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Hi everyone, I know this seems like a stupid question, since they are strong in different things (macro vs micro). However, please hear me out About me: - I am from third world country and risk-averse. If academia does not work out I would like to stay in the US and want to find a job in the industry. From what it seems, IMF (UMN outside option) has better work/ life balance and benefits than economics consulting (Caltech outside option) - I am into game theory/ network theory/ formal theory (in political science). I did my thesis in that, and did many many courses in theory.. I enjoyed the only macro course I took however. However I must admit that I hate things like contract theory, taxation, general equilibrium,.... those topics at the boundary. - I prefer Micro theory to Macro and would choose Caltech under normal circumstances. However, I would like to stay in academia. And micro theory seems to be dying. I talked to a professor at Rochester during the visiting day and he said himself the market for theory is not good and they are not hiring any theorist anytime soon. So now Caltech vs UMN pros and cons: Caltech pros: - Obviously much stronger theory group - Very strong in formal theory as well - Strong in experimental economics, which I like - More prestige - Higher stipend (however I don't know if after accounted for cost of living it is still better than UMN) Things that are neither pro nor con: - CA will offer me better lifestyle. Better food (I am Asian), more health/ fitness culture - More things to do with Los Angeles nearby - Sunny throughout the year These things are nice but can be distraction Cons: - No macro at all - Placement is so so UMN pros: - Strong in macro theory - Fantastic placement - Friendly culture - Lower stipend - Probably more TA duties Things that are neither pro or con: - Cold and snowing all the time. I am less productive in winter in general Cons: - Micro theory group is small (1 person - Rahman, Rustichini does not do theory anymore and Werner is more financial theory) - While general placement is better, placement in theory is much worse than Caltech - Less prestige and hence maybe worse for private sector. However I have seen many UMN graduates at tech companies like Amazon, where Caltech is supposed to place better. Please help me with this decision as soon as possible! It is really important. Sometimes I wish I do not get admitted to one of them so I do not have to much such decision. Thank you all so much!

I know a bunch of people are more or less going to be riding out the waitlist for the next month. How are you all coping with the stress? Would it be helpful to start a thread where people sort of post changes to their waitlist status so that others can track how things are progressing? Or would that just make things more stressful?

Simple question (I hope). I had an interview (really positive) that culminated in the program coordinator suggesting that I talk to some current students and that I should reach out if I have any questions or anything comes up. This was already one of my top choices, and having spoken to several people, it's officially where I want to be. I have another flyout in a few weeks where we were given a budget, and if possible, I'd like to save that other school the time and expense if I am going to get an offer from the first school. I don't think they've made final decisions yet, but he seemed to indicate that they were targeting next week. I'd like to reach out to say "I spoke with several people you suggested, they said incredible things, and I am sure this is where I want to be. I have this other flyout, but I like your school better and would like to attend" (and mean it--if offered, I would accept). My question is whether that will be perceived as enthusiastic or weird? At a minimum, I'd like to let them know that I reached out, and everyone had good things to say...is that considered normal? This process baffles me a little bit.

Hi there! I've recently been waitlisted for a PhD in economics at one of the unis in the US. They've just sent me an invitation to a visitation day in March, for which they provide accommodation, travel reimbursement etc. Do you think it's a standard things for people on a waitlist? Or is it safe to assume thay their waitlist is rather small if they are offering it? Thanks for your answers!