WUSTL vs BU vs PSU

[babypink]

WUSTL($) vs BU($) vs PSU($)

Given that I have no idea about my research interest so far.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[Andronicus]

If you don't know what fields interest you, you should choose on overall quality and variety of field strengths (so you'll have options). As much as I despise the city of Boston, I think BU is probably the best overall program of the three.

[pevdoki1]

WUSTL is very good if you want to do theory, but if you want to do applied work or IO, you're probably better off going someplace else.

[Valfierno]

Originally Posted by Andronicus

If you don't know what fields interest you, you should choose on overall quality and variety of field strengths (so you'll have options). As much as I despise the city of Boston, I think BU is probably the best overall program of the three.

Why do you despise Boston? I'm asking because I might be headed over there

[decision2008]

Originally Posted by Valfierno

Why do you despise Boston? I'm asking because I might be headed over there

Have you visited BU? I did and I'm a bit disappointed with the building where the economics dept is. In terms of facilities, I would say go to WUSTL, but the faculty/Placement of BU seems to be stronger (verifiable track record), WUSTL have work to do on placement with the recent buildup in faculty. I must say I like Boston more than STL as a city.

[Andronicus]

Originally Posted by Valfierno

Why do you despise Boston? I'm asking because I might be headed over there

Sports rivalry. Also, I find many Bostonians generally obnoxious, but I admit I am highly biased.

[fp3690]

Originally Posted by decision2008

Have you visited BU? I did and I'm a bit disappointed with the building where the economics dept is. In terms of facilities, I would say go to WUSTL, but the faculty/Placement of BU seems to be stronger (verifiable track record), WUSTL have work to do on placement with the recent buildup in faculty. I must say I like Boston more than STL as a city.

Why do facilities matter when you do a PhD? There only related reason would be research space, but again, this is hardly a deal breaker. I guess everyone would have their own laptops anyway, so...

[decision2008]

Originally Posted by fp3690

Why do facilities matter when you do a PhD? There only related reason would be research space, but again, this is hardly a deal breaker. I guess everyone would have their own laptops anyway, so...

I wouldn't think it's a deal breaker, but a tie-breaker if things are close and the factor has not been considered (if it matters). Geographical location at times is a big factor to many that is irrelevant to research space. People here rate WUSTL very highly and it might even ~BU despite the gap in placement history. I consider facilities an indication of the financial health of the department, partly related to its ability to retain/hire faculty.