EXP
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Characterizing features of various PhD programs?
EXP replied to dogbones's topic in PhD in Economics
To what end? Why do you believe those things about MIT and Harvard? Besides, unbiased comparison between two programs is very difficult, as no one has been to more than one. I would argue that the breadth and depth of education between two similarly-ranked schools is immaterial. A more important distinction here is number of professors you want to work with and/or strength of fields of specialization. Finding out this information, for me, was a good exercise in getting to know the programs better and helped me form my own preferences. I don't think anyone would complain if you compiled a list of fields of specialization at the top 100 schools, but I doubt it's the best use of your time. -
"Suppose not" arguments are proofs by contradiction.
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If you wanted to work for the CIA, you'd probably have much better results doing things other than a PhD. If you had a master's and knew a critical language, for example, you'd be a much better fit. I don't imagine the CIA does much in the way of academic research, much like the State Department.
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Financially, whether you should or not depends on the origination fees and interest rates of both loans. However, if you are considering doing this you must make sure that federal loans are allowed to be used for paying off other debt - the terms of the loan may dictate that you are not permitted to do this.
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I also think it is important to consider the qualitative factors of each school; I got accepted to TAMU very early (1/26) and it was my best offer for a long time. I realized that I wouldn't be happy in College Station, and should have applied elsewhere with the money saved.
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Try to relax. Many people on this forum and elsewhere will tell you how much the admissions process takes out of you and it can hurt a lot. You've likely been at the top of your classes for a long time and that might change soon.
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If you're considering taking both in the last semester of your program, I don't believe they will matter much for admissions. However, the knowledge never hurts.
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Is that Berkeley Econ or Berkeley ARE? Both are great programs, but are a different caliber.
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1. Your profile is better than mine, and I was admitted to the low end of top 30. 2. I second tutonic, math is the last thing you need. 3. I don't see any weaknesses that can be remedied. 4. You can't. Just make sure you do your due diligence and apply to schools that fit your interests. I doubt you'll go to Harvard, but you'll have your choice of places.
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This is completely spot on, and I was in the same situation. I look forward to staying on this forum and helping applicants for later years.
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I wonder why people (one person?) are downvoting profiles/results.
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No, that's not a good assumption.
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PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BS Mathematics, BA Econ, BBA General Business (all with honors) from Unranked State School Undergrad GPA: 3.91 Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: 161V, 170Q, 5.5AW Math Courses: Calculus I-III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Intro to Higher Math, Intro to Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Real Analysis I & II, Topology, Intermediate Statistics, Probability Theory, Stochastic Processes (Withdrawn but still learned) (All A's) Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Master's Micro, Master's Macro, Master's Econometrics II, and a bunch of undergrad electives (all A's) Other Courses: Advanced Python, Intro to Java, enough business courses to get a BBA (all A's) Letters of Recommendation: Two from econ professors, very good as I am the best student in years. One from math professor, very good. Research Experience: None Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Behavioral, Experimental SOP: Nothing special, discussed how I started econ late, skipped a few classes (Undergrad Econometrics and Advanced Econometrics I) by challenging them. Other: I am the only econ undergrad / master's student at my school that is applying for Ph.D. programs this year. RESULTS: Acceptances: OSU, TAMU, ASU, GSU, UCSB, and a bunch of others lower ranked Waitlists: UCSD Rejections: Caltech Pending: None Attending: UCSB Comments: Apparently I should have focused my application higher (maybe low top 30?) but it was impossible to tell as not many students from my program ever pursue a Ph.D. What would you have done differently? I come from an unknown school, as I had no direction out of high school. I could have probably made top 20 undergrad or so out of high school. I had no research opportunities in my program, and started Econ and Math in my Junior year. I believe I placed higher than I should have given my profile, and am happy with my outcomes. I recognize that I could have spent a year or two RAing and broken top 20, maybe top 10, but it wasn't in the cards with my non-academic situation.I expect to be rejected from UCSD eventually, or at least not offered funding. That said, I believe my application was as strong as it could have been, if the frame of reference is the beginning of my last year in school.
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Good point. However, I believe Nonresident Aliens cannot claim the standard deduction (unless they are from India or they take part in a tax treaty).
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Remember that this does not take into account FICA (7.65%) and state income tax for whichever state you reside in.