[sir_ceterus]

I'm going to attend UCSC. I've also visited the campus on my own time and money. Some impressions:

Lottery!!!--Incredible campus location. I've always been familiar with CA's Central Coast, but the scenery is still stunning. The campus is a labyrinth, in a redwood forest, on a bluff, overlooking a marine sanctuary. It's an hour from the City if you have a car. The city of Santa Cruz is amazing. Big city amenities in a beautiful coastal paradise. Expensive as hell, but beautiful and diverse (just not diverse in political ideology).

Cohorts are small (like 10 students), a reflection of the specific focus of the department. This is especially awesome if you are interested in international monetary economics, as you will have an enormous amount of research options. Most students receive funding, since the competition is limited. The attrition rate is low and the atmosphere is extremely collegial (even between the international students). The faculty just want you to pass your prelims and see decent research. They don't stress course work performance (unless you need the non-resident tuition fellowship).

Carl Walsh is both humble and encouraging.

I'm really excited. The fit is exceptional, especially since I'm more interested in multilateral policy work than academia.