, Toronto, NYU

What would you have done differently? I would have taken advanced math classes, like real analysis, topology, etc. As my school had no math dept, I would have had to take these at another school. I shouldn't have applied to my supposedly safety school (MA & PhD): Toronto; and should have applied to 2 more top 10 schools instead Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Canuckonomist 2008:
Type of Undergrad: Queen's University, Canada (Top 40, depending on where you check.)

Undergrad GPA: After conversion, 3.75/4.0: Econ 4.0/4.0, math 3.7/4.0

GRE: 790Q, 530V, 5.5 AW


Math Courses: Calc I-III, probability, statistics, abstract algebra, differential equations, analysis I, stochastic models in operations research

Econ Courses: Standard package in the 300/400 levels, Grad math econ, Grad Financial Theory, Grad Cost benefit analysis.

Letters of Recommendation: 1 JHU, 1 BU, and one fairly extensively published and quite influential finance prof. Funny, his alma mater is not one anyone would think would be big, but he's made a name for himself, at least so he says (ANU)


Research Experience: RA for one term for Prof with JHU PhD. Worked on a paper to be published in a year.

Teaching Experience: private tutoring for 7 years.

Research Interests: Financial Economics, Micro Theory


SOP: Standard.

Other: Male, 21 years.

RESULTS:
Attending: Queen's University, M.A Econ
Acceptances: Queen's MA ($$), UBC MA (no $), LSE F&E MSc (No $),

Rejections: Northwestern, UPenn, UCSD, Cornell

What I would have done differently: I would have started taking math earlier, but from someone who didn't like math in high school, things changed around fast enough for me. With my fall marks in graduate courses, the RAship this summer, and stronger letters from the same people, I expect things will look up next year. I did, after all, get past the first few rounds of rejections @ NWU, and almost all of them at Cornell. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
pevdoki1 2008:
Type of undergrad: Mid-sized state university (SUNY Binghamton)

GPA: 3.99 (math/econ double major)
Type of Grad: none
GRE: Q800, V470, AWA 4.5
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Intro to Higher Math, Complex Analysis, Real Analysis I-II, Mathematical statistics I-II
Econ Courses: The usual. No graduate level courses.

Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: 1 really good one from an economics professor who knows me well, 2 from math professors
Research Experience: Virtually none. Started a thesis, never finished
Teaching Experience: TA intermediate macro for 1 semester. 1 year of tutoring experience.
Research Interests: Macro and monetary, but these can change

SOP: Pretty good, I think. Standard 1st page, customized second (mentioning professors and all)

RESULTS:
Acceptances:
University of Minnesota ($)
WUSTL ($)
UT Austin ($)

U Toronto (MA, $)
UBC (MA, $)
Indiana ($)
Rutgers ($)
Purdue ($)
Virginia (no funding)
Cornell (no funding)

Waiting list: none


Rejections: University of Western Ontario

No word: Queen's

What I would have done differently:
Applied to less lower ranked schools. However, I'm quite happy with getting into Minnesota (and WUSTL, for that matter).s Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Thesus 2008:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BSc Econ, minor in math. School does not appear on econphd.net.
Undergrad GPA: 3.97, 4.00 in math/econ
Type of Grad:n/a
Grad GPA:n/a
GRE: 800Q, 770V, 5.5 AWA

Math Courses: Calc I,II,III, Linear Algebra, Vector Calc, Intro Stats, Mathematical Stats, Real Analysis I,II, Integration & Metric Spaces, ODE, Discrete Math
Econ Courses: Micro I,II,III (not very rigourous), Macro I,II,III (ended with Romer), Math Econ I,II, Econometrics I,II, another ten electives or so, honours essay in progress.
Other Courses: nil.
Letters of Recommendation: Used four econ profs and a math prof, depending on school. None of them are well-published or
Research Experience:n/a

Teaching Experience: TA, three semesters.
Research Interests: Growth, economic dynamics.
SOP: Short, succint. Didn't reference names of professors. Briefly discussed interests but admitted I wasn't committed to the field.
Other:

RESULTS:

Acceptances: Rochester(fellowship), UBC(MA,TA)
Waitlists: Minnesota
Rejections: Brown, Yale, Berkeley, Princeton
Pending: Queen's, Toronto

What I would have done differently: I think I should've transferred to a different undergrad after two years. Now unsure whether to do the MA and reapply or head directly south. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
no_time 2008:
Been free riding this forum too long. Perhaps this could be useful for someone as it has been for me.

