PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top-70 US News, BS, Double Major Math and Econ
Undergrad GPA: 3.86
GRE: 168Q/162V/5.5AW
Math Courses (A unless otherwise noted): Intro Stats (A-), Calc 1-3, Linear Algebra, Intro to Proofs (B+), ODE (A-), PDE (B+), Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Math Modeling, Seminar Class in Math (A-), Math Logic
Econ Courses (A unless otherwise noted): Intro Micro, Intro Macro, Intermediate Macro (A-), Intermediate Micro (A-), Mathematical Economics, Econometrics, International Trade Theory, Game Theory, Development (A-), Labor Economics, Financial Econ, Thesis
Other Courses: Some random comp sci courses
Letters of Recommendation: One from UG professor, one from well know Fed economist, one from newer Fed economist (all graduated from top econ/finance programs). UG Professor and newer Fed economist very strong, well known Fed economist probably not as strong.
Research Experience: Some undergrad RA work, undergrad thesis, 2 years at Fed Board
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Labor, Education, Macro
SOP: Nothing extraordinary, but fine
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Boston University ($$$), Wharton (Finance) ($$$$)
Waitlists: Cornell (declined spot on waitlist)
Rejections: Basically every other top ~20 econ and top ~10 finance.
Pending: None
Attending: Boston University
Comments: My research experience was more finance related, so I think that's why I got into Wharton for Finance without better econ results. My actual research interests are in labor/education, so while Wharton was a hard offer to turn down, I couldn't see myself spending 5 years doing finance research. If I could do it again, I probably would have been more clear about my research interests with letter writers, rather than convincing myself I'd be happy in a finance program. Nonetheless, very happy with BU, though the Wharton stipend would have been nice...
