jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Okay, I've posted a few times on here before on different parts of this issue, but I would just like to gather any opinions on the whole thing. I narrowed my consideration between 2 Ph.D. programs, say Iowa State and Mizzou (I accepted Mizzou). I want to study macro and want to get a job in academia doing at least some research. I found the Mizzou (program and professors) usually ranks higher than Iowa State on macro (according to RePEc), but Iowa State usually ranks higher otherwise and has a better track record at getting students into academic positions. I also chose Mizzou so that I can maintain personal relationships better (family and friends are within 2 hours from Mizzou - and I have problems with seizures) and because the department at Mizzou also seems very eager to have me join their program (I have had more than one professor reach out to me and have been offered a fellowship). Based on this, I'm guessing I would be given more opportunities at Mizzou. I am wondering if you guys think I made the right choice (if not, is it worth reaching out to Iowa State to see if I can still get in)? Also, what do you think are my odds at getting an academic position (ideally research) and how do you recommend I do to maximize my chances? Iowa State: US News and World Report (53), RePEc - Department Rating (93), RePEc - Macro (243) Mizzou: US News and World Report (63), RePEc - Department Rating (118), RePEc - Macro (110) Edited April 29, 2020 by jdl7851 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayes Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Why give so much detail about the schools but not give the actual name? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) School Edited April 29, 2020 by jdl7851 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayes Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Here is the caveat, it seems that your utility function values being close to family. If you think being close to family will help you mentally and you will be happier, then for you it is not a bad choice. Now, my utility function does not care about being close to family etc. when going on a PhD. Thus, for me, Iowa State is a better choice as their training and placement is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) I'm mainly asking how much the other aspects of MU (faculty contacting me, fellowships, etc) suggest that I may be given more opportunities than I would be a ISU. Edited April 29, 2020 by jdl7851 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayes Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Do you have any information about where the past fellowship recipients have placed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 I do not. I was told by DGS that many of their students end the program not interested in pursuing academic positions for what that's worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayes Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Yes, that is not a good sign if you want academic placement. Their output to the academic world has been low, so other schools hiring from Mizzou may not have good information about their PhD students. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Should I reach out then? Edited April 29, 2020 by jdl7851 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 Anyone? I'd want to know sooner than later if there's anything I could/should do. I have been obsessing about this for weeks. Any help would be great. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startz Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 I wouldn't put too much weight on Mizzou reaching out to you. Yes, it's positive. But everyone gets re-evaluated based on their performance. And frankly, departments are lousy at forecasting performance. In terms of Iowa State, do you know if the offer is even still open? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 I do not, but I'm guessing it would not look good to ask unless I have made up my mind beforehand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 Also, I know some of the professor at MU and ISU know each other and I'm afraid of them potentially talking if I simply ask before making my decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayes Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 This is a tricky situation and especially during Covid 19. I would imagine if you already made your decision, then they allocated those funds to somewhere else or to someone in the waitlist. I don't think anyone here has experience which such a specific situation but if you are willing to take the risk go for it. Can you ask your letter writers for advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl7851 Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) I asked him before making the decision and he said ISU was better but that he though MU would also be a good choice and that he thought I would have a good chance at an academic job either way. He doesn't know about the extra aspects though (health issues, fellowship, etc) Edited April 29, 2020 by jdl7851 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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