paulwing

ooops

Sorry, I think I was not very accurate.. My point was: 1. Both programs Michigan and UCLA already admitted me to their PhD programs in Economics 2. I would choose one. 3. I would ask to start the program just in the next year 4. During this one year interval, I would improve my skills at Toulouse. But I am not sure if it is allowed by the programs to do it. Anyway, first I would like to know how you compare Toulouse to these other 2 programs. If I feel that both programs are somewhat similar, then I would attend Toulouse. If you say that Toulouse is inferior, then I would like to know what you think about taking these steps to improve my skills before the PhD in USA.

Do you guys know why Minnesota is not very well ranked by RePEc (at least, it is not as well ranked as I had supposed)?

Thanks for the comments. Minnesota specializes in macro and IO. What about metrics (not macroeconometrics)? I thought they would be ok. Also, any comment about attrition rates?

Ok, but what about the post doc positions?

4. Of course, if you have information about attrition rates I would also appreciate.

I am also interested in understanding the quality of Tinbergen. How are the placements of Tinbergen students after their post-doc? I was admitted for some top 20 programs and I strongly considered Tinbergen, but I declined it because I did not know how to compare the program with the American ones. Anyway, some of its students made great comments about the place and the work environment (in fact, Judith and Massimo looked to be very friendly; if the faculty looks like them, so I believe the work environment must be pretty good).

Both Duke and Minnesota admitted me to their PhD program in Economics and I would like to get your responses about some points to facilitate my decision. Minnesota is much more traditional; they have a strong Macro group. Also, they offered me TAship $14k and fellowship $5k. By the other side, Duke has improved a lot in the last years and hired some great professors. Also, they offered me fellowship for the first year $25k and summer research $5k. I have heard many good comments about the work environment in Minnesota, but nothing about environment in Duke. Do you guys know how things work in Duke, how students and professors interact, how much students cooperate with each other? In a general way, how do you compare these two programs? Which school would you choose? Is there any difference in taxation between fellowships and TAships? And what about the states of Minnesota and North Carolina? Specifically, do you know how much I would receive (after tax) in each school? I appreciate any help.