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: industrial engineering major from top school in small, developing latin american country

Undergrad GPA: 6.3/7.0
GRE: 800q, 650v, 5.0w
Math Courses: Calculus, Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Elements of Vector Analysis, Functions of C in C, Numerical Methods, Probabilities, Statistics, Cue Theory, Optimization, Operations Research
Econ Courses: Micro, Macro, IO, Finance Theory, Derivatives Pricing
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from a finance professor from MIT-Sloan who I'm working with as an RA, 1 from a locally well known econ prof with whom I co-authored a paper, 1 from a locally well known OR prof from my university

Research Experience: RA on two empirical finance projects for an MIT prof, co-authored 3 pol econ paper (not very relevant except for the fact that I got to work with my future recommender)
Teaching Experience: I work as a junior faculty member at my former univeristy. I've instructed Finance Theory I and II several times and have extensive experience as a TA
Research Interests: Corporate Finance, slightly biased to empirical
SOP: I highlighted the fact that I worked at an investment bank prior to my academic interest, found some interesting questions that this experience had given me
Other: International student,


RESULTS:
Acceptances: Columbia GSB Finance & Economics (attending), UCLA Anderson, CMU Tepper, London Business School, Yale SOM, Boston College (interview), UBC Sauder
Waitlists:
Rejections: MIT Sloan, Chicago GSB, Stanford GSB, Kellogg, Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern, Duke Fuqua
Pending: Harvard GSB


What would you have done differently? Nothing really, this was by far the best outcome I could have dreamt of Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
mogelsworth 2008:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Well ranked US research university (public). Major in economics with a minor in math.
Undergrad GPA: 3.7

Type of Grad: None
GRE: 720Q/510V/5.0AW
Math Courses: Calculus I,II,III, Advanced Multivariable Calc, Differential Equations, Matrix Algebra, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Thinking (proof-based course), Real Analysis I
Econ Courses: Advanced Micro/Macro, lots of undergrad field courses, Intro Math Stats
Other Courses: Logic

Letters of Recommendation: 2 from well-known professors at my undergrad institution, 1 from non-academic consultant with an econ phd
Research Experience: 2 years a econ consulting firm
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: International, macro, development

SOP: Discussed background and research interests, very thoughtful.
Other:

RESULTS:
Acceptances: UVA(no$), Univ. Washington-Seattle (no$), UBC MA (no$)
Waitlists: UT Austin

Rejections:
Pending: Cornell, Syracuse, BU (MA), Penn State
What would you have done differently? I wish I had taken my GRE earlier to allow time for a retake. I should have taken Real Analysis II, topology, and optimization. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
mogelsworth 2008:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Well ranked US research university (public). Major in economics with a minor in math.
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Type of Grad: None

GRE: 720Q/510V/5.0AW
Math Courses: Calculus I,II,III, Advanced Multivariable Calc, Differential Equations, Matrix Algebra, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Thinking (proof-based course), Real Analysis I
Econ Courses: Advanced Micro/Macro, lots of undergrad field courses, Intro Math Stats
Other Courses: Logic
Letters of Recommendation: 2 from well-known professors at my undergrad institution, 1 from non-academic consultant with an econ phd
Research Experience: 2 years a econ consulting firm

Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: International, macro, development
SOP: Discussed background and research interests, very thoughtful.
Other:

RESULTS:
Acceptances: UVA(no$), Univ. Washington-Seattle (no$), UBC MA (no$), BU MA

Waitlists:
Rejections: Penn State, Cornell, UT Austin
Pending: Syracuse
What would you have done differently? I wish I had taken my GRE earlier to allow time for a retake. I should have taken Real Analysis II, topology, and optimization. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
canecon 2008:
School: UBC

Major: Econ (Hons)
GPA: 3.5 (3.98 upper-econ, 3.98 math (excluding failed calc 1))
GRE: 800q 480v 5.0 AWA (despite the awful verbal I am native English speaker / English background)
Courses:

Econ:Hon micro/macro I (A+'s) Game Theory (Hon) A, Hon Macro II A+, + intro metrics I/II (A+) + lots electives (mostly A+)
Math: Calc 1 (F first time then A), Calc 2, linear, multivariable, ODE's, probability(calc based), intro proof A+'s intro analysis A
Now Taking: Honours Thesis, Advanced Macro, Econometrics
Research: Thesis
LOR: 3 Assistant Profs, I say mediocre since I had no special relationship, just took their classes.

