Roll Call 2012

[darcular21]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Unknown China University, BBM in Logistics Management, BA in Finance
Undergrad GPA: 3.74(LM)/3.85(Finance)/4.00(Full Mark)
Type of Grad: UK good econ school
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: Q168 V150 AW4.0
Math Courses: Calculus I (C) Calculus II (A) Linear Algebra (C) Probability (A) Statistics (A) Operational Research (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): micro, macro, metrics(90 mid-term), maths, IO, game theory, empirical methods
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro(A) Macro(A) Metrics(B) International Trade(A) International Finance(B for major and A for minor)
Other Courses: regular finance courses
Letters of Recommendation: one from UK metrics professor (IDEAS 6%), one from China LM professor (unknown), all should be positive
Research Experience: Chinese National Contest of Logistics Design (can be ignored)
Teaching Experience: no
Research Interests: IO, law and economics, finance
SOP: regular, mentioned the reserach currently doing
Concerns: Low GRE Verbal, unknown letter of recommendation, unknown undergraduate, lack of econ background
Other:
Applying to: Tinbergen, Tilburg, UC3M, UAB, BONN, Mannheim, Bocconi, Frankfurt

[dbeef]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 10 US University, econ + math double major.
Undergrad GPA: 3.82 (3.83 econ, 3.58 math)
Type of Grad: 3 math field courses, and a masters/advanced undergrad micro theory course; additional econ field course at a top 10 program while working.
Grad GPA: 3.62
GRE: 163Q, 163V, 5.5AW
Math Courses: Random undergrad (calc, odes, etc... mostly As), Analysis (B), Algebra (B-), Probability theory (B+), Grad complex w/ some functional (A-), Other grad math (A,A-)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Labor (A), Micro(B-), Asset pricing (A-)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate micro and macro (A+,A+,A), metrics (A-), some other honors courses (As)
Other Courses: Some chem and physics + some businessy CS courses (As)
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from a well known econ professor I took a grad course with (top 1% IDEAS ranking), 2 additional strong (hopefully?), detailed letters from fairly well known economists who observed me in a research setting (one regional fed economist and one thesis advisor), a 4th letter from a math professor I took grad courses from.
Research Experience: A ton. In econ: a few undergrad RAships (over 3.5 years), a solid undergrad honors paper, and 1.5 years as an RA at a regional Fed... a couple of published papers as a coauthor in decent field journals plus a few coauthored working papers, some policy papers, and a couple self-authored (under the guidance of my letter writers) working papers. Other: was part of a math/theoretical physics research team for a while and also did some material chemistry research as an undergrad.
Research Interests: Lots, but mainly labor, health, and theory.
SOP: Standard-ish with some sections individualized for each school.
Concerns: A few bad math grades and a marginal GRE score
Applying to: Chicago, Harvard, MIT, Northwestern, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Berkeley, Columbia, NYU, Penn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Carnegie Mellon, NSF

[econpegasus]

Good post? |

econpegasus
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics. Unknown Latinamerican university.
Undergrad GPA: 3.8 (first in class of 50). 3.8 econ and math.
Type of Grad: M.A. Economics Unknown Latinamerican university (only postgraduate studies different than undergrad). M.S.C. Applied Mathematics Unknown Latinamerican university different from the former. All these studies where made in the same country.
Grad GPA: M.A. Economics (3.87 fist in class of 23). Msc. Applied Math (3.92 first in class of 12).
GRE: 163Q (93%), 160V (90%), 4AW (48%). (I'm international so TOEFL iBT 112/120)
Math Courses: (listed only the most advanced) Real Analysis (grad 4.0 A), Probability (grad 4.0 A), Stochastic Processes (grad 4.0 A), Stochastic Calculus II (grad 4.0 A), Abstract Algebra (grad B), Linear Algebra, Calculus I,II,III, Diff Equations, Topology I, Numerical Analysis, Math for econ, advanced math for econ (undergrad all A). Plus a lot of stats and econometric courses all A. Time series, Statistics, Econometrics I,II,III.
Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro I, Micro II (A), Game Theory (A), Macroeconomics (A), Macroeconomics for development (A), Trade Theory (A), Welfare Econ (A),
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Advanced Macro and Micro, and others but less advanced than master's so not included.
Other Courses: Some programming courses in C++, non parametric methods in R, Stata courses, languages French.
Letters of Recommendation: (weak point) 1. from master's thesis advisor (very strong in content, he tell me that) but relative unknown in the US, however he gained his Ph.D. from Cornell. 2. from master's coordinator of applied masters program, he is Ph.D. in Statistics from Western Ontario, (hopefully strong in content). 3. from econ master's coordinator and professor of econometrics, he has published in top development journals in the field I prefer (impact evaluation) strong in content. He is not a U.S. Ph.D. he graduated from Netherlands Social Studies Institute. 4. from professor in a statistical course, he is from LSE and although new has published in top journals in econ and stats (hopefully strong in content). from professor in statistical course, he is from Virgina Tech, and has published top journals in economics of development, very strong in content.
Research Experience: Two published papers in local Central Bank Review, one with overlapping generations model and another with instrumental variables. Research assistanship for 2 years for a published paper in convergence. Solid master's thesis using game theory and simulations, recommended for publication in my master's institution. Local economic research contest second place. Working paper sent to regional journal. At the time of application only sent so this does not add value (sigh).
Research Interests: Program evaluation techniques, theoretical and empirical econometrics for development.
SOP: Standard-ish with last paragraph changed and some sections modified according universities' requierements.
Concerns: Far from stellar LORs.
Applying to: Chicago, Harvard, MIT, Northwestern, Princeton, Yale, Berkeley, NYU, UCSD, Duke, Rochester, Cornell, Brown, GWU, LSE, Tilburg, UofT Austin.

