Quantcast
Channel: Urch Forums
Viewing all 6904 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Penn State vs Duke

March 8, 2016, 5:05 pm
$
0
0
Hi,I am new in this forum but I find all the discussion here very useful. I really need help with decisions.

Now I have phd offers from Penn State and Duke, my interest lies in macrofinance, it seems neither of them fits me well, I don not know how to choose. Could you give some advices?

And what do you think about no funding in Columbia University, the field matches well but funding is very important to me.

Thank you!
↧
Search

SOP questions

March 8, 2016, 7:23 pm
$
0
0
I am starting quite early on my SOP drafts for 2017 admission to OB PhD programs. I have a few questions about my style, and potential pros/cons.

First, I've noticed that many samples online start off with the basic, "I am applying to the ABC program at XYZ University for 123 reasons." Then they go into their experiences and qualifications. I assume this is just the most straightforward approach a candidate can take, but I wonder if this is also the preferred approach by adcoms? My own SOP starts off with why I'm interested in researching ABC topics, continues on to review my research experiences, and then concludes with my desire to continue my work at XYZ University for 123 reasons. Does this backward approach hurt me since I put off my reasons for applying to the university until the end? My essay is otherwise well written and concise (~800 words, but can be trimmed if word limits are provided).

Second, I touch briefly on my professional work experience, but only to explain why I am interested in my potential research topics and how industry has taught me the importance of advancing research in XYZ. I know the work experience is irrelevant for admission (although highly related work to OB), but I want to suggest that my experience has helped me come up with creative lines of research, and that it will be a good reference in the future when I am immersed in academia and considering new ideas.

Third, I have 2 years of experience working in a professor's lab as an RA. I also have 1 year of classes that involved me designing and conducting an experiment, analyzing the data, and writing a paper. Would I say that I have 3 years of research experience? Or is the coursework assumed, and I should say I have 2 years of research experience (outside the classroom)? I don't want to discount the valuable course experiences since students at larger schools might not have them, but I also don't want to sound dishonest and cause someone to believe I have 3 years outside of the classroom.

Feedback is much appreciated!
↧
↧

PhD Fin preparation: LSE Fin&Econ or Chicago Computational Social Science?

March 9, 2016, 2:00 am
$
0
0
Hello everyone,
I am Asia guy. This is my first post.
I am seeking a master program for preparation in the application for Ph.D. finance program. Recently, I got the admission from LSE and UChicago.
LSE Fin&Econ is undoubtedly a decent program. However, the Chicago is also attractive because it allow us to take economics courses as well as computation courses.Chicago also provides 2/3 tuition waiver. https://macss.uchicago.edu/
LSE program has a very good record to place students to the top10 Ph.D. program while Chicago just launched the new program and had no record for reference.
Should I go to LSE?
↧

PhD Fin preparation: LSE Fin&Econ or Chicago Computational Social Science?

March 9, 2016, 5:53 am
$
0
0
Hello everyone,
I am a student from Asia. This is my first post.
I am seeking a master program for preparation in the application for Ph.D. finance program. Recently, I got the admission from LSE and UChicago.
LSE Fin&Econ is undoubtedly a decent program. However, the Chicago is also attractive because it allow us to take economics courses as well as computation courses.Chicago also provides 2/3 tuition waiver.https://macss.uchicago.edu/
LSE program has a very good record to place students to the top10 Ph.D. program while Chicago just launched the new program and had no record for reference.
Should I go to LSE?

Many thanks for advice
↧

Yale waitlist 2016

March 10, 2016, 5:02 am
$
0
0
Hi all,

As you can see from the title, I have been put on the Yale waitlist. I emailed to ask for my rank, and was told they would not rank (I guess this is saying my rank is not high. According to some past posts, Yale does rank its wait-listed candidates.). Is there anyone else on the list who has been told the position (either in this year or in the past)? In fact I have a hard time deciding between Yale and another program. If my low-rank hypothesis can be confirmed, I won't have to wait until April 15th to decide... Thanks!
↧
↧

Duke vs. Virginia

March 10, 2016, 5:24 am
$
0
0
Hello! I am a long-time lurker and as the season comes to an end I finally decided to create an account to post. I have offers from Duke and Virginia and wanted to hear opinions on the strengths of the departments. Which program would you rank as "better" and why? Both offers are funded and I am mostly interested in applied micro topics. I will be going to one of the flyouts but I cannot make the other, so I wanted to hear some opinions on the programs.
↧

Cambridge Diploma/MPhil and European Masters

March 11, 2016, 12:47 am
$
0
0
Hi there!