SOP: Pretty bad I think... that might just be me - but I didn't have any professors read it since I thought it was crappy (very bad reason I know - I expect I might have had spelling/grammar errors as well :) ). But I guess for Master's it doesn't matter that much.
Interests: Macro, Int trade/finance/development.
Schools:
Decided to apply only for Masters:
LSE, UCL, Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, UPF, UBC, Toronto, Queens, UWO, Stockholm.


My Concerns:
First year really sucked, second year was average. Only have 1.5 years of good grades.

RESULTS:
Acceptances: LSE Msc (1 year, Res), UCL MSc, Warwick MSc, Oxford M.Phil (??), UPF MSc($$), Queen's MA ($$), Toronto Doc. Stream MA ($$), UBC MA ($$), UWO MA ($$),

Still Waiting: Cambridge M.Phil (B), Stockholm University MSc (Research)
Rejections: None (yet)

What would you have done differently?
-known that I was going to go for grad school (in econ) earlier :p

-started preparing to apply in the summer, or early sept, or early october. (didnt start applications earlier because very math-packed semester. No time in summer though b/c courses and GRE - basically crammed all the math I needed in last 8 mths I would have grades for).
-Looked into scholarship opportunities for study in UK (many seem to have deadlines around sept/oct. ) I started looking the next february/march.
-Basically I did what I could. Maybe should have applied to some PhD straight away, but still not sure what I want to do and I didn't really have time to put together good apps.
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
elcapitano 2008:
GRE: 800Q 720V 4.5AW(doh) (2nd Attempt)

Undergrad: Good but not brilliant research university

High 1st Class Degree
All Maths and Econ Courses 1st in 12 of 14 including all the maths courses.
Graduated 2nd in class.

Math: All that I was allowed to take

SOP: Probably weak


Experience: Two years in government

Interests: Growth, Development, Trade

Applied: Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Oxford (MPhil), NYU, UBC (MA)

Results: Accepted - UBC ($$), Oxford ($?)

Rejected - Brown, Columbia, Harvard, NYU

What would you have done differently?
I would've realised that UK undergrad and some work experience is not sufficient to get into a top US program. Having realised this I also would've applied to Cambridge for their MPhil and probably LSE and not bothered applying for US programs this time round. However, i'm still pretty happy. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Ecolocomex 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics top LATAM university
Undergrad GPA: 3.78

Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: None
GRE: 740Q, 410V 3.5 AWA
Math Courses: Throughout then whole BA studies, never knew about real analysis. Lots of Statistics.
Econ Courses: Advanced Micro, Advanced Micro, Monetary Policy, Industrial Organization, International Trade, Public Sector Economics, Econometrics

Other Courses: Environmental economics, financial markets, etc.
Letters of Recommendation: Professors of economics who also happen to be directors of the graduate school I attended.
Research Experience: Issues in international trade and industrial organization at the construction sector firm.
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: International Economics, Monetary Policy, Financial markets
SOP: Application of economics in public policy issues.


RESULTS:
Acceptances: UBC MA (no$), McGill MA ($)
Waitlists: None
Rejections: Yale Phd, LSE MA, Columbia Phd, Harvard Phd, UT Austin Phd.
Pending: UofT


What would you have done differently?

I’d have improved my GRE, and done more research. Perhaps that’s the way the cookie crumbles, and I’m rather into applied economics than a PhD. Perhaps I needed to improve my knowledge of economics through a MA program first, and then decide over MBA or PhD. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
EconJames 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: International students. Good university in my home country but not well known.
Undergrad GPA: Major in Econ, minor in Math, GPA 3.8
Type of Grad: N/A

Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 800Q 570V 4.0A
Math Courses: Mathematical analysis, Advanced algebra, Numerical analysis, Analytical Geometry, ODE, Real analysis, Complex analysis, Functional analysis, Probability theroy, Mathematical statistic, Dynamic optimization, Stochastic process
Econ Courses: many, all basic courses including intermediate marco,micro,metrics.
Grad Econ Courses: Advanced macro, Game theory, Advanced finance
Letters of Recommendation: Not famous professors, but know me well

Research Experience: Two papers published in domestic journals
Teaching Experience: No
Research Interests: Macro

RESULTS:
Acceptances: UMN, JHU, OSU, UBC, IOWA, IUB, ASU
Waitlists: Princeton UPenn (rejected on April 15)

Rejections: UCLA, UCSD, Michigan, Cornell, WUSTL, Rochester, Duke, CMU

What would you have done differently? Perhaps attend a MA first. Or maybe should prepare a paper with a DSGE model.