[econpegasus]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics. Unknown Latinamerican university.
Undergrad GPA: 3.8 (first in class of 50). 3.8 econ and math.
Type of Grad: M.A. Economics Unknown Latinamerican university (only postgraduate studies different than undergrad). M.S.C. Applied Mathematics Unknown Latinamerican university different from the former. All these studies where made in the same country.
Grad GPA: M.A. Economics (3.87 fist in class of 23). Msc. Applied Math (3.92 first in class of 12).
GRE: 163Q (93%), 162V (90%), 4AW (48%). (I'm international so TOEFL iBT 112/120)
Math Courses: (listed only the most advanced) Real Analysis (grad 4.0 A), Probability (grad 4.0 A), Stochastic Processes (grad 4.0 A), Stochastic Calculus II (grad 4.0 A), Abstract Algebra (grad B), Linear Algebra, Calculus I,II,III, Diff Equations, Topology I, Numerical Analysis, Math for econ, advanced math for econ (undergrad all A). Plus a lot of stats and econometric courses all A. Time series, Statistics, Econometrics I,II,III.
Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro I, Micro II (A), Game Theory (A), Macroeconomics (A), Macroeconomics for development (A), Trade Theory (A), Welfare Econ (A),
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Advanced Macro and Micro, and others but less advanced than master's so not included.
Other Courses: Some programming courses in C++, non parametric methods in R, Stata courses, languages French.
Letters of Recommendation: (weak point) 1. from master's thesis advisor (very strong in content, he told me that) but relative unknown in the US, however he gained his Ph.D. from Cornell. 2. from master's coordinator of applied masters program, he is Ph.D. in Statistics from Western Ontario, (hopefully strong in content). 3. from econ master's coordinator and professor of econometrics, he has published in top development journals in the field I prefer (impact evaluation) strong in content. He is not a U.S. Ph.D. he graduated from Netherlands Social Studies Institute. 4. from professor in a statistical course, he is from LSE and although new has published in top journals in econ and stats (hopefully strong in content). from professor in statistical course, he is from Virgina Tech, and has published top journals in economics of development, very strong in content.
Research Experience: Two published papers in local Central Bank Review, one with overlapping generations model and another with instrumental variables. Research assistanship for 2 years for a published paper in convergence. Solid master's thesis using game theory and simulations, recommended for publication in my master's institution. Local economic research contest second place. Working paper sent to regional journal. At the time of application only sent so this does not add value (sigh).
Research Interests: Program evaluation techniques, theoretical and empirical econometrics for development.
SOP: Standard-ish with last paragraph changed and some sections modified according universities' requierements.
Concerns: Far from stellar LORs.
Applying to: Chicago, Harvard, MIT, Northwestern, Princeton, Yale, Berkeley, NYU, UCSD, Duke, Rochester, Cornell, Brown, GWU, LSE, Tilburg, UofT Austin.

