Optimizer

Hey all, For those of you who have had extensive experiences in the private sector, which industries do you think are most relevant to the skills acquired in an Econ PhD program (either macro or micro)? Just want to get some fresh opinions! Thanks!

Hi folks, Anyone know how many years (on average) does it take to get tenure at top 5, top 25, top 50 and top 100 economics departments? Thank you!

You should give it a shot and apply to the top 30 schools. I'm sure you will even get into a top 20 program if luck is on your side. Also, try getting external funding.

Anyone know what good textbooks (or what is used in Mines) on energy/resource economics? Any textbooks related to exploration economics/energy economics? Thanks!

Thanks econobot!

Hi everyone, I'm wondering how is the quality of graduate training in economics one would get differ in top 5 programs and the rest (say top 20 or 50)? The obvious seems to be the faculty both in size and quality? Anything else? Thanks guys!

I agree with Economists - I've only taken Calculus I, II, III , Linear algebra, Intro to proofs, Differential equations and passed Prob & Stats and I got into top 5 program with strong letters (not from top faculty). Just make sure you do well on each of the math classes.

at this point i just want to hear something since I already paid the $90 application fee.

What is going on with NYU?

Thanks for all the information! I can see from your name resource that you must be interested in these issues too :) Do you guys know who's good in energy from U Chicago? Thanks again.

Thanks for the info OneArmedEcon. So my understanding is that one can basically pursue this in a regular PhD econ program without being in the ARE program correct? Does the top 10 econ PhD programs pretty much have excellent people in this field? Also, do you know the job prospects (academia and private sector) for this field? I don't see this as common as other fields of interests. Thanks again.

Hello, anyone have any information about what kind of work done in this field? Is this the same as Agri/resource economics? I'm wondering if there are micro/IO involved in this field? Any information will be helpful. Thanks again.

great advice guys, thanks!

thanks JRav

I know this has been asked a million times, but can recent first year students or anyone comment on this? Thanks!

I don't have a good exposure to econometrics and macro as an undergrad so I thought some readings will help. Do most people struggle on micro in the core exams?

Anyone has recommendations for first year macro sequence and econometrics (self-studying in the summer before PhD econ enrollment)? It's been a while since I got out of school so I need to refresh some stuff. Thanks!

"However, will a PhD Econ program take someone with a BS degree from NoName Community College? (And yeah, many community colleges offer BS degrees these days)." - absolutely yes, i know some people who came from noname colleges and went to top 20 econ PhD programs...

How mobile do you think is the first 2 years in grad school? Do you move around for group study a lot? I'm deciding between macbook air vs macbook pro...air has better mobility (weight etc) but pro has better spec...but seems that many people say that MBP is not enough to run heavy regressions and you still need to use a desktop anyways?

Agriculture/resource economics

I think its beneficial for you to take a grad level micro course because (1) it prepares you for PhD program if you end up applying and (2) (more importantly) its a good indicator of what grad school econ is all about - see if you like it or not. If you don't like it, you do not need to waste time and money applying for PhD programs and you can go straight to masters or private sector. Hope this helps!

How is chicago's attrition rate nowadays? anyone know?

I think your profile is much better than you think. I agree with whatdoido that try to get RA position somehow to secure better letters (extremely important). You can maybe write a senior thesis so that some professors know your research ability and seriousness? If I were you, I would apply to various PhD programs straight. I think doing masters in the US is not much beneficial for your case (looks like you are very well prepared) and its very expensive too. A RA position at the Fed may be better off if you can work closely with someone who is a professor in a school you want to go to (emphasizing on connections). Don't be discouraged!!!

I personally think that if you take and do well in a Grad level Micro class (even just one) and also your remaining math classes, you should just apply to PhD programs. Remember that the admissions process is quite random. In the case of making your profile stronger, you can become an RA for a professor (more research experience + better letters (extremely important)). You can try and take a grad level micro class as I said above. Do a honors thesis maybe?

Anyone know when will Princeton decisions come out (based on previous years)? I still have not heard back from Harvard (I'm assuming implicit rejection but I still want a decision since I paid those app fees!)