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YoungEconomist · 04-01-2008, 08:57 PM

I am trying to figure out which one of these schools is the worst fit for me (because I am planning on dropping one). I am interested in specializing in IO and Applied Econometrics. I think Boston and Maryland are better schools, but maybe I'm mistaken, which is exactly why I'd like your input. So, which school would you guys recommend dropping?

Edit: Now I would like to add WUSTL to the list and ask the same question. That is, which school should I drop given my interests?

I think I should drop WUSTL, but I'd still like to hear others input. My reasoning is that even though the other programs are higher in the rankings than WUSTL, WUSTL is probably still about as difficult to get admitted to (since I hear they are underrated, moving up, and also the fact that I've been told private schools are often slightly more competitive then similarly ranked programs). Essentially, I was first reluctant about dropping WUSTL because I figured my chances of getting in their might be slightly higher, but now I'm starting to reconsider.

AstralTraveller · 04-01-2008, 10:24 PM

What I know for sure:
a) one friend went to UMD (there now) specifically thinking about doing IO
b) another friend studied his PhD at BU, concentrating in IO and 'metrics.
c) both are happy
d) don't know personally any alumni from UT-A

So, my results are inconclusive (missing enough data), but maybe could be useful if added to what others might add. Good luck!

UMD is among my sure choices for next year if I have to reapply.

Russ_econ · 04-02-2008, 02:03 AM

I have heard that IO is one of the UT-Austin's strengths. I have many friends there and most of them have chosen IO as their field, even the people who have chosen Macro as primary field, chose IO as their secondary field. I think you should look at the faculty list at the universities you have listed and contact some of their grad students or Profs.

YoungEconomist · 04-02-2008, 03:24 PM

I added a new question to the original post, so maybe you could scroll up and take a look.

darwinian · 04-02-2008, 05:50 PM

I agree that IO is one UT Austin's strength; I just attended the visit day and was very impressed with the strong research being done in IO. Many of the faculty consider another field their main research focus but do research that also relates to IO. (eg: Cooper does macro, but has a clear interest in the intersection with IO). Also seems like a good department for international trade.
However, Maryland and BU are stronger programs overall. (I know US News ranks UT and BU equally; but I disagree with that.)

Interesting fact: UT Austin just placed on of their 5th year students at Maryland! (A macro economist)

darwinian · 04-02-2008, 05:52 PM

YoungEconomist, are you trying to decide which schools to apply to? Or which to attend?

Because if you are still in the application stage, I would recommend applying to all four. I was waitlisted at my "back-up" school... an extra application never hurts.

Mr.Keen · 04-02-2008, 06:31 PM

darwinian: there is a thread about impressions from the UT fly-out, I think some TMers could benefit from your insights. Thank you.

YoungEconomist · 04-02-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darwinian

YoungEconomist, are you trying to decide which schools to apply to? Or which to attend?

Apply. I would apply to all, but I am trying to keep my list of schools at 12. I would rather not apply to more because I will only have 3 people to write my LORs and I heard they can get irritated if you apply to too many schools. There's also the financial cost of applying to more programs. And last but not least, I will have a pretty tough quarter when filling out applications so I will be strapped for time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by darwinian

Because if you are still in the application stage, I would recommend applying to all four. I was waitlisted at my "back-up" school... an extra application never hurts.

Thats too bad. Now I'm all nervous and think that I should maybe drop both WUSTL and BU, and then add one more safety.

YoungEconomist · 04-02-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darwinian

However, Maryland and BU are stronger programs overall. (I know US News ranks UT and BU equally; but I disagree with that.)

Would you say that UT - Austin is just as strong in IO as these 2 programs? What about metrics?

darwinian · 04-02-2008, 08:58 PM

I should have been more specific; I did not intend to make you add extra safety schools. I was waitlisted at my safety school, but admitted to three schools I was unsure about (UT Austin, BU, and Wisconsin). So I just meant this process is somewhat hard to predict.