[rocker10]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Joint Honours Biomedical Sciences/Economics (Well reputed Canadian university)
Undergrad GPA: 3.5
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: N/A
Math Courses: Calc I&II (A-/In Progress), Linear Algebra (A-), Intro Stats (A-)
Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Mathematics for Economists (A+), Intro Micro/Macro (A/C+), Intermediate Micro/Macro I (A-/A+), Intermediate Micro/Macro II (A/A+), International Finance I (A+), Intro Econometrics (A+), Law and Economics (A-), Advanced Econometrics/Micro/Macro (In Progress)
Other Courses: Lots of science courses as part of the biomedical sciences degree including physics, chemistry and biology
Letters of Recommendation: From two very well known profs at my university.
Research Experience: Lots of biomedical research in various labs for diabetes, alzheimer's, cancer. Hopefully this shows research aptitude?
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Development Economics, Public Policy
SOP: N/A
Concerns: Lack of mathematics background and my late transition into an Economics joint degree after being in Biomed for the majority of undergrad.
Other: N/A
Applying to: Western MA, Queen's MA, Toronto MA

Good luck to everyone applying!

[applicant12]

Type of undergrad: BS Economics, Finance, Math minor from a mid-sized state university (not flagship), has a well-regarded international business program, econ dept is in the college of art & sciences and has sent some people to some top 20 schools and several people to programs ranked below 20
Undergrad GPA: 3.96/4.00; ranked 1st in both Econ and Finance (my advisers told me this), but rank is not published on transcript
Type of Grad: MA Econ, same school, started Spring 2012
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 770Q 330V 4.0AWA
Math courses: Cal 1-3, Discrete math, Math stats I, II, Linear Algebra (all A's); Real Analysis (A-); ODE (Spring 2012)
Econ courses (all undergrad): Intro micro-macro, Intermediate Micro-Macro, Intro to Econometrics, Money Banking, Game theory, International Economics (all A's); Applied Econometrics (A-)
Other courses: a bunch of business courses for the Finance major
LORs: should all be good to strong
1) Econometrics prof (PhD Illinois) - I did an independent research with her and presented it at the school's undergrad research symposium; working as an RA for her right now
2) Applied econometrics professor (PhD Arizona)
3) International econ prof (PhD Iowa State). Took a class with him and he likes me.
Research exp: presented a research at the school's Undergrad Research Symposium, 1 semester of RA by the time of application, a few papers in classes
Teaching exp: taught short courses on many topics related to computers (MS Office, Web-page building, Photoshop, etc.) at the place where I work
Research Interest: Macro, Monetary, public finance, international finance
SOP: standard. Didn't mention professors' names or anything too particular
Concerns: from a not-so-well-known school, no grad courses yet, low GRE, no ODE
Other: won some university-wide and departmental scholarships; can't attend any school without funding
Applying to: Michigan, Cornell, Maryland, BU, BC, WUSTL, Vanderbilt, Toronto DSMA

[TutorDude]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 10 US University, Double Major Math and Economics
Undergrad GPA: 3.75
Type of Grad: None
Grad GPA: None
GRE: 163 Q, 161 V, 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I - III (A), Linear Algebra (A-), Diff Eq (A), Real Analysis (B), PDE (A-), Algebra (A-), Math Modeling (A), Chaos Theory (B), Complex Adaptive Systems (A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): None
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro, Macro, Econometrics (A, A, A-), Adv Micro, Macro, Econometrics (A, A-, A-), IO (A), Game Theory (B), Finance (A-)
Letters of Recommendation: Adv Micro Prof (MIT PhD) [hopefully very strong], Adv Metrics Prof (MIT PhD) [strong], Current Boss at Econ Consultancy (MIT PhD) [very strong], Math Thesis Advisor (Harvard PhD) [very strong]
Research Experience: Two term RA as undergrad, handful of advanced seminars (math and economics) with significant research components, math thesis (awarded high honors), two plus years at an economic consulting company.
Teaching Experience: Tutored and lead study groups in various math and economics courses; co-own a tutoring company focused on quantitative subjects.
Research Interests: Varied - IO, applied micro and econometrics, development, urban economics
SOP: Nothing extraordinary, tailored to research interests relevant for each program.
Concerns: Real analysis grade and some A-s, borderline GRE score.
Applying to: MIT, Princeton, UC-Berkeley, NW, UVA, NYU, Stern, Columbia, Michigan, UCLA, Brown, Duke, Yale

