MathEcon12

Just one of the consequences of first year.

I went to West Virginia University for undergrad and copied this from one of my old professor's Facebook just in case anyone is interested. WVU isn't a school that gets very much publicity but it might be a good fit for some people on the forum. If anyone has any questions about the program feel free to send me a DM.

Best of luck to all of you.. not only on your results but also in handling the insanity that will burden you for the next couple months.

Talk to mostly anyone who has went through a PhD program in economics and they'll tell you how hellacious the first year can be. Since I am now a first-year PhD student at Michigan, I thought it would be a good idea to keep a "diary" to chronicle this infamous experience. I put diary in quotes because I really only want to focus on things that future grad students and potential applicants are interested in, for example, how many hours a day are spent studying. My purpose in doing this is to give future grad students and potential applicants an idea of really what to expect, that is, a better approximation than "it's soo hard" and "you'll have no time to do anything" and etc. So to help me help the community, I'd like to ask all of you what sort of (reasonable) things you are interested in finding out about first-year grad student life; what information would it be beneficial for me to keep track of?

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One you never heard of I, push it hard to further the, grind might feel like murder but, econ you saved my life.

Ahhh Plan B, eh? I think you can still get it at CVS and Walgreens.

fiat money train gang ... represent

For many of us, the summer brings a welcomed, refreshing opportunity to venture outside of the often desolate study rooms we call 'home' and return to a more healthy lifestyle equipped with a another year's worth of experience and a new-found sense of focus and perspective. In void of the perpetual responsibilities and stress that too frequently define our lives as students, what are you hoping to accomplish this summer? My goals/plans: 1. Move to and get acclimated with Ann Arbor before math camp. 2. Read a bunch of books--most of which will not be directly related to economics. 3. Gain invaluable experience by backpacking Europe. 4. Review my first-year micro, metrics, and math econ notes/problem sets before August 16th. 5. Play a lot of basketball. 6. Read/re-read each of these articles: http://economics.mit.edu/files/6349 7. Write.

One shining moment: UG: "I don't care about money..." Grad Student: "What a great attitude for an economist!"

I'd say take real analysis; it gives you options. If you want to do a PhD, this a great course to have--you know this already. Furthermore, I think the benefits of real analysis transcend the obvious. It teaches you to think in a unique way: creatively and rigorously. Even if you don't go on to do a PhD, these skills will be useful.

I'd be more than happy to serve as a moderator, and I appreciate the nominations!

I thoroughly enjoy the work of Al Roth and of Justin Wolfers.

Imagine someone you just met asked you this question, and assume further that this person has no background in economics--I admit this may be an unrealistic assumption lol. I think each of us have a different, yet related answer to "what does an economist do?". I'm interested in reading how you all would answer this question. (Please abstain from the trite, "I study the economy," unless that's how you would honestly answer the question.)

What are your interests? WVU's placements this year were strong relative to their rank. The graduate students who are here are very happy. I think the department is kind of in a transition phase. Some professors have left or are leaving, but the dean of the College of Bus. & Economics is very adamant about moving up in the rankings. If you have any specific questions shoot me a PM.