anon101

I think lots of people have this debate, which highlights how close the two schools are. I think most people would agree with two things: 1) Michigan has a stronger program right now; better placements, strong tradition of advising and caring about Ph.D. students, etc. and 2) Brown is likely to improve over the next few years. They are also both good "full service" programs in terms of having good coverage even outside of development in case your interests change. That said, if you look at the history of U.S. News Rankings (obviously not perfect, but maybe the best option) or other rankings, you will see programs in the top 20 almost never move; and, if they do, it's pretty slow. In other words, there certainly is probability that Brown will be a better program in 5 or 6 years, but it's likely less than 50%. I know people in this position who have taken both; in my limited sample, more have chosen Michigan, but that may change. Overall, I would say that if you're really unsure I would recommend Michigan, but if you have a gut feeling in the other direction, I would take it.

Of the two big IO people, Ackerberg and Fan, Ackerberg is for sure leaving, but Fan may or may not leave. That said, they may hire new people lpus have one IO junior starting next year. Unclear what the future holds. Probably will make some new hires, but unclear at what level I think

Hello I was wondering what peoples' thoughts are between Michigan's and Brown's programs for someone interested in Development and Political Economy (applied micro), and maybe some of the firm side of IO/trade (contracting & market power) and possibly history? It seems to me that placements are better generally from Michigan, but that there are concerns about the some senior faculty possibly leaving (don't know how much of that is rumor vs reality), the IO group has basically all left, and the political economy group is only in the poli sci department (does that matter? there are Econ Ph.D.s there) On the other hand, Brown has a slightly worse track record historically, but does have some exciting new people in IO (Jesse Shapiro) and Dev (Dan Bjorkeregen), and a strong history in Dev and Political Economy (Dal Bo). Additionally, it is on the East Coast so likely more interaction with Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, etc. It seems to me that they are prioritizing Econ going forward. At both places, faculty and students seem accessible and excited, so fit/culture doesn't really seem to be an issue either place.