I just read through all the previous posts on the issue of the Diploma and MPhil at Cambridge and it looks like the MPhil is very very requiring so I was thinking that I could use the Diploma as a way to lay better foundations, as I am an International Student who is graduating in Economics, but unfortunately we didn't do much Maths (only Calculus/Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra) and, having terms rather than semesters, Intermediate Micro and Macro courses were shorter than usual, leaving untouched some things like Asymmetry of Information, Growth theory ecc. I did well in those courses, got both A and in Maths A,A-,A-. I also did Statistics and I will have completed another course in Applied Statistics and one in Econometrics by graduation but still, I don't think I am ready enough for the MPhil. However, I read on this forum how only a bunch of people manage to get to the 65 mark and pass on to the MPhil and that I would be competing with engineers and mathematicians who would likely outclass me. What should I do about Cambridge?
I am also considering LSE Economics 2 years, UCL, University of British Columbia (which obviously wouldn't have a diploma-like course before), Pompeu Fabra and Warwick (again, the 2 years route).

Thanks a bunch!
↧

Update on Summer Plans

March 11, 2016, 2:48 am
$
0
0
Hi,
I realize now that I have more options that I thought. The professor that I'm currently an RA for said that his coauthor, who has a PhD in economics, and specializes in the subfield that I'm interested in, development, wants me to be his RA for the summer. However, I also could, potentially, get offers from think tanks, that are non-development related. I have a lot of options to consider, but I don't know which one is best. I could use your guys' help here.

Definite Options
1. National Bank of Poland internship and a summer class
2. Summer class
3. Doing research with an economist in Singapore and summer class.
Speculative Options
4. Per Capita internship and a summer class
5. Center for Economic and Policy Research internship and a summer class
6. American Institute for Economic Research internship and a summer class
7. Institute for Economic Affairs and a summer class

Which one is the best choice, assuming that I get offers to all the ones that are speculative at this point?

Best,
kevin1297
↧
Search

UBC vs Illinois vs USC

March 11, 2016, 10:37 am
$
0
0
Any comments would be very helpful.
↧
↧

Austin vs Urbana vs PSU vs WUSTL

March 11, 2016, 6:00 pm
$
0
0
Hey guys! I have offers from UT Austin, Urbana, WUSTL and PSU and I am trying to make a decision soon! My interests are applied micro, international macro and labor. Can you please give me some opinions (both about the university and the city)? Thank you!
↧

Does dropping class matter after application?

March 11, 2016, 7:36 pm
$
0
0
I failed to foresee how those visitations plus some conferences can significantly distract myself from coursework. I am considering dropping a relatively irrelevant math class , (okay, its complex variable, and I am taking 19 hours and having heavy RA works...)

So, in short, may this action hurt after being accepted already? Someone used to tell me that he literally dropped all classes in his graduating semester after being accepted to a T15 program...

Thanks everyone!
↧

MA economics for Phd Business

March 12, 2016, 12:40 am
$
0
0
Hi !

I am a prospective Phd Business applicant. Can anyone recommend good MA Economics Programs as a preparation for a Phd in Business in Canada?

I cam across UBC, Waterloo and Concordia. These programs require a good economics undergrad, and are geared towards a Phd in Economics...any suggestions?

Thanks!
:eager:
↧

Entrepreneurship Vs Marketing Strategy PHD

March 12, 2016, 6:00 pm
$
0
0
Dear Urchers,

I have converts to two programs in Europe - PHD in Marketing Strategy and PHD in Entrepreneurship. Now I have some idea what job situation is like for Marketing PHDs but no idea of Entrepreneurship field. Is it too specialized and narrow? I like the research potential there and during the interview, both I and the professor got a little excited about some of the research areas. I should mention that I had applied to Marketing program but my research interest talked about Entrepreneurial Marketing and hence I was interviewed for the Entrepreneurship program.
Another area of contention for me is that the Marketing PHD is in France and Entrepreneurship PHD is in better ranked Spanish school. I also don't know how much of a 'Brand' would help with the job search. Should I give it enough weight in my selection?
My goal is to get an academic placement in Europe. I am a South-Asian student.
Hope for some help!
↧
↧

Advantages of studying in the United States or at a "top" department?

