Econ PhD admission--need some advice

[silkleaf]

Dear all,

I can't believe I didn't notice this forum for the past 23 years. It's such a wonderful place!!!

I applied for the Ph.D. in econ Fall 2005 and am admitted to BU(MA), Rochester, UC-Berkeley and Columbia.
I'm now choosing between UC-Berkeley and Columbia.
UC- Berkeley has a higher ranking and is said to have a quite strong econ program. However, I really want to study at the East side, and I think that Columbia also has a good reputation in their academic achievement.

Can anyone give me some suggestions about these two schools, including faculty quality, quals, future placement, academic reputation......etc.
If you were me, which one would you prefer?????

My research interests are in Finance(financial economics.)

Thank you very very much!!!!

[scheng75]

Congratulations on all your admits and welcome to the Magicland!!!

Can you explain a little why you want to study on the East Coast? Is it because you have friends and family there or is it because you've always wanted to move there? Or is it because you want to work for top NY investment banks after you graduate?

Are you set on going into academia, government or private sector?

Answering these questions might get you better answers from the econ gang here. I'm glad you found us!

[silkleaf]

The reason I prefer studying on the East coast may sound stupied for most people.
It's simply because I love the culture, the environment and the atmosphere of the East.

I do consider getting into an investment bank or other financial institutions after graduation.
But I also like an academic career.

Thanks!!!!:o

so glad to have found this forum.
Now I feel I'm not totally alone!!!!

[jugowar]

You have to choose Berkeley! It is obviously stronger than Columbia in all fields of concentration.

[scheng75]

Originally Posted by silkleaf

The reason I prefer studying on the East coast may sound stupid for most people.
It's simply because I love the culture, the environment and the atmosphere of the East.

I do consider getting into an investment bank or other financial institutions after graduation.
But I also like an academic career.

It's not stupid if you enjoy the environment, you want to be at a place you like if you plan on being there for a few years.

You would "like" an academic career or you "have to" become a tenured professor at a top research institution? The difference between Berkeley and Columbia is marginal if you don't "have to" go into academia. But, if you "have to" get a job at a top research institution, then Berkeley seem to have a stronger overall reputation than Columbia. Outside of academia, I don't think a difference of 5 in the rankings really matters.

If you don't like California and you've been to the East Coast (assuming your impression of it is accurate), then go to Columbia.

[princetongre]

Dear Esteemed Members,

Your thoughts would be invaluable!

Is there a distinction between Bachelors vs. Masters degree holders when applying for Econ Phd. Is one preferred to the other? I have been admitted to UT, Austin with TA for PhD. But I also got UToronto MA (doctoral stream) admission with aid. Do you think its worth going to Toronto so that I may apply again and shoot for a higher ranked Univ to do my PhD?
This year, although I got into one top 10 univ, did not get aid. Austin is the best ranked that offered be aid.
Thank you all!!!

[scheng75]

Originally Posted by princetongre

Dear Esteemed Members,

Your thoughts would be invaluable!

Is there a distinction between Bachelors vs. Masters degree holders when applying for Econ Phd. Is one preferred to the other? I have been admitted to UT, Austin with TA for PhD. But I also got UToronto MA (doctoral stream) admission with aid. Do you think its worth going to Toronto so that I may apply again and shoot for a higher ranked Univ to do my PhD?
This year, although I got into one top 10 univ, did not get aid. Austin is the best ranked that offered be aid.
Thank you all!!!

Welcome to TM!!!

Thanks for posting and I'm sure there will be plenty of people who are able to help you with this question, but we try not to post our questions in a thread started by another person, we call this "hijacking" someone's thread. I'm sure you didn't know since the title of this thread is "Econ PhD Admission". Do you mind starting a new thread maybe called "UTA or UOT Econ" and you'll surely get some responses. This way silkleaf keep his thread on his situation and other people can tackle your question in your thread.

Sidenote: there's another TMian who's been WAITING for U of Toronto's Econ doctoral stream program. PREZ!!!! WAKE UP!!! WHERE ARE YOU? UOT decisions are coming out!!!

[Mindcraft]

Originally Posted by silkleaf

The reason I prefer studying on the East coast may sound stupied for most people.
It's simply because I love the culture, the environment and the atmosphere of the East.

I do consider getting into an investment bank or other financial institutions after graduation.
But I also like an academic career.

Thanks!!!!:o

so glad to have found this forum.
Now I feel I'm not totally alone!!!!

I completely understand your desire to reside in the east coast. In fact, I'm in the same dilemma right now -- it's between Berkeley or BU+MIT. I've been given some really great advice, and I think I'm leaning towards going to the better program (Berkeley) then moving back to Boston once I complete the degree.

Yousuf

[bluesywoozy]

Hi silkleaf,

I would STRONGLY recommend you accept the offer by Berkeley. Their placement is better than Columbia or BU.

Good luck.

[silkleaf]

Originally Posted by scheng75

You would "like" an academic career or you "have to" become a tenured professor at a top research institution? The difference between Berkeley and Columbia is marginal if you don't "have to" go into academia. But, if you "have to" get a job at a top research institution, then Berkeley seem to have a stronger overall reputation than Columbia. Outside of academia, I don't think a difference of 5 in the rankings really matters.

Well! I don't "have to" become a professor. I'm just interested in becoming one.
Right now, I cannot not decide whether to get into the financial industry or academia after graduation, since jobs at the financial institutions are also very attractive and challenging!!

If I choose Berkeley, is it easy for me to find a job in, well, like Wall Street???
(Oh~~My east coast, My NYC!!!! )


Thank you all!!!