Comments: The undergraduate school's reputation matters a lot. If you cannot change this, try to get strong LOR then. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
postgradecon 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BSc in Economics and Mathematics from a well-known but not so good in economics university in Canada.
Undergrad GPA: converts to about 3.85/4
Type of Grad: LSE

Grad GPA: not yet known
GRE: 780Q/530V/4.5AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I-II-III (A/A+'s), Linear Algebra I-II (A+'s), Real Analysis I (A+), Differential Equations (A+), Logic and Set Theory (Proofs) (B), Sampling (B+), Prob and Stats (A+), History of Logic (A).
Graduate: none
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro and Macro (A+'s), Advanced Macro (A), Advanced Micro (B+, level of grad Varian), Econometrics (A+), Labour (A), Cost-Benefit (A), Math econ (A), Development (B, abroad), Industrial Organisation I-II (A-, A)

Graduate Econ Courses: Before my masters: Time series econometrics (A), Institutional economics and China's development (A+, with a mini-thesis). Masters: econometrics, micro, macro, political economics (no grades yet).
Other Courses: A bunch of biochemistry classes before switching to econ (grades between A- and A+). Some philosophy classes as extra electives (A+ in all).
Letters of Recommendation: 3 from my undergrad, all really enthusiastic (PhDs from Princeton, Queen's and from a German university). One I wrote a mini-thesis with during a graduate class. A fourth was from my graduate program, didn't know me well, was in the beginning of the first year. I sent a different combination of 3 letters to different schools (deadlines were not at the same time and got the fourth a bit later, more on this below).

Research Experience: 2 years as research assistant in a well-respected small Canadian think tank, focusing on productivity and other welfare issues.
Teaching Experience: none.
Research Interests: Political economy, microeconomics, development.
SOP: Talked mostly about my interest in economics, my research interests, and why the school would be a good fit.. pretty standard and not that good.
Other:


RESULTS:
Acceptances: UBC PhD ($$), UPF Masters ($), LSE (no $)
Waitlists: none
Rejections: Caltech, MIT, NYU, Columbia
Pending: none


Attending: UBC (did not want to do a second master's degree before re-applying next year and UPF did not recognize my masters as good enough for their PhD).

What would you have done differently?
As mentioned earlier, I have sent different sets of letters to different schools. Instead, I would have sent the 3 letters from undergrad to all schools and not bother to send a not-so-good letter from my grad teacher. At first I thought it was important, but thinking back I think this might have ruined my chances at most US schools. I was accepted at all schools that didn't receive that letter.Also, I would have applied to much more schools, but I decided late and did not have much time to think about it.

In the end, I am satisfied since UBC is well-respected in its country and on par with a lot of top30 schools in the US. Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
z109620 2009:
PROFILE:

Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics with Minor in Math and Philosophy from a mediocre state school which does have an Econ and Math PhD (NIU)
Undergrad GPA: 3.76/4.00 (Econ: 3.93/4.00 Math: 4.0/4.0)
Type of Grad: Just two masters course Econometrics and Math for Econ
Grad GPA: 3.5
GRE: 750Q, 470V, 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Diff Eqs, Undergrad Analysis I, and Prob. & Stats (also Undergrad Analysis II (W))

Econ Courses: Typical stuff, plus Grad Math for Econ (B) and Grad Econometrics (A)
Other Courses: A couple proof based logic courses (B,A)
Letters of Recommendation: 1 really good letter (Senior Prof., Wisconsin), 1 good letter (Visiting Prof., Penn) and 1 ok letter (Chair, London)
Research Experience: Senior Paper
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: My main focus is Applied Micro Development, however, within the above field I am interested in Agriculture, Trade, Behavioral, Public and Political Economics

SOP: I think it is ok, talked about my Senior Paper, my passion for research and my goals for the future.
Other: I did not get into econ until junior year

RESULTS: (all masters programs)
Acceptances: UC Davis ARE (partial tuition and job as grader), UBC (partial tuition), UPF (no$), Cornell AEM (no $), Purdue ag econ (no $), UIC (no $), U York, U Bristol, U Sussex, USF (20k over two years)
Rejections: Wisconsin AAE and Toronto Doctoral Stream

Pending: Queen’s MA

What would you have done differently?
Well I wish I would have known that I wanted to do Econ earlier, as well as gone to a more prestigious undergrad. However, besides that I feel that I did very well, especially considering the tough year. I am very happy with UC Davis ARE, I plan to work really hard and advance to their PhD, seeing as there program is probably one of the best in the world given my prefers.

