albert Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Hi everyone. I have recently got full funded offers from these programs. My research interests mainly lies in political economy, development, economic growth. Could you please give me some suggestions on whcih programs should I choose. Chicago_Harris. pros: I have already passed the PhD Q exam at Harris during my master study. So I could graduate in 4 years. Many first-tier faculties (Robinson, Blattman, Sonin, Durlauf, Ito, ......) that conduct excellent researches. And also Harris fits my research interests well. cons: not strong performance in econ job market (may be better in the future because of their great hiring)? Policy PhD may be discriminated in the econ market? Not that rigorous training in econ (compare with other 2 programs). Cornell applied economics and management. Pros: Taking most of their courses with econ PhD, rigorous training. Strong placement records (even better than their econ department) and have many chances to coauthor with their professors. Cons: Few of the faculty members have top 5 publication records. Nobody does the political economy in their department. Madison economics PhD Pros: Excellent training and professors. Highly ranked in econ PhD programs. Cons: Not so many professors that fit my research interests (only want to work with 2 professors). Not strong placement records. Too many cohorts, high competition in terms of resources. And maybe high attrition rate in their q exams (rumor?) I appreciate any suggestions and comments! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcjc Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Congrats on your offers. May I ask when did you hear back from Cornell AEM? Did you have an interview with them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbones Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 I would recommend the schools in this order: #1: Chicago Harris: You would likely be quite successful and happy in this program. It's a smoother transition. And moving costs are not a factor assuming you're currently in the same area. #2: Cornell: If you're mostly interested in the placement records of past students, this school does seem most impressive. But you may have to modify your research interests even if slightly. #3: Madison: This is a highly sought after school by many people, and the quality of the program may be elevated, I don't know. But you might be best served to try to get more information about how this school treats its students and how accommodating the professors are in helping with your research interests. Since you've already gotten into all three schools, why not have a call or email blast to each professor you'd like to work with and see before you commit where you'd be the most fulfilled. That's my two cents, sorry I don't know too much about the schools but I am familiar with the names. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealslimkt Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Is there a particular reason that you weight econ job market placement heavily? Lots of development/PE people are in polisci departments or policy schools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulsars Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 I vote for Harris. Chicago is a much better city to spend 5-6 years than Ithaca or Madison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutonic Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Generally, top 5 PPol strictly dominates anything outside top 20 Econ. However, seeing as to how Wisconsin-Madison is top 15, it isn't that clear cut. That being said, if you're really certain you're going to be staying in your current field, there is little merit to be gained form moving away from Harris, since you've already passed the qualifiers. There is one last thing. You need to be cognizant of the fact that PPol grads very rarely get placed into Econ departments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nimrod06 Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 You are going to do great in any of these programs. Congras! Heard that Chicago gives decent stipend this year? That's another advantage added. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurker19 Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 When did you receive all of these offers? It seems like neither Harris nor Cornell have released final results yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 I received the informal one from Cornell and the official one from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Since econ jobs have higher salary. And my field is economics rather than political sci or health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 Thanks. Yes, I had an interview with them in last week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 Thank you so much for your suggestions! what about maryland? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njeconwonk Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 OP, how was the MACRM program at Harris? I applied to it and I'm so anxious to hear back. The program sounds awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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