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DismalScientist · 09-18-2006, 10:39 PM

Hi all,

I realize that most people here are theory economists and have little interest in applied work, but please evaluate the following program for the mentioned programs.
GPA: 3.992
Relevant courses: intermediate econs, calculus I, II, III, abstract mathematics (introduction to proofs), Statistics for Business, Linear Algebra, Introduction to Econometrics, Independent class in econ research.
GRE: Q650, V590
No mention-worthy research experience.
Programs I am applying to:
1. University of Illinois
2. Purdue University
3. Ohio State
4. University of Minnesota
5. Oregon state
6. U CONN
7. Penn State
Note: please be aware that all the above programs are agricultural and resource economics programs. Also, I am aware of the weakness of my profile, but I just want to know if I have a chance before the application season.

Thank you.

anyone?

jlist · 09-20-2006, 10:20 PM

Hi Dismal: I think that your file looks good. I am partial to Maryland for obvious reasons. I have a few thoughts that you might wish to consider, however. First, I think it helps to have a strong economics department alongside the arec department that you choose. Berkeley comes to mind here as the strongest, though Maryland and some others on your list are quite strong too.

Second, you should consider what you want to do after graduating. If you want to stay in academe, then it seems like Berkeley has very good placement, and I think that Maryland does OK in this area too though not as good as Berkeley. Maryland has clear ties in DC if you want to that route.

Third, for econometrics Maryland is quite strong. I like Marc Nerlove (Maryland again!) alot, and Richard Just and Anna Alberini are good too. Of course many of your other schools have wonderful econometricians as well.

Fourth, yet I cannot think of any place in the world stronger than the group at Maryland for Ag (OK, call me a homer). Bruce Gardner, Bob Chambers, Just, Liechtenberg, Lynch, etc., and they added a very good young guy named Barrett Kirwan who is an excellent applied econometrician from MIT.

In any event, you should do your due diligence and decide who you can work with at these places and make sure that they find you of interest as well. The places that you note are excellent too. You should also think about Iowa State (excellent), Madison, Cornell, and Davis.

Best,
JL
PS Last UMD comment--check out their "n reasons to attend Maryland on their website."

DismalScientist · 09-21-2006, 12:48 PM

Jlist, thanks for the input. I had thought about Cornell, Maryland, Madison and Berkeley. But my quant score on the GRE puts me at a disadvantage. I won't be able to take it before application season. Madison, actually, was on the top of my list before I took the GRE.

EconChump · 09-21-2006, 05:58 PM

why cant you take the gre next week?

DismalScientist · 09-21-2006, 10:31 PM

Well, the problem is I just took it and I am going back home in about two weeks. But I am sure I can get into one of those programs given the fact that some get you started with the masters degree and given my other credentials as well...hopefully!!!!

Corneconomics · 09-23-2006, 08:02 AM

That GRE is probably a bit low for our applied program, although I think scorers the low 700s have gotten in.

DismalScientist · 09-23-2006, 02:02 PM

Well, just out of curiousity, does getting in mean being funded? Or should I give up the idea of applying because the Q is just too low? Also, does it help being from a developing country?

P.S. I also couldn't help but notice that Cornell is not really high ranked in the applied econ area. I wonder why? Perhaps it focuses more on development?

ramlau · 09-23-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DismalScientist

Well, just out of curiousity, does getting in mean being funded? Or should I give up the idea of applying because the Q is just too low? Also, does it help being from a developing country?

P.S. I also couldn't help but notice that Cornell is not really high ranked in the applied econ area. I wonder why? Perhaps it focuses more on development?

I say retake the GRE before you do anything. They usually don't need the GRE scores until late Dec or Jan anyway. I didn't take it until after thanksgiving last year.

Ram

Corneconomics · 09-23-2006, 09:51 PM

Our applied econ is very development/international focused (over half the students study those, and over 4/5 are international), and is competative enough for those students. I think it is more open to regional students, as it is chartered (not private) and kinda has one of its purposes to be creating good ag economists to work in the region. I havn't talked to any of the Americans in that program much, though, so I don't know how you'd stack up against them.

