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EMEQU · 2008 March 12th, 08:52 PM

I agree, 23K a year in Pittsburgh sounds pretty good. Besides, since I am interested in macroeconomics, I think CMU is an option to think about.

Timmy · 2008 March 12th, 09:57 PM

And don't forget they give you a laptop!!

Are you going to accept CMU's offer?

Mr.Keen · 2008 March 12th, 10:08 PM

The laptop deal should be standard at every school,

.

But seriously, I think CMU is a top notch program.

EMEQU · 2008 March 13th, 04:30 AM

I am still evaluating some other options. Hopefully, I will be done by March 31st

Well, so far I have only received very good comments on CMU. For example, one CMU econ PhD graduated a while ago told me faculty members are concerned about grad students' progress along the track, which I think is a plus. Maybe this is because they admit few people each year.
Besides, Pittsburgh doesn't seem to be an expensive city. Still, I am a little worried about weather...I hope PA is not as cold as WI, MI or MN!!!
Finally, I do think the laptop deal is awesome as you save up to 2K!

Windplume · 2008 March 13th, 05:09 AM

I think it's a great program, too, but I'm totally biased. I was going to apply, but I think two degrees from CMU are enough for me...

EMEQU, back to your questions:

As far as I can tell, most professors do have an open-door policy, or will let you know when and where you can track them down. In general, I think the ease of accessing faculty is related to how senior they are, and what kind of stuff they do. For most of the younger professors that teach and do research, you shouldn't have any trouble finding them. More senior professors that do consulting, travel a lot, etc. are harder to find, but I don't think anyone at CMU is impossible to find, especially once you get to know them.

More generally, I really like all of the professors I've interacted with, and have found them very friendly, willing to help, and interested in students.

I think morale is about the same as you'd find anywhere else, particularly for the first few years. I don't know about specific support systems, but I know there are plenty of study groups, and some departmental gatherings.

Not sure about advising.

Pittsburgh is an awesome city, especially for students. it's pretty cheap, there's a lot to do, and the people are wonderful. Weather-wise, it's cloudy a lot, but never crazy cold (the low this winter has been 15F or so), and there are some beautiful days too. As far as getting around, the bus system is great (and free for students) and will get you to the common places people go. I would highly recommend bringing a car to school if you can, though, since having a car opens up a lot of cool parts of the city and places to go.

EMEQU · 2008 March 13th, 10:22 PM

Windplume: Thank you very much! You mentioned that you took some PhD courses at CMU. Do you mind telling me what textbooks you reviewed (MWG, Casella & Berger, J&R, SLP, Hayashi)?

Timmy · 2008 March 14th, 05:44 AM

I wonder how grad students are graded...with such small class sizes, 3-4 people will get an A, another 3-4 a B and the rest a C?? I am guessing the incoming class size is around 12-15 (taking into account Fin Econ, Econ and Econ & Public Policy). Maybe I am wrong...Can anybody shed light on this?

EMEQU · 2008 March 17th, 05:23 PM

According to the grad coordinator, the average incoming class is around 20 students (across all areas of study).

EMEQU · 2008 March 18th, 05:15 PM

I will visit CMU soon. I have heard very nice things about this school and I want to check them by myself.

Timmy · 2008 March 18th, 10:39 PM

Did CMU schedule a visit day? I heard that due to the small number of students they admit each year, they don't arrange something special, but do invite prospective students they like the most.

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2008 March 12th, 08:52 PM	#21 (permalink)
EMEQU Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 96	I agree, 23K a year in Pittsburgh sounds pretty good. Besides, since I am interested in macroeconomics, I think CMU is an option to think about.

2008 March 12th, 09:57 PM	#22 (permalink)
Timmy Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 54	And don't forget they give you a laptop!! Are you going to accept CMU's offer?

2008 March 12th, 10:08 PM	#23 (permalink)
Mr.Keen The Fire! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 622	The laptop deal should be standard at every school, . But seriously, I think CMU is a top notch program.

2008 March 13th, 04:30 AM	#24 (permalink)
EMEQU Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 96	I am still evaluating some other options. Hopefully, I will be done by March 31st Well, so far I have only received very good comments on CMU. For example, one CMU econ PhD graduated a while ago told me faculty members are concerned about grad students' progress along the track, which I think is a plus. Maybe this is because they admit few people each year. Besides, Pittsburgh doesn't seem to be an expensive city. Still, I am a little worried about weather...I hope PA is not as cold as WI, MI or MN!!! Finally, I do think the laptop deal is awesome as you save up to 2K!

2008 March 13th, 05:09 AM	#25 (permalink)
Windplume I JUST got here. Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 5	I think it's a great program, too, but I'm totally biased. I was going to apply, but I think two degrees from CMU are enough for me... EMEQU, back to your questions: As far as I can tell, most professors do have an open-door policy, or will let you know when and where you can track them down. In general, I think the ease of accessing faculty is related to how senior they are, and what kind of stuff they do. For most of the younger professors that teach and do research, you shouldn't have any trouble finding them. More senior professors that do consulting, travel a lot, etc. are harder to find, but I don't think anyone at CMU is impossible to find, especially once you get to know them. More generally, I really like all of the professors I've interacted with, and have found them very friendly, willing to help, and interested in students. I think morale is about the same as you'd find anywhere else, particularly for the first few years. I don't know about specific support systems, but I know there are plenty of study groups, and some departmental gatherings. Not sure about advising. Pittsburgh is an awesome city, especially for students. it's pretty cheap, there's a lot to do, and the people are wonderful. Weather-wise, it's cloudy a lot, but never crazy cold (the low this winter has been 15F or so), and there are some beautiful days too. As far as getting around, the bus system is great (and free for students) and will get you to the common places people go. I would highly recommend bringing a car to school if you can, though, since having a car opens up a lot of cool parts of the city and places to go.

2008 March 13th, 10:22 PM	#26 (permalink)
EMEQU Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 96	Windplume: Thank you very much! You mentioned that you took some PhD courses at CMU. Do you mind telling me what textbooks you reviewed (MWG, Casella & Berger, J&R, SLP, Hayashi)?

2008 March 14th, 05:44 AM	#27 (permalink)
Timmy Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 54	I wonder how grad students are graded...with such small class sizes, 3-4 people will get an A, another 3-4 a B and the rest a C?? I am guessing the incoming class size is around 12-15 (taking into account Fin Econ, Econ and Econ & Public Policy). Maybe I am wrong...Can anybody shed light on this?

2008 March 17th, 05:23 PM	#28 (permalink)
EMEQU Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 96	According to the grad coordinator, the average incoming class is around 20 students (across all areas of study).

2008 March 18th, 05:15 PM	#29 (permalink)
EMEQU Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 96	I will visit CMU soon. I have heard very nice things about this school and I want to check them by myself.

2008 March 18th, 10:39 PM	#30 (permalink)
Timmy Eager! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 54	Did CMU schedule a visit day? I heard that due to the small number of students they admit each year, they don't arrange something special, but do invite prospective students they like the most.

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