ccgoal

Thanks, you guys! I can see people almost back up the validity of economic modelling since it indeed is the sign of economics. However, I have one question that's been puzzling for a long time. Is there any research that shows the relationship between the (neo-classical) modelling and the actual behavior? By this I mean on the one hand we make our decisions in the real world almost doing no calculations (Bayes Rule, complicated probability and so on), while on the other hand, in economic models, each step is math intensed. Without such connection, how can the results of researches that build on these models with smart agents (even for many BE models as mentioned) be reliable? So far, I can only recall John List' s paper on the comparison between Neoclassical and Prospect theory in the field showing that for experienced subjects neoclassical theory works well.:hmm:

I would like to hear you guys' opinion on behavioral economics (BE). Though under the name of behavioral, I see little difference between BE and Neo-classical style in terms of the ability to solve complicated optimization problem of agents. (For example, say, in Laibson's hyperbolic discounting paper). I think this point is also emphasized in one of Rubinstein's working paper. I guess one of the reasons it to get published in mainstram journals using such math. But other than that, do you think it's really necessary to use math like this just to describe the real behavior, which is simple and random in most cases (I think)?

I will be there, too, Econ!

Thanks a lot for all these vauable input, hopefully it will be automatically taught if my class needs it.

Hi all, just want to check whether this is worth learning, and also the subsequential optimal control. I know little about that, but one of my professors said that it's kinda out of date. But Even in Acemoglu's book one can still find related chapters. And what is the role of optimal control? Is it replaced by dynamic programming or otherwise? I don't have any clue.:hmm: Thanks for your comment;)

Congratulations!!!

Congrats! I also applied TAMU, hope to get some news in a few days.

Congrats, econphillomath:tup:, pray for us then...

I chose to apply "real estate" of this program.

You mean for GRE, I guess 84 for econ may be the code for TOEFL?

Thanks! I don't know why I cannot find it on their website, so I only have to locate it from the GRE Bulletin.

Anyone could kindly give me the info? I emailed them but got no response:hmm:Their website says those scores should be sent to the department, so I guess there would be department code for UCLA econ program. Thanks:)

You can choose to upload in the online application system, it does not hurt to add one, though:)

Thanks,I already found Vanderbilt:)

Would someone who plans to apply these two places give me some hint? I failed to find a copy of the form from both the website and the online application system (my refree prefer submitting by paper). Thanks:)

I noticed that cccay just opend a thread about SOP and just to keep the continuity I open this thread and want to ask you all about some other questions on SOP. One professor helped me to revise my SOP as the following structure: 1. my personal experience in urban issues + my RA experience with my current supervisor who is specialized in this field. 2.what I have learned about urban econ (in essence, some applied micro and macro technique) 3.my previous research in urban issues ?:hmm:--Do you think the ad committee would think I'm not independent enough if I say "my interest in applied economics, with urban being of particular interest, partly because of my personal experience in XXXX and because my current supervisor, Professor XXX, specializes in this field. "? ?:hmm:--Do you think this style of SOP might be dangerous in the sense that I am bound to be eliminated if this department does NOT have a professor who is interested in this area. I want to focus on the training in economics I could get in the doctoral program which could further faciliate my research in this area, but I'm not sure whether this helps. Thanks a lot for your input and wish youall good luck:p

Hi, guys, I would like to have your inputs as what are good places for public economics and who are those good public economists. Is there any in Columbia and Yale? As far as I know, Public economics concerns taxation, education (not sure whether it's presice or even right), any other issues PE would deal with?:hmm: Thanks a lot in advance!

Thanks a lot, econphilomath and asianeconomist! That would be a great idea to know the revealed preference

Thanks a lot! asquare, I see your point, yes, I agree with you that a lukewarm letter would be somewhat harmful, I think I'll try to indirectly mention this to the professor so as to be good for both of us. BTW, is it possible for you to change the TITLE of this thread? I made an awkward typo by typing "letter" as (the second) "professor". For bgg, asa__sl and commodore, thanks a lot too, and I'll write to him to discuss further:)

Hi,All! Would you please kindly give me some advice on this? ---He is world famous and taught me for one semester and I got an A in his class; ---I'm obviously not the best student of his (I guess so) ---I wrote to ask him to write me a letter and he replied to say yes and also wanted me to provide my background info. I did that, and he advised me to make the draft of the reference letter. That's when I feel confused since I'm not sure whether he doesn't really want to help me write a "decent" letter, afterall, a lukewarm letter could do harm. I replied to tell him that I would send him the draft after I submit my online application, after when can he receive the nofitication mail to submit ref letter. And he kindly replied, saying he is "looking forward to seeing my draft". I got even more confused here...Maybe he wants to write me a "good" letter, but since he is so busy or knows so little about me so that he chooses a safe stretagy? Or he just kindly declines me?:hmm: IF so, what would such kind of a letter be like? Anyway, thanks for all your possible inputs:)

Hi,All! I was wondering whether there has been some people here already written something about various econ programs (maybe their advantages and disadvantages or comparison...):hmm:I just have a hard time in searching those threads, maybe the keywords are not identical... Thanks in advance:)