Search the Community

Questions sometimes arise about the deadline for replying to offers. There is a pretty firm April 15 deadline for most American schools. You can read the policy at https://cgsnet.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CGS_April15_Resolution_Oct2020Revision.pdf and read the FAQ at https://cgsnet.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/2020%20April%2015%20Resolution%20FAQ%209_2020.pdf

I hope no one minds me creating a new thread for these questions without an informative title. I preface my post in this way because the questions are based on my own personal problems. I am creating a thread about them because they are probably relevant to others. (1) is obviously of interest to everyone, (2)-(4) are based on me either being stupid or lazy or both but maybe you are like me! 1. COVID-19 means that the GRE is not required at many (most?) programs. My GRE is strong but not perfect - should I light some money on fire and report or leave it be? A corollary question: could this mess up the screening process? 2. Some programs require writing samples of significant length. I have a writing sample from undergrad, the writing is passable. The content is "cringe" - I reviewed the literature like an arrogant little pissant and I use a weenie hut jr methodology in the paper, my tone is not warranted! Insofar as anyone decides to read the writing sample (why do programs create work for poor admissions committee people by making them read this drivel?), do you think they'll be aware that an undergrad thesis should be evaluated different from a MA thesis? Corollary question: when writing samples are optional, is the ideal something like a NSF research proposal? 3. Statement of Purpose - I assume that no one actually wants to read this and they want to look at LORs, transcripts and so on instead. How do I play to the desire of an admissions evaluator to daydream about literally anything else without turning in a blank piece of paper? This question is as open-ended as possible - basically everything that makes me a strong candidate is in my transcripts, should be in my letters (probably true of almost all applicants!). 4. resume/cv - is this actually examined closely? if so, is it "safe" to keep it toned down if any extra additions are obvious fluff and let letter writers do the lifting?

Hey everybody! Let's do something to get our minds off of admission results for a bit. What books are you planning on reading over the summer, before classes/math camps start? I'm thinking about books that will help you get ready for the next 5 years, though I guess this can be anything you've been meaning to read. For anyone who's already been through this process, please share books you read to prepare (or wish you had!). I will start. I found a copy of "Mostly Harmless Econometrics" in a used bookstore and snatched it up, thinking it might be good to read before taking graduate econometrics courses.

Hello, At some places I read that if one doesn't get an interview offer till the mid-February the rejection is on the way. I have also heard of tales of students getting accepted without an interview. Also I have read on websites of good number of universities that an interview is not required to be considered for the PhD position. I searched this forum for this topic, with a variation of keywords, but I couldn't find a thread pertaining to this concern, so I created this thread. If anyone has seen a thread about this, it would be great if you could share it with us. I had contacted some professors in the late 2018, and they had said some positive stuff. Thus, I was optimistic about my chances this time, but it has been very silent so far. :( Is it a common practice to get positive responses from professors? If anyone is in the same boat as me, it would be great to connect and sail together. Does it help to send follow up emails to the department or professors of the universities in which we are interested in? Or is it better to just wait? Also, it would be nice to hear from you about the chances of acceptance if we have not received any interview invitations till now. Best of luck to everyone for this season. :)

Hi all, Wanted to introduce myself! I am Will, student as we speek. Like to hang out with friends, and read interesting books. - Wil

How many progressing from their MSc to MRes/PhD economics get funded. Are funding opportunities better for direct entrants coz I read from another thread that funding decisions get made well before MSc completion.