txecon

Me as well! In Econ

Thanks Mr. Keen, I imagine you are right. How did you hear about the potential trips this year? Are you an alum of the program?

Im from the Houston Area. I really hope we will be able to visit the Fed. Im not sure if that was just a Duke thing or if the program always gets a chance to go. Im looking forward to spending the summer in California even though it may be intense.

I just wanted to see if anyone is planning on attending this summer? I will be in the advanced track. I think I read that GrandConjuration will be there...anyone else?

Mr. Keen, I have a Mac as well. So you have not run into any problems using STATA? Which stata do you use?

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Medium State University, Econ Major/Math Minor Undergrad GPA: 3.91 (4.0 Econ/3.8 Math) Type of Grad: This coming Summer in the AEA Summer Program at UCSB Grad GPA: N/A GRE: 750Q / 560V / 4.5A Math Courses: Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics Theory I-II, Intro to Real Analysis, a few business analysis courses, and self-guided through Diff. Eq. Econ Courses: Principles, Intermediates, Labor, Managerial (Game Theory, Applied Micro, etc.), Development, Monetary, Econometrics (UCSB), Master's Level Micro/Macro (UCSB), Economics Research Methods (UCSB) Other Courses: A few programming courses Letters of Recommendation: Mostly professor at my undergraduate. All know me very well, and some are well known for research. Research Experience: Two years as an undergraduate research assistant Teaching Experience: 2 years tutoring and teaching recitation courses Research Interests: Financial Econometrics, Labor, Applied Micro, dabbled in Development SOP:I think it shows my writing ability and explains some of my weak points. I think simplicity is desirable in an SOP. They want to know you can write concisely and well as clearly. Other: I spent a summer taking courses at UChicago (unfortunately I didn't know at the time that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. and didn't build a memorable relationship with my professor. DOH!) RESULTS: Acceptances: Texas A&M ($$$)(attending),Texas (no$), UNC (no$), SMU($$), Claremont ($), UIC ($) Waitlists: Rejections: Rochester, Georgetown, UVA, Colorado Pending: None :) What would you have done differently? To be honest I was a bit behind the curve in learning the process and the method for applying for an Econ. Ph.D. I learned I needed a strong math background late, so I had to settle for a minor. I learned about the importance of LORs, so my time at UChicago didn't help much. Saying this, though, I am very happy about my outcome. TAMU will be an excellent place to receive sound training. I should note that it is said on here a lot that the two most important things about your application is GRE scores and LORs, and I just simply want to reiterate that. GRE will get you through the door, and letter writers who are known (either because they are famous or just simply have a contact in the AdCom) will get you a place at the dinner table and possibly nominations for fellowships. Good Luck to all those still waiting to hear this year, and beginning the process next year! If you are reading this in the Fall and have a question about TAMU, please don't hesitate to PM me.

I believe the marginal cost of attending the first year of an Econ Ph.D. is far below the marginal product of even obtaining a masters degree in the long run, BUT keep in mind that there are so many variable to consider in the long run. How much could a person earn if they were working instead of going to grad school, what the the conditional prob of passing comps given they have funding or not, how well can they do in the respective programs, how much of a better (higher paying) job will the person receive on the market, etc. So, at least in my mind, I can't simply settle for a marginal cost comparison. Jeeves0923, thank you for the information! Very helpful. More questions... Ive heard that in many program there is total ambiguity about who has funding and who doesn't. Is this true? Is there any significant difference in the ability to get a solid adviser (or an adviser of your choice) between funded students and unfunded students? Thanks...

Back on topic though, is anyone else here strongly considering TAMU?

haha Nice to go to....not to live near.

I didnt receive the email, but I am familiar with these kind of flyers. Most likely, it will be enormous poorly constructed undergraduate residence. If it is off of Northgate if will most likely be loud as Northgate is a street full of bars and clubs next to campus.

Very good point Valhalla, and the reputation of UT prelims is quite frightening. Do you all think that a TAMU graduate at the top of the class would have better opportunities than a middle of the road student at UT?

Congrats filroz!

Thanks so much for the comment thus far. My end game is academia so I am concerned about placement. TAMU's faculty has been extremely helpful and friendly towards me during the entire process so I am leaning there. Park, Chang, and Jan are all great econometricians to name a few. I am worried though about TAMU's placements. LIke YE mentioned that Texas has had much better placements in recent years, BUT, this is considering that none of Park and Chang's students have been on the market from TAMU yet. Labor/IO at Texas I believe far outweighs TAMU. Am I right about that?

OK Thanks. I second that!

Sorry for an additional thread, but you TMers are so helpful and I figured it would help to have all the opinions I could ask for. Interests: Labor, IO, Applied Micro, Financial Econometrics I would appreciate any opinions, advice, or inside information. Thanks