09-18-2006, 10:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
DismalScientist Let's Go Hokies! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 192	Ph.D. in agricultural Economics...Do I have a chance? Hi all, I realize that most people here are theory economists and have little interest in applied work, but please evaluate the following program for the mentioned programs. GPA: 3.992 Relevant courses: intermediate econs, calculus I, II, III, abstract mathematics (introduction to proofs), Statistics for Business, Linear Algebra, Introduction to Econometrics, Independent class in econ research. GRE: Q650, V590 No mention-worthy research experience. Programs I am applying to: 1. University of Illinois 2. Purdue University 3. Ohio State 4. University of Minnesota 5. Oregon state 6. U CONN 7. Penn State Note: please be aware that all the above programs are agricultural and resource economics programs. Also, I am aware of the weakness of my profile, but I just want to know if I have a chance before the application season. Thank you. anyone? Last edited by DismalScientist : 09-18-2006 at 10:39 PM. Reason: Automerged post

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09-20-2006, 10:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
jlist Eager! Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 57	Hi Dismal: I think that your file looks good. I am partial to Maryland for obvious reasons. I have a few thoughts that you might wish to consider, however. First, I think it helps to have a strong economics department alongside the arec department that you choose. Berkeley comes to mind here as the strongest, though Maryland and some others on your list are quite strong too. Second, you should consider what you want to do after graduating. If you want to stay in academe, then it seems like Berkeley has very good placement, and I think that Maryland does OK in this area too though not as good as Berkeley. Maryland has clear ties in DC if you want to that route. Third, for econometrics Maryland is quite strong. I like Marc Nerlove (Maryland again!) alot, and Richard Just and Anna Alberini are good too. Of course many of your other schools have wonderful econometricians as well. Fourth, yet I cannot think of any place in the world stronger than the group at Maryland for Ag (OK, call me a homer). Bruce Gardner, Bob Chambers, Just, Liechtenberg, Lynch, etc., and they added a very good young guy named Barrett Kirwan who is an excellent applied econometrician from MIT. In any event, you should do your due diligence and decide who you can work with at these places and make sure that they find you of interest as well. The places that you note are excellent too. You should also think about Iowa State (excellent), Madison, Cornell, and Davis. Best, JL PS Last UMD comment--check out their "n reasons to attend Maryland on their website."

09-21-2006, 12:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
DismalScientist Let's Go Hokies! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 192	Jlist, thanks for the input. I had thought about Cornell, Maryland, Madison and Berkeley. But my quant score on the GRE puts me at a disadvantage. I won't be able to take it before application season. Madison, actually, was on the top of my list before I took the GRE.

09-21-2006, 05:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
EconChump i am NOT a motard Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London, UK Posts: 225	why cant you take the gre next week?

09-21-2006, 10:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
DismalScientist Let's Go Hokies! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 192	Well, the problem is I just took it and I am going back home in about two weeks. But I am sure I can get into one of those programs given the fact that some get you started with the masters degree and given my other credentials as well...hopefully!!!!

09-23-2006, 08:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
Corneconomics Eager! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 82	That GRE is probably a bit low for our applied program, although I think scorers the low 700s have gotten in.

09-23-2006, 02:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
DismalScientist Let's Go Hokies! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 192	Well, just out of curiousity, does getting in mean being funded? Or should I give up the idea of applying because the Q is just too low? Also, does it help being from a developing country? P.S. I also couldn't help but notice that Cornell is not really high ranked in the applied econ area. I wonder why? Perhaps it focuses more on development?

09-23-2006, 09:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
Corneconomics Eager! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 82	Our applied econ is very development/international focused (over half the students study those, and over 4/5 are international), and is competative enough for those students. I think it is more open to regional students, as it is chartered (not private) and kinda has one of its purposes to be creating good ag economists to work in the region. I havn't talked to any of the Americans in that program much, though, so I don't know how you'd stack up against them.

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