JB1

Bump.

Do first round of acceptances usually get higher chance of funding?

First time applying. Besides the logistics of getting any remaining documents submitted, etc, is it usually quiet until March/April while waiting to hear back from programs? Any tips on things to do/get ahead of until then?

I came across this and was wondering why this was so for Econ? A number of other fields seem to encourage reaching out to professors prior to applying. I believe I've seen similar suggestions to yours on other threads here; why is this a big no?

Thank you all for your thoughts/suggestions. I took the GRE, and got 167Q /154V and 4.5AW. Is the low Verbal a concern enough to retake? I think on a good day I can get it to 156-158, and get quant higher too. I know quant is most important, but I don't want my application tossed because of the low verbal. My aim is still 25-50, and I might apply to a few top 20 as well.

Hi all, Is there any comprehensive ranking of US Phd (and/or Masters) programs by concentration? I'm looking more so for non-top schools that can be pretty strong in some concentrations despite relatively lower overall rankings. I don't have a particular school or concentration in mind. Just wondering if such a resource exists.

bump.

Not sure if this is the right thread for this, but what's the general consensus on how competitive top US Masters Econ programs are compared to Phds ranked, say 25-50, or 50-75? Particularly for someone considering a Masters to bolster apps to Phds. Tufts, Duke, BU, Madison were mentioned on here. I would imagine masters applicants generally have something lacking on their profile if they intend to eventually apply to Phds. Assuming a strong math background/GREs, then perhaps a low ranked undergrad, weak letters, no research experience, etc? Do these top masters programs consider such applicants? Do they discriminate on whether applicants intend to apply to Phds or work after?

Plot twist: Maybe the top 10 or so pool together and bid on mutual applicants. No need playing the wait game. :devilish:

UC Davis. I've taken six total - intro to micro, macro, and political economy. Intermediate micro, macro, and money/banking

Thanks all. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks! Top 40 would be fantastic, considering. Even 75-100, I'd be happy with. From what I see on here and various other sites, it's so random even if you have a "perfect" application. I'm also slightly concerned about coursework. My Econ minor includes intermediate coursework plus 1 upper level course. Grades were all great, but I'm worried about the lack of rigor/upper level courses. One of the schools I'm strongly considering, which is also quite a reach as it is, requires intermediate micro & macro, plus 2 upper levels. However, many other schools just require intermediate coursework. Any thoughts on taking a summer course, potentially online, for that one more upper? Would it be discounted?

Any thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Wondering what would be considered a reach/target/safety (if there's such a thing) for Econ PhD? Top 20? Top 50? 100? Am I cut out at all? Looking to see where I relatively hold up. I'm interested in Economics of US Immigration, labor, Wages, Skills, etc. so I'll be focusing on Labor Econ programs. I graduated from UMass Amherst 3 years ago and have been working in Analyst positions since. Due to various circumstances outside my control, grad school was not an option earlier, but finally is now. More details about my profile: Undergrad GPA: 3.89 Major: Math major (Stat focus), Econ minor. I took Calc 1/2/3 & Advanced Calc; Into to Linear & Upper level advanced Linear Algebra; Stat 1/2; Differential Equations; Nonlinear Dynamics; Discrete Math & Graph Theory; Intermediate Micro & Macro, and Money/Banking. GREs: Not taken yet! Although practice tests, including the 2 ETS tests have been 164-166 Q, 153-155V. Still studying for Quant, and hoping to get 168+ on the actual. Also, English isn't my first language (actually my 3rd) if that helps in overlooking the Verbal/Writing scores. Letters: Professors from: 1) Math class I wrote a 15 page final/presented on the financial crisis using theories learned in class. 2) Honors seminar class in which I wrote a thesis on US immigration. 3) Phd Candidate who lectured upper level Econ class. I didn't get to know Professor well as it was a large class, but I got to know the lecturer well, and had numerous conversations with outside of class/wrote a number of essays for. I know this is a no-no, but perhaps I can get them to co-sign? Aside from this I don't have much from other Econ classes.
 I'm really interested in researching economic impacts of US immigration and have some interesting research topics that would be very relevant today. However, my likely good but not fantastic letters of recommendation and lack of research experience definitely concern me. As I mentioned I've been away from school for 3 years and I've applied to research positions before to bulk up my experience and possibly get a stronger rec, but have not had much luck. My work experience so far has been analyst jobs but unrelated to Econ or have any research involved (one corporate, one startup). I also did a market research internship for a hospital for a summer.

I'm looking to apply for Fall 2018, so I suppose there's still a bit of time left. Thoughts? Chances? Please be realistic. Thank you!