EconUnplugged

Hey, I dont entirely agree with Mathemagician. In my opinion, schools have have a higher word limit do so on purpose to accommodate those that actually need a higher word limit. I have no idea what your story is, but there are certainly some people that apply to these programs that have several years of different work experiences, and to tie their profile together, it would justify having a 3/4 page SOP. I think one of the most important things about the SOP is to make sure it is not verbose - adcoms will stop reading it. Instead of wondering how many words you should put into it, you should be asking yourself what do you need to put into it, and how can you make it succinct. Good luck!

Good post? http://www.www.urch.com/forums/images/buttons/ha_plus.png | http://www.www.urch.com/forums/images/buttons/ha_minus.png PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Undergrad GPA: Type of Grad: Grad GPA: GRE: Math Courses: Econ Courses (grad-level): Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Other Courses: Letters of Recommendation: Research Experience: Teaching Experience: Research Interests: SOP: Concerns: Other: Applying to:

Hey Anik, It is possible, but you need to disclose a lot more information: What do you wish to study? what is the ranking of your undergraduate institution? Do you have work experience? etc Please look at the standard format for posting a profile - you may get more responses that way.

Sorry for the confusion - was actually referring to the UC system (University of Cali), but thanks for your input on U of Cincinnati. I'm actually an international student -so I guess if U of Cincinnati has very little funding for U.S citizens - it is going to be even harder for me.

Thanks Economyclass - are there any programs in Canada that you would recommend with my profile?

Hey, I know i'm the OP - but I would recommend that if you have a better gpa (and math/econ grades) you should step up the schools a notch. I would add tufts, and BU to the reaches. Move clemson, American down to Safeties (take out UNCG and Bowling), and add a couple of 20-30 ranked programs in the middle. Hope this helps.

I would not assume that the recommend-er would know.But might not hurt to ask the school. And for the sake of politeness - I would suggest informing the professors that you decided not to apply to the school and your reasoning. Sorry cant be of more assistance.

Correct me if I am wrong - but I was under the impression that the UC's offer funding to masters students. I hope someone here can shed light on that.

Hi Anurag, Relocating to the US is extremely difficult on a work visa by yourself. If you want to relocate - I would suggest applying to a multinational in India and getting transferred through the company itself to another branch. I share your work frustrations - India is still greatly lacking in workplace professionalism. Canda is easier to apply to for a work visa. Alternatively, as you mentioned - I would suggest you apply to a professional degree in the U.S (hopefully on partial scholarship), and relocate that way. I would not recommend applying to a Phd for relocation purposes. You will probably not be able to finish it - if relocation is your main goal. good luck.

Hey - I would suggest applying as soon as possible. Your profile looks fine for a masters. I think the only reach school on your list is LSE - but nothing that a excellent SOP and strong letters of rec should not be able to fix. I remember seeing on some department website a list of how many academic and professional letters they accept depending on how long you have been out of school. I would suggest you write to the admissions department and see if they are ok with 1 academic and 2 professional. Good luck!

I believe all universities request you to submit all degrees from all universities. I would suggest perhaps having a paragraph in your SOP explaining the motivation for change of track. I would not recommend not disclosing a degree.

It would help if you posted your profile in the standard format. From your current GRE scores, you should should be fine with econ (they focus mainly on the quant), perhaps a higher score for public policy would be recommended. I would suggest having a few outside the top twenty for safety. What is your work ex? Is it related to econ? What about your LORs?

Good post? http://www.www.urch.com/forums/images/buttons/ha_plus.png | http://www.www.urch.com/forums/images/buttons/ha_minus.png PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Undergrad GPA: Type of Grad: Grad GPA: GRE: Math Courses: Econ Courses (grad-level): Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Other Courses: Letters of Recommendation: Research Experience: Teaching Experience: Research Interests: SOP: Concerns: Other: Applying to:

I my opinion - it really depends on a school by school basis. Some departments websites explicitly mention NOT to contact their professors. Other websites conveniently list the professors' role in the admission committee. By a general guideline to follow is never to write to them about your profile. Write to them expressing interest in their research, discuss their paper etc, and it does hurt to throw in a 'btw, i'm thinking about applying to x program for fall 2014 and would love to discuss this in person with you' etc. I know writing to prof's is much more standard for phd applications, not very much so for masters, and by no means is it mandatory.

Thanks tomripley. Do you think I should be aiming a bit higher? Do you think I should add Tufts to the list? Their deadline is fast approaching!