CMU Economics PhD

[decide_aposteriori]

Anyone else apply to CMU Social and Decision Sciences PhD?

[decision2008]

Originally Posted by EconApp2008

decision2008: I just got in at CMU too! I found out by checking my application status, but still haven't received an email yet. Any mention of funding from them?

Congrats! The Prof. mentioned they're sending package either on the day of email (last Fri) or Monday, I received the express UPS mail on Tues. I think all their offers are fully funded the same way: tuition waiver + stipend + computer(you can cash if you already have a good laptop). No mention of flyout though, I'll enquire about flyout when I'm closer to make a serious decision - which is probably soon, since I got rejected by Yale today... : (

I think they're rolling out offer 1 by 1, when I got my Rutgers, I saw the status change when I randomly checked online but it's after a whole week before I got a letter from them. But you should hear from them soon.

Congrats again.

[EconApp2008]

Thanks! and thanks for the info too.

[EMEQU]

Hello, I got into CMU economics a while ago. I think I was awarded the same financial aid package as decision2008. It seems that the incoming class size is small as there are less than 50 students on campus and another 4 on the job market. I wonder whether some of you know about the atmosphere at CMU, how expensive rent around campus is and so forth. Any help would be appreciated!!!

[Windplume]

I did my bachelor's in economics at CMU, and have taken a couple of PhD courses while I'm finishing my master's, so I'm happy to answer questions about the school/economics program/professors/city.

As far as rent goes, the areas you'll probably want to look at are Squirrel Hill and Shadyside (as well as maybe Greenfield). Both places are a (free) ~10 minute bus or CMU shuttle ride away from campus. There's a pretty active Craiglist in Pittsburgh, so that will give you a pretty good idea of housing prices. Usually an efficiency will run you between $400-$600, one bedrooms are $600-800, and two bedrooms go for $900-$1200. I would highly recommend sharing an apartment with someone, as you'll get a lot more apartment for the same amount of money.

Also, stay away from South Oakland and North Oakland when you're looking. Those areas tend to be loud, and a bit run down, so the houses are correspondingly run down.

[EMEQU]

Thanks a lot windplume. I have so many questions to ask!!
1) It seems the econ faculty is pretty good as I am interested in macro/monetary stuff. Do you know if somebody intends to leave soon?
2) I have noticed that CMU's program is small (there are less than 50 grad students on campus and another 4 on the job market this year). May I ask you what the average incoming size class is? Besides, could you elaborate on attrition rates at CMU?
3) Is is true that CMU has a good placement record? Last year one guy (financial econ?) got into University of Michigan...

You made my day!

[Windplume]

Unfortunately, I'm not incredibly familiar with the workings of the PhD program, but I'll try my best to answer your questions:

1) To be honest. I have no idea if anyone might be leaving. I think the department is strong enough that one or two people leaving wouldn't be a huge issue, though.

2) As far as incoming class sizes, I think that CMU has fairly small class sizes, so I suspect the number of current students is more due to that than to high attrition. I don't have any numbers to back that up, though.

3) This one I really have no idea about.

Sorry I can't be more helpful (attrition rates tend not to be something that comes up in conversation). I'm sure someone from the department has some numbers for you, though. I can give good answers to questions about the environment, though.

[EMEQU]

Don't worry, your information is very valuable! Ok, I won't talk anymore about attrition (this word freaks me out, but I have noticed that almost everybody in this forum is concerned about it).

[EMEQU]

I borrowed these questions from an old thread and I will appreciate your thoughts. I am aware few answers may need some inside information, though:

- Does CMU have an open-door policy? Are profs willing to interact with students on a regular and informal basis? Are the majority of faculty accessible, or are they never around?
- How is the morale among the students? Do they feel they have adequate support or are heavily burdened? Is the environment more competitive, or collaborative? How often do students interact with each other outside of work/school?
- How does advising work? Do people frequently meet up with your advisors?
- How would you describe the department's culture? Are there any significant subcultures? Do faculty subscribe to a particular school of thought?
- Is it easy to get around? Is public transportation ok? What's it like living in Pittsburgh? Anything special worth mentioning?

[Timmy]

I think the financial aid package incoming students receive at CMU is pretty generous. On the other hand, I am very curious about their fourth prelim (yes, besides micro, macro and metrics) and, unfortunately, old exams are not available in their website.