Attending:
UC Davis ARE masters Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
morgan918 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics , around top 10 in China
Undergrad GPA: 87 out of 100
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: None
GRE: 600V+800Q+3.5AW
Math Courses: Caculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra, Real analysis, stochastic process, dynamic optimization
Econ Courses: Micro, Macro , Econometrics, Labour, Financial Econ

Other Courses: STATA programming, MATLAB
Letters of Recommendation: 2 from China, 1 from Hong Kong
Research Experience: None
Teaching Experience: None
Research Interests: Micro


RESULTS(All Master):
Acceptances: McGill MA($), UBC MA(no $), Alberta MA(Canada, $), SFU MA(Canada, $)

Waitlists:None
Rejections: Iowa State, TAMU
Pending:None

What would you have done differently?
maybe some writing samples will be fine Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
ariel1987 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: International student atbadly Ranked Canadian University - B.Sc Mathematical Economics. Highest average among all economics students in my university.
Undergrad GPA: 3.96/4.00
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 730Q/560V/4.5 ; 780Q/410V/4.0

Math Courses: Calc I-IV (A+, A+,A+, A+), Linear Algebra I-II (A+, A+), Intro Probability (A+, A+), Mathematical Stats I-II (A+, A+), Ordinary DEq (A+), Topology (A-), Mathematical Econ I-II (A+,A+), Stats for Econ (A+)
Econ Courses: (All A+) All micro and Marco Sequence, Econometrics I and II, Public Finance, Research Thesis, Research Methods for Economics.
Other Courses: Lots of Arts in first year, and some political Science
Letters of Recommendation: 3 really good ones from unknown profs
Research Experience: RA for my econometrics prof. CUrrently co-authoring a paper that will be sent to a not very highly ranked journal
Teaching Experience: TA, Marker, Tutor for Econ & Math

Research Interests: Labour Economics, Economics of Education
SOP: Standard, nothing special.
Other: Undergraduate full scholarship throughout my 4 years, 3 other internal scholarships,4th best average in all university among graduating students

RESULTS:
Attending: UBC MA ($$$):grad: Acceptances: SFU MA ($$$$), LSE (MSc Econ)
Rejections: Queens (only accepted two int'l students:mad:), Berkeley, Cornell, Michigan, UCSD, Chicago

Pending: UofT (MA)What would you have done differently?
1) Taking Math earlier: Basically started taking math in 3rd year and overloaded to get my degree.
2!) Going to a better university: Couldn't get good references. But again, I have no money to pay for int'l tuition in Canada, and I was fully funded.
3) Not applying to LSE --- I don't know how I was expecting to be funded by them.
4) Not Applying to Queens: Horrible treatment towards intl' students

Overall, I am very happy with the outcome. UBC is a fantastic place for my MA and probably my PhD! Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
dodora 2009:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Physics (HK)
Undergrad GPA: 3.95/4
Type of Grad: Physics (TOP 20 US)
Grad GPA: 3.97/4
GRE: 800Q, 640V, 4W
Math Courses (undergrad): math required for physics major undergrad
Math (grad): advanced mathematics for physics (A+)
Econ Courses (grad): Macro I (A+), Econometrics (A+), Computational Macro (didn't take for grade)
Econ Courses (undergrad): None
Other Courses: a lot physics courses and a few biology courses...they're irrelevant, i guess
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors and one physics professor and one math professor
Research Experience: RA for a condense matter physics lab; doing research in biophysics/computational bio labs...again, irrelevant
Teaching Experience: TA for two years
Research Interests: Macroeconometrics
Concerns: obvisously, tooooo few econ courses. And I should apply to more places...
Applied to: Stanford, UPenn, Cornell, UCSD, UMD, JHU, Georgetown, UBC, UToronto Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Rejections:
manho 2008: PROFILE:

Type of Undergrad: Civil Engineering major, economics minor. One of the top engineering school in Canada
Undergrad GPA: 800verall, 75 0n Econ, 83 0.000000inal year
GRE: 790Q, 320V, 3.5 AWA... me no good wif words...
Math Courses: Typical engineering package. Calc I, II, III, "Advanced Math for Engineers", Linear Algebra, Differential Eq'n, Prob & Stat, Operation Research