I actually think BU is a little thin with regards to IO. Maryland is very good. I am not really sure of the difference in Applied Econometrics.

If you are trying to keep it under 12--My personal picks would be BU, Maryland, and UT Austin. If you think you have a good shot at Maryland, you will most likely get into UT Austin (some may disagree with me).

04-01-2008, 08:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
YoungEconomist TestMagic Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,367	Edit: UT - Austin vs. Boston U vs. U of Maryland vs. WUSTL I am trying to figure out which one of these schools is the worst fit for me (because I am planning on dropping one). I am interested in specializing in IO and Applied Econometrics. I think Boston and Maryland are better schools, but maybe I'm mistaken, which is exactly why I'd like your input. So, which school would you guys recommend dropping? Edit: Now I would like to add WUSTL to the list and ask the same question. That is, which school should I drop given my interests? I think I should drop WUSTL, but I'd still like to hear others input. My reasoning is that even though the other programs are higher in the rankings than WUSTL, WUSTL is probably still about as difficult to get admitted to (since I hear they are underrated, moving up, and also the fact that I've been told private schools are often slightly more competitive then similarly ranked programs). Essentially, I was first reluctant about dropping WUSTL because I figured my chances of getting in their might be slightly higher, but now I'm starting to reconsider. Last edited by YoungEconomist : 04-02-2008 at 03:23 PM. Reason: added WUSTL to question

04-01-2008, 10:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
AstralTraveller Waiting for the crumbs! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 502	What I know for sure: a) one friend went to UMD (there now) specifically thinking about doing IO b) another friend studied his PhD at BU, concentrating in IO and 'metrics. c) both are happy d) don't know personally any alumni from UT-A So, my results are inconclusive (missing enough data), but maybe could be useful if added to what others might add. Good luck! UMD is among my sure choices for next year if I have to reapply. _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." --Mt 15, 25-28a

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04-02-2008, 02:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
Russ_econ Eager! Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 59	I have heard that IO is one of the UT-Austin's strengths. I have many friends there and most of them have chosen IO as their field, even the people who have chosen Macro as primary field, chose IO as their secondary field. I think you should look at the faculty list at the universities you have listed and contact some of their grad students or Profs.

04-02-2008, 03:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
YoungEconomist TestMagic Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,367	I added a new question to the original post, so maybe you could scroll up and take a look.

04-02-2008, 05:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
darwinian Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 13	I agree that IO is one UT Austin's strength; I just attended the visit day and was very impressed with the strong research being done in IO. Many of the faculty consider another field their main research focus but do research that also relates to IO. (eg: Cooper does macro, but has a clear interest in the intersection with IO). Also seems like a good department for international trade. However, Maryland and BU are stronger programs overall. (I know US News ranks UT and BU equally; but I disagree with that.) Interesting fact: UT Austin just placed on of their 5th year students at Maryland! (A macro economist)

04-02-2008, 05:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
darwinian Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 13	YoungEconomist, are you trying to decide which schools to apply to? Or which to attend? Because if you are still in the application stage, I would recommend applying to all four. I was waitlisted at my "back-up" school... an extra application never hurts.

04-02-2008, 06:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mr.Keen The Fire! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 614	darwinian: there is a thread about impressions from the UT fly-out, I think some TMers could benefit from your insights. Thank you.

04-02-2008, 08:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
darwinian Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 13	I should have been more specific; I did not intend to make you add extra safety schools. I was waitlisted at my safety school, but admitted to three schools I was unsure about (UT Austin, BU, and Wisconsin). So I just meant this process is somewhat hard to predict. I actually think BU is a little thin with regards to IO. Maryland is very good. I am not really sure of the difference in Applied Econometrics. If you are trying to keep it under 12--My personal picks would be BU, Maryland, and UT Austin. If you think you have a good shot at Maryland, you will most likely get into UT Austin (some may disagree with me).

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