nishaadrao

Looking at 25-45 ranked schools right now for a PhD, and wanted to know which ones were supposed to be good in labour/econometrics. From what I've heard Michigan State is supposed to be really great for metrics despite being relatively lower ranked - anyone know other schools like Mich St? Also, do 25-45 ranked schools offer good funding? I think Rice is supposed to be quite generous - any other programs that are generous but still ranked 25-45? Thanks!

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: B.S. in Economics and Physics (with Honors), top 15 Econ department Undergrad GPA: 3.31 Type of Grad: M.S. Economics, top 15 Econ department Grad GPA: 3.85 GRE: 166Q / 163V / 5.0W Math Courses: Real Analysis (AB), Differential Equations (AB), Linear Algebra (AB), Calculus-II/III - (A/AB). Econ Courses (grad-level): Math for Economists (AB), Microeconomics-I/II - (A/AB), Econometrics I/II (A/A), Macroeconomics (A). Taking Econometrics III, PhD Microeconomics I, PhD Macroeconomics I right now. Confident of an A in Metrics. Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Game Theory (BC), Econometrics (BC), Economic Growth (AB), Honors Thesis (A), Wealth Economics (A), Markets with Frictions (A) Other Courses: Have a B.S. in Physics as well, so various Physics related courses with a 3.5 GPA. Letters of Recommendation: Two stellar/brand name professors, one of whom I've RA'ed for for 2 years now. A third under whom I've written my writing sample - also widely published. Research Experience: Honors Thesis on macroeconometrics, Working paper with a PhD student on public economics, Masters Thesis on health economics. Teaching Experience: N/A Research Interests: Empirical Micro/Microeconometrics, Macroeconometrics SOP: Talk about research mostly. Should I address bad undergraduate performance, or excuse it? Concerns: Bad, bad undergrad performance, my undergrad GPA graph is a nice U shape. Hoping graduate courses kind of reflect "true" ability. Lots will depend on how I do on the PhD courses I'm taking right now. Other: Applying to: Broadly to top 30, will probably throw in a top 10 or two (Berkeley, NYU - why not?). Really hoping for a top 20 school (UCLA, Michigan, Cornell). Will probably have one or two safeties from 30-40 (Washington, Virginia).

Just trying to get some more opinions on this one, now that more people seem to be active on here.

Type of Undergrad: Top 15 Econ Department, but majored in both Econ and Physics Undergrad GPA: 3.3 Type of Grad: MS Economics from Top 15 Econ Department (same as undergrad but separate program) Grad GPA: 3.85 GRE: V163 Q166 W5.5 Math Courses: Analysis, Differential Equations - average of AB (that's an A-/B+ equivalent) Econ Courses: The usual, taking the PhD Micro and Macro sequences at my University right now. Letters of Recommendation: 1. Research Prof - I've been working under him for two years, so I'm sure it will be a great reco. Brand name. 2. Research Prof - Took an undergrad class under him, did great, wrote a paper for the course. Brand name. 3. Research Prof - Taking his class right now. Will have a paper for the class before applications. Research Experience: My undergrad thesis was in macro econometrics, and then in my MS I started working on labour issues. Trying to co-author a paper with a PhD student right now on intergenerational inequality, and also starting a project in Health Economics. Overall, I feel my research experience is probably the strongest part of my application. Teaching Experience: N/A (not allowed for MS students at my University) Research Interests: Applied Micro/Empirical Micro and maybe Macro econometrics. SOP: Started writing. Other: This will be my second time applying to PhD programs. I applied in 2013 for admission in Fall 2014 but didn't get in. Concerns: 1. Obvious one - undergrad GPA, but I'm hoping the MS GPA takes care of that. I'm not sure to what extent. 2. This is my second time applying. How big of a disadvantage do I face? Since applying last time, I have completed an undergrad honors thesis (A), have worked on another research project, and am starting yet another one. My grades have gone up considerably in an MS program that is extremely technical. I am also taking PhD courses this semester. 3. SOP - do I mention my undergrad GPA in my SOP? Do I mention this is my second time applying? Usual pre-application sweating has started, I suppose, so any comments/help is appreciated! Thanks!

Hi all, Hoping to apply for a PhD for next fall. I'm sure you guys will help!