Econ Courses: None worth mentioning, really. All undergrads.
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from a finance prof, 2 from engineering. Nothing stellar, but pretty sure it was solid and above average.
Research Experience: Two research/term project as part of the engineering deal
SOP: Basically story telling that why I want to do economics, although I did a civil eng undergrad

RESULTS:

Acceptances: Toronto MA (no $)
Waitlists:
Rejections: Queens (MS Finance), UBC (MS Finance)
Pending: Toronto MFE
What would you have done differently?
I had a job lined up if I didn't get in, so that was my reason of applying to the few number of schools.


If time and money wasn't a factor, perhaps doing my GRE again and bump the verbal part up.. (320 was just ridiculous...)
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Sonaar 2009: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics, minor in History from a Latin American University

Undergrad GPA: 4.3/5.0, ranked 2nd in cohort.
Type of Grad: M.A. Economics, same Uni as undergrad
Grad GPA: 4.4/5.0, ranked 7th in cohort.
GRE: 790Q, 500V, 4.0 AWA. Second time.

Math Courses: Calculus I, II and multivariate (A, B+, A), linear algebra (A), Math for economics (A), Math statistics I and II (both As), Econometrics I and II (both As)
Econ Courses (PhD-level): Micro (A+), Macro (A), Econometrics (A), Growth theory (A), International Economics (A), etc. for M.A.
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I, II and III (A, B+, A); Macro I, II and III (A, B, A+), Fiscal and Monetary theory, Public Economics... lots of them, lots of As.
Letters of Recommendation: one from a pre-tenured economics professor, one from the senior economist of a IFI, other from an economist of another IFI. One from a prof of a Public Policy School.

Research Experience: lots, almost 7 years between an Latin American think tank, now at IFI.
Teaching Experience: tutor of linear algebra and other econ courses, TA and later main instructor.
Research Interests: Applied Microeconomics, Health economics, Development, Labor
SOP: Done, pretty good

Concerns: some weak grades and econ and math courses (I was young and stupid then), and no formal, more advanced math.
Other: M.A. thesis published at local refereed journal, presented at an international conference.


RESULTS:
Attending: Maryland ($)
Acceptances: Maryland ($)

Rejections: Michigan, Duke, Michigan St, UT Austin, Johns Hopkins, U British Columbia, Brown.
Pending: BU
What would you have done differently? A lot. besides the obvious (more math, better grades, apply to more safeties), I should have applied earlier. Too much RAship (7 years!) probably hurt my application. I was extremely lucky to get a funded offer.
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Texcards 2009: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minor Economics and Math at very large state school (top 15 engineering, top 50 economics)
Undergrad GPA: 3.35/4.0 (3.65 Math, 4.0 Econ)
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: N/A

GRE: 800Q, 550V, 4.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(A,B,A), Differential Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (A), Fund Discrete Math (Spring 09)
Econ Courses: Principles of Micro and Macro (A, CR by exam), Intermediate Micro and Macro theory, Econometrics (A,A,A)
Other Courses: Lots of engineering
Letters of Recommendation: 2 not well known assistant econ professors (UT-Austin, Rice) but excelled in their classes, 1 associate engr professor (Berkeley) that I went on a study abroad trip with

Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: International and Development
SOP: Paragraph about why I wanted to do econ even though I did engineering as an undergrad, another on my interests, and another on why I wanted to be an academic. Slightly altered my interests paragraph depending on the school, but for the most part the same for each one.
Other: Didn’t start considering this until fall of last year.

RESULTS:

Acceptances: UC Riverside (Fellowship), University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics (1/2 tuition remission + TA), UC Davis, University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, Colorado, Oregon, UI-Chicago
Waitlists: Oregon fellowship, eventually notified of no funding
Rejections: Maryland, Boston University, Boston College, UT Austin, Michigan State, Georgetown, UBC MA
Pending: Toronto MA, Queen’s MA

What would you have done differently?
I wouldn’t have applied to the Canadian MA’s (1 year wouldn’t have been enough to help me), Michigan State, UCSC, or UI-Chicago and maybe applied to a couple more reaches instead, but I really didn't think I would get into as many as I did. I don’t know if it would have changed anything though, after really thinking about it I think an MA is a very good choice for me. I’ve realized that my 3 economics courses hasn’t given me enough of a background in general economics knowledge. Yes I could learn it in the course of a PhD but I think strengthening my economics background will allow me to have more focus on what field I want to go into and give me more ideas when I eventually start to write my dissertation. An MA will also allow me to improve 3 big weaknesses in my profile: (1) Do some research which will allow me to have (2) stronger LOR’s and (3) a more focused SOP.

