archi757

So, long time lurker first time poster. I recently got in these two programs and they both offer me similar funding as well so I don't know what to do. In terms of location (and weather) I don't think they are very different. So my biggest questions are: 1) For someone interested in Open Economy Macro, which one is better? 2) In terms of general macro theory I think Minnesota is better ranked but I think they focus on a very specific type of Macro (DSGE models with no frictions). I like their structural approach, but I would like to have a a more global view of Macro. Is this a myth? Is Wisconsin different in this regard? 3) At the moment I am more interested in a policy oriented career, probably the IMF would be my top choice. I know Minnesota students can work at the Fed and I wonder if this increases my chances of getting into this type of institution. I know Madison is not a bad place in this regard as well, but do you think Minnesota dominates it? 4) Any thoughts about how the life style will be on both cities? I am more of the big city type but I think that when you live 4 months at minus 10 perhaps its best to have a car and enjoy a more comfortable apartment in a cheaper small town. Thanks in advance guys!

Thank you for the great answers. I am thinking about going to Minnesota too. However I have recently heard that the program is very week when it comes to Econometrics. I would like to know how true those rumors are. I am not interested in theoretical Econometrics but I would like to go to a program that also gives me good training in applied metrics for macro at least (VARs, time series etc.) Is it the case in Minnesota? Thank you once again

I went to the MSc a couple of years ago, great program and definitely a good track to stay for a Dphil at Oxford (as long as you stay in the top 3-4 of your class). I don't know about schools in Canada but I got into top 15 PhD program in the US (Minnesota) with the Msc and 2 years of research experience.