[2percentmilk]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 20 US, Social Science Major, Economics Minor
Undergrad GPA: 4.0
Type of Grad: 1 Year Masters in related field (but not econ, in retrospect was dumb)
Grad GPA: 4.0
GRE: 165 Q, 167 V, 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I, II, III; Linear Algebra; Differential Equations; Real Analysis I (lowest grade A-)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Econometrics I (A-)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro courses; Intermediate Micro; Intermediate Macro; Econometrics; Labor; Development; Public (lowest grade A-, highest A+)
Other Courses: History
Letters of Recommendation: economists at top 20 schools.
Research Experience: Two research assistanships. 1 in finance, 1 in economics.
Teaching Experience: Tutor for labor econ and undergrad stats
Research Interests: Labor / Macro
SOP: Dull laundry list
Concerns: my masters not in econ; math
Other:
Applying to: 18 of the top 25. My top choices are Princeton and Berkeley.

[mofk20a]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 50 US, Economics and Mathematics major
Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Type of Grad: N/A
GRE: 165 Q, 164 V, 4 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I, II, III; Linear Algebra; Differential Equations; Abstract Algebra, Computability Theory, Real Analysis I, II, Measure and Integration Theory (Grad), Numerical Analysis (Grad)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Industrial organizations (A-)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): A bunch
Other Courses: Mathematical Statistics I, II (Grad level)
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from an IO associate professor (MIT Phd), taught me IO grad and IO undergrad, 1 from a very well-known International Economics Professor who I RA for 2 years, 1 from my independent research adviser. The latter 2 are strong, not sure the first one but probably strong as well (however he submitted it 1 month late)
Research Experience: research assistanship for professor in 2 years, for a research institute in 1 semester, 1 independent research paper, 1 honor thesis paper.
Teaching Experience: math tutor, math TA
Research Interests: Micro theory, IO
SOP: so so
Concerns: average profile.
Other:
Applying to: 12 in top 20. .

[waxwings]

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 5-10 US, political economy major (a not-very-quanty mix of poli sci and econ)
Undergrad GPA: 3.82
Type of Grad: n/a
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 800Q 800V 6.0AWA
Math Courses: Calc II (A+), Calc III (B+), Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (A), Real Analysis (A) (taken at GWU, after undergrad), Probability Theory (B) (also at GWU)
Econ Courses (grad-level): n/a
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): micro (A-), macro (A), econometrics (A-), economic development (A), economic history (A-)
Other Courses: everything else was blend of poli sci, English, and other humanities classes.
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from assistant professor whom I did some research with and who was also my thesis advisor (he said it was really strong!), 1 from an economist I worked with at the Fed (not very much substantive research to commont on, but should have been relatively strong), and 1 from one of my supervising economists at my current research job (potentially more substantive research to comment on, probably also fine). Nobody particularly famous, and only one rec from academia proper.
Research Experience: wrote an undergraduate thesis which my advisor liked a lot. I submitted this as a writing sample to HKS, but nowhere else. I had also done some more qualitatively-oriented work for my advisor previously. I was an RA at the Fed for about two years. I would say I gained a lot of RA skills while there and saw a lot of interesting work, but at the same time didn't engage in a lot of substantive research. I'm currently an RA in the well-respected research department of a different institution, and have been doing more research here. I've also done a bit of fieldwork as well, which I mentioned I was going to be doing on my app.
Teaching Experience: n/a
Research Interests: development, specifically private sector development in low-income countries, industrial policy, export diversification
SOP: talked about my research experiences and research interests. Tried to spin my "interdisciplinary" background as a positive.
Concerns: I didn't seriously consider getting a PhD in economics until my senior year of undergrad, so my concerns stem mainly from my late start. I had a strong relationship with my advisor but didn't really know anyone else in my department, so I had to get my other two LORs after undergrad. I didn't properly major in econ, and only started taking the necessary math classes my senior year (and after undergrad). (I only took a handful of econ classes at all!)
Other: I'm writing this only after having received some of my results, which I think is definitely coloring this post (in a positive way). I assume the place to go into greater detail is in another thread.
Applying to: Harvard, MIT, HKS public policy, Yale, Columbia, NYU, Berkeley ARE, Michigan (econ/public policy), Brown, UCSD, LSE, Oxford, Maryland, Maryland AREC. Also HKS MPA/ID, Princeton WWS MPA, and JHU SAIS MA.