I think I learned a lot in this application process and feel like I will be able to put together a much better application in 2 years after an MA.

Attending:
University of San Francisco MA in International and Development Economics
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
untitled 2009: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Math, BA International Studies (mid ranked Midwest Flagship State School)
Undergrad GPA: 3.65
Type of Grad: M.S. Math (mid ranked but slightly better Midwest Flagship State School)

Grad GPA: 3.6
GRE: 800Q, 600V, 5.5AW (scored 800, 590, 6 before MS degree)
Math Courses (undergrad): Lots, some Bs, B+/A- average
Math (grad): Lots, still a couple Bs, A- average
Econ Courses (grad): Few
Econ Courses (undergrad): None

Other Courses: Physics Minor, once, lots of Poli Sci before I realized math + poli sci =~ econ
Letters of Recommendation: Two Math, One Poli Sci, One Econ. Econ was extremely strong
Research Experience: Math Thesis, RA at academic leaning econ consulting firm
Teaching Experience: Taught micro, macro, math econ, and econ stats principles courses during two year stint at local university while working as a consultant
Research Interests: Econometrics, Resource Economics, Decision Theory, Development

SOP: Focused on work/research experience - probably would have done it differently
Concerns: yes, mostly private.

RESULTS:
Acceptances: University of Washington - Seattle
Waitlists: none

Rejections: Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Duke, Boston University, Davis, Pittsburgh, UCSD, UBC

What would you have done differently?
I can think of one or two classes where an A might have made a difference. Also, it might have been helpful to take at least some econ classes as an undergrad, but I'm glad I didn't, as I enjoyed my undergrad enough. Many private things.
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
tmdruie 2009: So I can get on the shiny charts!


PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Physics and Economics from a top 10 liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.14/4.0
Type of Grad: One stats class
Grad GPA: 3.3

GRE: 790Q, 600V, 5.0AW
Math Courses: Calc I-III(I took them in high school, I really don’t remember and nor do my transcripts), Linear Algebra (B), Mathematical Probability and Statistics (B-, B), Real Analyst(A, at a different school then my undergrad), Stochastic Processes (B+, grad course, at a different school then my undergrad)
Econ Courses: AP Micro and Macro (A, in high school), European Economic History (B+), Law and Economics (B), Intermediate Price Theory (B), Intermediate Macro Theory (B), Econometrics (B), Contemporary British Economy (B), Industrial Revolution-Britain (A-), Econ of Multinational Corps (A-), Thesis (labor econ)
Other Courses: Physics, which I put in my math lists. Quantum Mechanics I, Partial Differential Equations (B+), etc. I only did the bare minimum for a liberal arts major
Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors (my thesis advisor and the person who led my study abroad), 1 physics professor (thesis advisor), 1 economist who is my supervisor

Research Experience: RA for 2.5 years at ‘a central bank’
Teaching Experience: Tutored, graded and lab assisted for two years for physics in college
Research Interests: All over the place. Labor, policy, experimental, applied micro, development, etc.
SOP: Intro, I did physics I can do math!, I wrote a thesis in economic and liked doing research, I’m working as an RA and like doing research, I took extra math and can write proofs, I was part of an econ paper reading group and like reading papers, interests (changed a bit depending on what the school had, and more policy oriented for ag econ schools). Also a few sentences about things I did that I removed or added depending on the school. The 500 word schools were hard, the 1000 word schools were easy. I also had a Personal History Statement about being a female doing math for the schools that wanted it.
Other: Applied for the NSF. I tried not to say anything to risky, and not say much about interest in policy to non policy/ ag econ schools. I like Aikido.


