I too have awaited this thread with anticipation.
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Large U.S. Public University ranked 40-55 (best in state) typically known for Football not Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.92 overall 4.0 in Econ 3.62 in Math
GRE: 800 Q 540 V 5.0
AWA
Math Courses: Calc 1-3 1,2 tested out 3(B+), Differential Equations(B), Stat 1(A), Probability(A) [my school does not have minus grading or A+], Taking Linear Alg in Fall and Math Stats 2, Real Analysis in Spring
Econ Courses: Intros, Intermediates, Public Econ, Sports Econ, Empirical Research, Independent Study (for research) and taking Labor Econ in the Fall
Other Courses: Minors in Food and Resource Economics, and History
Letters of Recommendation: 3
LORS 2 excellent letters from pretty well known Econ faculty in their concentrations (one Phd Chicago the other Wisconsin) and 1 very good letter from a senior member of the Ag Econ Department (Purdue well known in Ag econ)
Research Experience: 2 written empirical papers one for the class in research and the other (to be my thesis) I want to get published. Database work and research at Fed
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Varied, Public Choice, Taxation Policy, Applied Macro Policy (I am not a theorist for the most part), Political Economy
statement of purpose: Will end up emphasizing my research and closeness with my faculty. Will bring up job at Fed
Other: Internship at the Federal Reserve, Strong Undergraduate leadership positions
Concerns: My B in Diffy Q, Coming from a big public school, Won't have analysis on my transcript.
Applying to: Chicago, Northwestern, NYU, Penn, Cornell, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan State and Probably countless others