MzSunshine

I have a related question - I finally found a laptop that I LOOOVE (and it's pink :)), but it only comes with Windows Vista. I like XP Professional (I have it on my current computer) - although it won't be feasible with the new computer as a lot of it's gadgets (like the built-in camera) depend on the Vista to work properly. So, the issue is that I have heard from many friends that Vista is awful, and has a lot of issues, but no one could be specific. Any TMers care to comment about that? What is so bad about Vista? Should an aspiring PhD student not even consider a computer with that system on it? Any opinions, facts, etc, would be appreciated!

Me too :) Looking forward to getting the list of incoming first years from Patty!

I am thinking of the same exact question - can I be a good dog-owner during a PhD program? - although I'll be starting school already this fall. All the horror stories from first year seem to suggest that until after prelims, there might not be enough quality time left over to properly care for a dog (regardless of size). Anyone who has a success story care to share? :)

Yeah, same here...

5 admits on gradcafe and no TM confirms? Anyone know whether they send admits in waves? Funded first, then unfunded, then waitlist? And rejects? Ugh, all this waiting really sucks!

There was some discussion of this issue (although for a slightly different reason) in this thread: http://www.www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/86272-help-meaning-april-15-a.html Maybe it's helpful?

A lot of the UK masters programs have rolling admissions, with no firm deadlines (except UCL and LSE) as far as I know. And asianeconomist was kind enough in a different thread to point out that some Dutch schools also are still accepting applications. So worth checking out! Good luck :)

Congrats pevdoki1! :) Is WUSTL your first choice? So you won't be coming to the UVA flyout?

Yeah, I applied too, because the program seems very interesting - more so than any of the top programs I applied to (and mostly have gotten rejected from...ooops!). My concern is though that several people I've talked to (Econ PhDs themselves) have said that it's not worth going to a 100+ school... So any more detailed comments on this program would be much appreciated! Thanks :)

Bringing back an old thread - no one answered it back then... Any comments now? Opinions? They seem to have good placements to the policy world (IMF, World Bank), though not sure about academia.

Thanks, asianeconomist! Do you know if any of those deadlines are still ahead? I am not even thinking of the MSc as a PhD prep anymore (I'm too old, and I've been through the application process twice now), just as a terminal degree, and then start working - not sure if that would change your recommendation.

Thanks, filroz! I am trying to make a "Plan B" - MSc programs with no application deadlines - in case I don't end up getting any funding from the US PhD programs... If anyone else can comment on London schools other than LSE and UCL, that'd be great :)

Asianeconomist, you quote Sussex on the list. What about Essex? Where would you rank them for the MSc? What about the University of London schools - Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Royal Holloway? How would those rank? Anybody have information on those MSc programs?

They don't really "take less" than they send offers - what it means is that not every one of the 30-40 people they send offers to end up going to Brown. Several people have multiple offers of admission, and a number of them will end up choosing a different school over Brown. That is why they will end up with an entering class of less than 30-40. But they will not just take away your acceptance. (Unless like stupidolive said you don't get your BA or something).

Valfierno, my understanding is that you don't get the option of adding a signature until you reach 100 posts. Other old timers, please correct me if I'm wrong!

Institution: Columbia Program: Ph.D. Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/6/2008 Notified through: e-mail to check website Other: I knew this was coming, but it still sucks!

There are a few nicely funded offers on gradcafe, and some confirmed by our TM'ers. Is Georgetown finished now? What about unfunded offers? Waitlist? Can anybody comment on the timeline? Too bad Olm the Secretaries Whisperer didn't apply to Georgetown, he would know :D

I think the OP's question is - he/she has to tell the safety on April 15 at the latest, but might not hear from the dream school until the 16th (when their admits say Yes/No). So what happens then? If you told your safety on April 15 "yes, I'm coming" but your dream school tells you on the 16th or 17th "we have a spot for you now if you're still interested", then what? As far as I understand, and as stupidolive said, I think it's possible to ask for a release from the safety school. But how hard is that to get? Since you will have signed a contract... And what does that entail - how would one go about getting the release?

You probably already checked, but just in case - do you think your SPAM filters might have eaten the email from them?

Congrats! Was it a personalized email or does it look like a mass issue?

3 postings already on gradcafe! This is getting exciting! Who from TM will be the first to confirm??? And I didn't even apply to Harvard...

israelecon, don't sell your football team too short - not everyone gets those "easy" 3 points. I'm pretty sure you beat at least one country last year in the Euro qualifiers 4-0. Ooops. :P

I applied to Fordham last year, and heard back the first week of March (I think). It's a decent program, they've some good macro people (combined with their MA program). They're not obviously as selective as other New York schools (NYU, Columbia), but you have to still have a decent background in econ, calc, stats, etc. They mostly have classes in the evenings, as some people do their degree part time, which some people don't always like... I don't think your low GPA is a death knell if you've a decent GRE, good recs, etc. So why didn't I go there last year? I did like the program and the people, and the funding was enough to survive in the Bronx, but they have never placed anyone at the World Bank or IMF (which would be my dream after the PhD), so I didn't want to take a risk of studying there for 5 years and not ending up where I really wanted to. Their placements are mostly to the financial sector, in case anyone was wondeirng; and many teaching colleges where there is no graduate program. The students I met there were still very smart (don't think it's supereasy at a non-ranked program), happy with the program, they said there's plenty of attention from profs, etc. If you've any more specific questions, feel free to PM me.

Mr. Keen, that's fabulous news! Congratulations!!!!!! I hope you are celebrating tonight like there is no tomorrow :D

ROTFL (roll on the floor laughing, for those who didn't know)!!! That same thought has crossed my mind a couple of times, seeing as I still haven't heard anything about funding from both of the places I was admitted at (UVA and UCSB). If they keep me in the dark for much longer, I may have to go find a mask. :D