Columbia vs NYU vs Minnesota

[2010econ]

I just got admitted into Columbia, NYU and minnesota. What a difficult choice Any educated suggestion on this tough choice? I want to pursue an academic life and become a faculty member after graduation.

PS: My current interests are mainly in Macro, such as topics in Dynamic contract, search theory and political economy. I also have a taste for Theoretical Micro, such as Contract Theory and Political economics in a Micro way

[econslave]

A difficult choice, yes. But a luxury choice as well.

[appliedtheorist]

I really do not see how this is a difficult choice, especially in macro. NYU all the way (and, yes, I am at NYU, but I am by no means into macro).

[OogieBoogieMan]

edit: deleted - i think mine was an inappropriate comment.

[Chicunomics]

I really do not see how this is a difficult choice, especially in macro. NYU all the way (and, yes, I am at NYU, but I am by no means into macro).

What he said. NYU way outplaces Columbia at the moment. I wouldn't bank on Stiglitz as an advisor either -- just because he works on the premises does not make him a candidate advisor (someone can correct me if I'm wrong). As for Minnesota vs NYU, theoretical micro is definitely going to be better at NYU, so...I would visit if you can, but if not, talk to people at all places concerned, and then reach a decision. But in conclusion, my prior would be NYU for the win.

[Golden Rule]

You shouldn't need to worry much about differences between the schools in terms of placement. The three are comparable.

Just look at faculty bios, see which school is deeper in terms of faculty that excite you. Go to visiting days. Talk to them. See what's right for you.

Columbia has two faculty Patrick Bolton and Bernard Salanie who have written contract theory textbooks. I think Minnesota or NYU is a better fit for your macro interests, but I could be mistaken.

[Casual Effect]

Congratulations !!! Great alternatives...

I would go for NYU ...

[Golden Rule]

I wouldn't bank on Stiglitz as an advisor either -- just because he works on the premises does not make him a candidate advisor (someone can correct me if I'm wrong).

You are correct.

[appliedtheorist]

Golden Rule, I do not see how Columbia places as well as NYU at the moment (I am not talking about any future trajectories here). Actually, as for 2009/10, NYU had a relatively bad year and Columbia had a good one (with one or two outstanding candidates), but NYU still placed better on average (and at the very top, but not necessarily across the top 50%). This especially holds true for macro and micro theory (the fields mentioned by the OP).

[Golden Rule]

Golden Rule, I do not see how Columbia places as well as NYU at the moment (I am not talking about any future trajectories here). Actually, as for 2009/10, NYU had a relatively bad year and Columbia had a good one (with one or two outstanding candidates), but NYU still placed better on average (and at the very top, but not necessarily across the top 50%). This especially holds true for macro and micro theory (the fields mentioned by the OP).

I'm not going to argue with your claims, but if NYU is better fit for the OP, that should reveal itself just fine through the process I described.

If the OP were to find that Columbia profs were a better fit, particularly Columbia macro profs who only just arrived, how is the past 5 years of placements particularly useful information for projecting how the OP would place working with these profs? Though I agree at first glance that NYU and Minnesota are probably better fits for the OP's interests.