RESULTS:
Acceptances: Boston University (waitlist for $), Michigan State(no $), University of Essex (ISER), Ohio State (Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics) ($-Fellowship), Indiana University ($-TA), Iowa State University ($-TA)
Waitlists: University of Minnesota
Rejections: MIT, Harvard (Econ and Political Economy and Government), Yale, Berkeley (Agricultural & Resource Economics), Northwestern, NYU, U Penn (Econ and Wharton), University of Wisconsin – Madison (Econ and Agricultural and Applied Economics ), Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, University of British Columbia , Ohio State, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Econ and Public Policy and Economics), University of Maryland (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of Minnesota (Applied Economics), University of California – Davis (Econ and Agricultural Economics), Duke, University of Essex, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon (Econ, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Public Policy and Economics)
Pending: Toronto MA, Queen’s MA


What would you have done differently?
Gotten better grades in undergrad. When I really started understanding what the things I need to do for a PhD I think I did the best I could, took real analysis, applied for the NSF (if only to write a SoP for them), read papers etc. I probably could have gotten more research experience at my job (co-author), and I defiantly could have gotten better grades and taken more math as an undergrad. But over all I’m happy.

Attending:
Boston University
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
ethomso 2009: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA Economics (Honours) from a top Canadian School (though not top in Economics)
Undergrad GPA: Not very good. Econ GPA ~3.8 Overall GPA ~ 3.0
Graduate GPA: Should be in the neighbourhood of 3.8-4.0 for this semester at a top Canadian institution in Economics
GRE: 760Q, 590V, 4.5AWA (I know applying with only a 760!)
Math Courses: Calculus 1-3, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Computer Programming, Intro. to Proofs
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Far too many to list
Econ Courses (Grad level): Micro (MA), Macro(MA), Econometrics I and II (PhD), Economic Analysis of Law(MA), North American Economic History(MA), Empirical Analysis of Microeconomic Topics
Letters of Recommendation: 1 head of UG Econ department, 1 prof that I did some research for, 1 prof that a TAed for, and the fourth is TBD.
Research Interests: Microeconomic Theory, Apllied Micro, Institutional Economics
Teaching Experience: Teaching Intro. to Micro and Macro and Economic Policy (at least 3 semesters by the time I start my PhD)
Research Experience: UG Thesis on optimal wage contracts overtime, a couple of term papers on decision theory. Nothing too major or published.
SOP: It should be good.
Concerns: My GRE score and I fear that my profs who are recommending me won't know me well enough.
Go Big or Go Home: UMinn, UMich, Berkeley, Cornell, UCSD, Queen’s, UBC, Rochester, Northwestern, Cambridge, UPenn, UC Davis, MIT. I will likely add a couple of 'safeties'.
If I get rejected from everywhere, which is not impossible given the economic conditions and my profile wouldn't be described as part of any sort of Holy Trinity, I am going to have to go get
sigh
a real job.
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists:
Waitlists:
whitewinghk 2007: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: A School in HK, statistics major, no analysis

Undergrad GPA: 3.66, first class honors
Type of Grad: A school in HK, MA (Econ)
Grad GPA: Grade A average
GRE: Q800, V570, A5.5
Math Courses: no rigorous math courses, but some hard statistics courses, e.g. Statistical Inference A+, Stochastic Inference A+, Nonparametric testing (A+), linear model and forecasting (A-), Stochastic calculus (A-), Risk theory (A)
Econ Courses: Intermediate macro (A+), Micro theory I, II (A+), Macro analysis (A+), Econometircs (A), International trade (B+)

Letters of Recommendation: all strong, two from econ and one from statistics
Research Experience: 2 year RA experience, working on trade and economic development of Mainland China
Research Interests: Development and micro theory
SOP: very general indicated my research interest and RA experience at university and United Nations

RESULTS:

Acceptances:
Wisconsin ($), Boston University ($), MSU (no $), PSU (no $), UC Davis (no $)
Waitlists: ever w*iting, Uni. of Toronto and UBC
Rejections: A long list, Minnesota, UCLA, NYU, Columbia, Maryland, Brown, OSU, Cornell

What would you have done differently?
I think I have tried my best or may be I should have applied to some applied econ programs as I have strong interest in development. Yet, I am happy with the results.


Advice: Apart from Math, RA exp really helps a lot, it may make up weak math background. There would be lots of RA opp at any university. The job may be very simple like formulting Excel sheets, collecting data or plotting charts, yet it shines in your application.

For international students, the process can be quite random especially for some are from unknown schools like me. Try to apply as many as possible, certainly you need to take into account money and how willing your referees are to write so many letters for you. Yet, if you can, try to apply as many as possible and do have a super safe one as a back up. I have seen a lot of Chinese students transfer to another school in one to two years.

All the best and good luck
Accepts: Rejects: Waitlists: