Railroadme

What Are You Watching (TV): Family Guy and SVU What Are You Watching (Film): Just bought Religulous on DVD---I am walking on sunshine... What Are You Reading: I have three kids...so I have been reading a children's greek mythology book. School books of course and my own entertainment is the Economist and Mother Jones. When I get time for my own reading I stick with Sam Harris, Kurt Vonnegut, and the like. What Are You Listening To: Its all about Wheatus Where Have You Traveled: Too many places to name---I was in the Air Force for four years afterall What Have You Done (Other): a hot guy on an airplane

Do you believe God exists?: 3, No To which Faith do you belong?: 4, Atheist Comments: All signs point to NO!

I would like to be a researcher. I am really interested in the applicabilty of economics in social programs. Obviously public finance is an interest. I also like labour. I guess I am hesitiant towards a public policy PhD because it may not be as useful. Plus I really like math. I am planning to take macro econ and public finance before I apply. I wont be applying until the fall term ends---for a start in Fall 2010. I am retaking the GRE---I have no doubt I will get it up to at least a 760. That was just my dry run...lol

I am responding to Tex as well...on test magic I have only seen downing on the heterodox. Its talking and meeting with some people at my university that are getting me down. I think because I am not an Econ undergrad they are giving me a hard time. Like I said I would like to be realistic---I doubt I will get into a top tier school. However, with my veterans preference I will get hired reguardless of the other candidates. This is something I am concerned about---because there is prejustice towards the Veteran Preference people in government employment---since we do not have to follow the same hiring practice (its a affirmative action for service related injured vets). With that said---the last thing I want is to get into the work place and have my co-workers not only think I am a bumb for being a prefered vet but also an inferior university degree.

Great response---you're absolutly right----if there were no market for the lower tier schools they wouldnts exist. However, is that market for Americans or for international students? An American degree is worth everything anywhere else. But I will apply and if the U accepts me that will probably be where I go. I need to make the most economically desicion for myself right?

Colourful possible PhD Economics candidate... I was a social work major at a middle road state university (not the best, not the worst school). I am now obtaining a B.I.S. with Public Administration, Social Work, and Math as my disciplines. I have been taking my math courses online through a community college in NY that is a part of the SUNY system. I will have taken Pre-Cal, Cal I, Cal II, Social Stats, Intro Stats, and Stats I. I would like to apply for a Ph.D. however I need to be realistic. What are my chances? More details: GPA: 3.11 Overall, 3.6 on core courses. GRE: 700 (first try--I will be retaking it), and 720 Verbal 50% service connected veteran (this gives me a huge advantage when applying for government jobs) I'm twenty-four and will still have a year of my GI Bill available. LORs would be from a Political Science PhD, and two Social Work PhDs I am not expecting to get into the top schools---but I've also heard that there is no point in getting a PhD in Economics unless you go to a top school. I am looking at applying to Syracuse University, SUNY Albany, Georgetown, Fordham, Temple, Utah State University and University of Utah. I am most interested in Public Finance.

Have you wrote a letter to Amtrak? They are usually good about that stuff. I have been on trains with engine failures too---usually they send a freight engine to rescue but again the freights do not prioritize Amtrak. Hey I am not offended---I am having fun with this. As you can see by my SN trains are my thing. If I do somehow swing a PhD in Economics---I would like to work for the STB.

I am thinking Economic Sociology but there are only ten schools and I live in Utah. Syracuse and Albany are options for me because I am from NY and have tons of family there. However, I look at it this way I will have a BIS in Public Administration, Social Work, and Math---not sure if that will get me in anywhere but the not so great schools. I will have to apply and see...

It has nothing to do with my husband. Amtrak needs all the help it can get. The guy was asking a serious question and I was giving him my opinion.

Its not that trains don't follow schedules. Amtrak tries. However, the vast majority of the rails throughout the country are owned by the UP, GNR, and CSX among others. These freight trains have no schedule. Although the FRA requires they give Amtrak the right away, they rarely do. Its not Amtrak's fault it is the FRA for not enforcing the rules.

Way to be a closed minded jerk. This clown is totally incorrect. NYS's portion of the Lakeshore Limited is very nice---part of it is along the Hudson, followed by trees and just typical NY grass land. Really cool part of trains is that you will go through the inter city---allowing to see the city and its architecture--unlike planes which drop you off somewhere outside the city. I especially enjoy the train because you can get up and walk around. There is a dining car and a cafe car---you should also have a lounge car. A piece of advice---sleepers are expensive to purchase prior to boarding. If you're willing to take a chance try and upgrade to a sleeper on board. You will receive a 50% discount. Sleepers include meals and with that discount---the price ends up paying for your meals---the room is a bonus. I took the train from Salt City to Chicago recently. I take trains all the time---as you can see by my username. My husband is an Amtrak train conductor. If you have anymore specific questions just ask.

I was stationed in Utah with the Air Force and have bought a house in Utah. I like to ski and have my kids here...seems like a waste not to apply---and if I were accepted to uproot everything may be the bigger waste. Thanks for your response-I am sure I will apply. Can anyone explain why the U is considered so bad? Besides professors being published?

I will admit---I like the label Economist...LOL. I'm into Bio-Ethics, Birth-Control, and Inadequate Parenting. One of my professors said he thinks Economics is the most useful. However, as I read on, most people feel Economics is no good unless its a top tier school. I was just thinking my vets pref would offset the school---the Vet Pref is utilized not only for Federal jobs, but also State---which would include State Universities. Thank you by the way for your responses.

Well I have Vet Preference when it comes to federal jobs. I would like to work in a social research position---i.e. govt programs like TANF, WIC, Education etc.

Every ranking I have looked at have the U at the bottom of the list. I know its a Heterodox school----but is it better to just go for some other degree at a better school than to get their PhD in Economics?