I've Been Accepted. Now What?

**poser** · 02-20-2011, 03:17 PM

So, I've been accepted to my top pick and I want to know what is next. Here are my 2 basic questions.

#1. How to Prepare for Core

I'm going to be reviewing mathematical stats and linear algebra for the econometrics portion of the core. Not sure what to do for the micro/macro portion. I'm thinking just reviewing basic constrained optimization stuff from calc 3. what else? i took real analysis 1 (single variable) last semester and got an A-. I checked out Ok's Real Analysis with Economic Applications textbook. Will that be helpful?

#2. How to Approach Professors I want to Work With

In my application I mentioned a couple of professors I wanted to work with. Their research is a big part of why I wanted to go to this school in particular. So how should I approach them? Would be appropriate to start asking them questions about their past and current research now? Or should I wait until after the core?

Even though I've taken all the right courses, I still feel kind of unprepared. I just don't know how graduate school works.

**rthunder27** · 02-20-2011, 03:31 PM

I'm curious what others have to say about 1, since I have the same questions. Actually, it's worse for me, since I haven't taken Real Analysis, and multivariate calculus was over 7 years ago for me (I took it first semester of freshman year). I guess checking to see if I can attend the econ department's math camp would be a good idea (I'm entering the business school).

In regards to #2, does your school have an Admit Day/Flyout? If so, then that would be great time to meet those two professors. If not, I think it's probably appropriate to send an introductory e-mail at some point after you officially accept your offer.

**dreck** · 02-20-2011, 03:55 PM

Whoa, be a little patient. You should visit your top pick as a perspective student, even if you know that you're going to accept your offer. It's not a bad idea to visit a few others, just to make sure your top pick is still your top pick. If it's just you visiting, mention that you would really like to meet these professors. If you can go to a formal flyout, you'll probably get a chance to meet them anyway. It is absolutely appropriate in my view to ask a professor about his or her previous and current research before you complete your first year. You might not be able to go too far beyond talking about research, though, until you've got some core coursework under your belt (this depends on what you already know and the nature of the research, and how much the professor is willing to let you learn on the job).

As far as 1 is concerned, I think Simon and Blume is a good starter. It's true that it doesn't have everything you need, but if you know everything in Simon and Blume pretty well, then you can pick up the additional stuff along the way if you've got an eye for abstract math. If you can handle Efe Ok, go for it, but it's perhaps more advanced than you'll need for the first year (if you want to do theory, Ok is a great resource). rthunder, I'll bet they don't have a problem with you sitting in on math camp, and I'd highly recommend it.

**whatdoido** · 02-20-2011, 04:38 PM

With regards to math you can check out Yale Math Camp notes (they're online somewhere) and review that.

**MtEerie** · 02-20-2011, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by rthunder27

I'm curious what others have to say about 1, since I have the same questions. Actually, it's worse for me, since I haven't taken Real Analysis, and multivariate calculus was over 7 years ago for me (I took it first semester of freshman year). I guess checking to see if I can attend the econ department's math camp would be a good idea (I'm entering the business school).

In regards to #2, does your school have an Admit Day/Flyout? If so, then that would be great time to meet those two professors. If not, I think it's probably appropriate to send an introductory e-mail at some point after you officially accept your offer.

Any idea when the Econ department's Math camp starts, rthunder? I was thinking about doing the same.

**rthunder27** · 02-20-2011, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by MtEerie

Any idea when the Econ department's Math camp starts, rthunder? I was thinking about doing the same.

According to this, http://economics.stanford.edu/gradua...dmit-resources , it started on the 30th of August last year. In the FAQ it states more generally that it begins 4 weeks prior to the first week of classes. I believe a problem is that the 4th week of math week conflicts with the GSB's orientation week, which begins on 9 September, one week before the start of classes.

**optimal2307** · 02-20-2011, 06:14 PM

You could check out Duke's math camp notes from last year too - they're online if you google for them.

**italos** · 02-20-2011, 09:14 PM

This topic has been very popular in the past. Please check http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-econo...l-threads.html (FAQs about Graduate School in Economics and Links to Useful Threads)

**MtEerie** · 02-21-2011, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by rthunder27

According to this, New PhD Admit Resources | E c o n o m i c s , it started on the 30th of August last year. In the FAQ it states more generally that it begins 4 weeks prior to the first week of classes. I believe a problem is that the 4th week of math week conflicts with the GSB's orientation week, which begins on 9 September, one week before the start of classes.

It might still be worth attending the first 3 weeks, if possible. I think it'd be good to hit the ground running.

We'll see what they have to say on April 8th, I suppose!

_nanashi · 02-21-2011, 06:22 AM

'm curious what others have to say about 1, since I have the same questions. Actually, it's worse for me, since I haven't taken Real Analysis, and multivariate calculus was over 7 years ago for me (I took it first semester of freshman year). I guess checking to see if I can attend the econ department's math camp would be a good idea (I'm entering the business school).

Since you haven't seen math in a while pick up a good math for economist book on a much lower level than Oks. I like Alpha Chiang's. Real Analysis is helpful, but not necessary. What is more important is a very very grasp of foundation. E.g. Algebra, Calculus, Matrix Algebra, and the ability to write proofs. One of the benifits to R.A. is it makes your write proof, and makes sure you understand central concepts in differential calculus

It might still be worth attending the first 3 weeks, if possible. I think it'd be good to hit the ground running.

Always attend math camp. Its a good refresher. It also is one of the few courses in your first course you will have that you can take it and forget about it. Its not competitive, its not going to be on your qual. Departments don't really care how you do in it *unless you fail it, then they probably will think they made a mistake*. In otherwords math camp often times, is the best chance to meet your classmates, and maybe go out (of your office) and have fun.