beagle07

Does anyone have more information regarding the rumor that Pat Kehoe and George Mailath are moving to Yale?

I imagine schools can identify the top-50 or so applicants (the "perfect ones") relatively quickly and easily, and MIT knows it will almost fill its class from this pool. Rather than dig deep into the pile to fill the last few spots, MIT lets the NSF figure it out for them. This is my take.

Might we expect a prize will be given for non-parametric econometrics and/or numerical methods? As computing power and data-sets (scanner data, census panels, etc) increase in magnitude, these fields should become the heart of empirical work. Agree?

I would recommend getting a large chest tattoo of the Envelop Theorem popping out of an envelope: comical and useful!

In addition to reading those books, you should probably get started on your dissertation this summer!

I can't see why a department would discount a great job market paper and strong references because of a 7 year old publication in a mediocre journal. While an article in a top journal is probably a signal of strong research ability, an undergrad-era publication in a crappy journal is not really a signal of mediocrity: I would imagine that many if not most publishing undergrads are a) at the whim of a professor or b) not aware of the politics and hierarchy of academia, and hence don't care about journal quality. Qualities a) and b) do not separate good researchers from bad researchers. If there is a way for a mediocre journal publication to hurt you on the job market, I bet it is this: top places might think it would tarnish their reputation to hire people who publish in mediocre journals.

I don't mean that it is impossible to publish in top journals if you are not at a top50 institution. I'm just saying it is my impression that the journals consider factors beyond the content of paper. However, I don't have direct evidence. Does anyone have evidence beyond some counterexamples?

One more thing: Correct me if I am wrong, but it is my impression that all else equal it is more difficult to get into top journals if you don't have a top30 PhD and don't work at a top50 institution. If this is the case, one might know he/she has a quality paper, have difficulty getting it into his/her journal of choice, and then opt for a lower-ranked journal just to get the stuff in writing to build a portfolio of publications and so it is possible to cite the paper in future research.

I think paradox was saying that it is unprofessional for your professor to insult and demean a journal instead of using evidence and argument. To tell a student that the hard work and intellectual pursuits of hundreds of people is on the same level as physical refuse is a lesson in arrogance and nastiness.

Perhaps they are legitimately interested in the field. It is difficult for one to participate in serious economic discourse without a degree in economics. For most people, becoming an economist is not just about building a career; it is also about immersing oneself in a fascinating field. You don't need a TA job or RA experience to learn about and love economics. Perhaps people such as Israelecon find the field intellectually stimulating!

This sounds right to me. I personally know 4 people from non top-10 LACs who attend top-20 econ PhD programs. These people had high GPAs and personal LORs, but otherwise their applications were probably similar to their current classmates. Basically, I don't think it hurts you much when the adcom reads "college" and not "university." Although, it seems that certain application deficiencies (ie unknown rec writers, no previous graduate coursework) correlate with attending a LAC. I think LAC applicants have some advantages as well: RA opportunities (no grad students around), TA opportunities, personal relationships with professors. By the way, I personally know 10 people from top-20 LACs who attend top-20 econ PhD programs.

A Yale professor?

I received a college decision (St. Edmund "Teddy" Hall). It came in a small envelope. I already declined the Oxford offer, so if there is an official offer pack, I don't think I'll get it.

All the Vassar College economics profs have PhDs from top places. On a related note, Paul Ruud will be at Vassar next year!

Get a job at a Fed Bank. At the Fed, you will be able to acquire recommendations from economists that publish frequently, and the Fed will pay for your graduate math classes.