March 13, 2016, 5:13 pm
$
0
0
Hello guys, I'm an last year undergraduate student who's currently wondering if I should study locally or in the US for my graduate studies. I have two possibilities : doing my Ph.D at my local school (currently attending as an undergrad) or doing a Master's degree at a top canadian school, then apply to a Ph.D in the US or at a canadian school. The local school where I could study has a great reputation locally and has had some decent local placement, although I believe a Ph.D from a "top" school would signal better than that for academia, which I am interested in.

I'm a student who probably could get into a very good school (not sure about the range, but a top 10 is a possibility according to some economists I have contacted) in the US after my Master's if things go well. The problem is, I have no interest in living in the States long term. I want to live/work in academia in a local university for familial reasons, and I know that local universities sometimes place good PhD students in other local universities. I also am already familiar with the institution, the profs and I believe I could do very well there compared to my peers. If I go to a top school, I have no idea how I will do compared to my peers, which could hurt relatively if I'm a bad student there.

So here is my question : Is studying at a top department really better than studying elsewhere? I'm not talking about reputation, but about the program itself. Is it really different? I have the feeling that the coursework is basically the samething. For research, while having a very famous advisor could help, I believe that local teachers could also do a very good job, and maybe have even more time to allow to their students. Is there better options for research? What are the main concrete differences, besides the contacts you make?

Also, is studying in a top school really more for students who plan to live longterm in the states? Is it also much better internationally? Is it worth it in my case? I believe the opportunity cost of living far away from here is high for me, but also that if I don't go, I may regret it as I have good opportunities. This is a very tough decision for me, so I would like to be informed of any good reason to go into a good program, to make the best decision I can. Thank you!


Edit: Another concern I have is that if I do a Master's degree, I'll have to apply to a PhD after the first semester, so getting 3 good LORs could be hard. If anyone has gotten through this, any feedback on that matter would be appreciated.
↧

Rating needed!

March 13, 2016, 5:58 pm
$
0
0
Question:

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.


Essay:

In the modern world, technology has made the world a better place to live. Compared to the old time, technology has now been fully applied to our live. I strongly agree with the provided statement and will discuss the reasons in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, technology has made long distance communication better. For instance, I am now living thousands kilometers away from home and I am able to talk to my parents every day. Instead of sending mail, people are now able to exchange information via phone call within seconds. Not only that, the newly introduced video call allows face-to-face communication on the electronic devices.

Secondly, the transportation is now convenient to everyone. In the old centuries, people were only capable to travel limited distance every trip. In contrast, automobile nowadays allows us to travel in the world on daily basis. Besides that, well-developed public transportation has greatly improved our life quality by providing cheap yet worry-free travel option in town.

Thirdly, human being is now being more and more efficient as the technology evolves. Take, for example, automated factory. An automated factory allows mass production with minimal human workforce. Subsequently, the injury encountered at work can be minimized while ensuring the production target met.

To put it briefly, technology is undeniably transformed the world into a more livable environment for us.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for whoever helps out!
↧
Search

re: ID requirements

March 13, 2016, 7:54 pm
$
0
0
Hi Guys

I am doing my research on the documents I would need to apply for NAPLEX and CPJE and I came across their ID requirements. Can somebody help me please.

according to California board website the ffg are the options ( at least 2 from these)

US State, Commonwealth, or Territory issued driver’s license or identification card
 US government issued passport
 US social security card (cannot be laminated)
 US military-issued identification
 National identity card

Should everything be a US issued ID? like the territory issued driver's license or ID card
and the national identity card

I am not a US citizen which is why I don't have those just the SSN , but I was wondering what qualifies for national ID
↧

UCSB funding

March 13, 2016, 9:51 pm
$
0
0
Dear all,

I got accepted from the UCSB a month ago. Two week ago I received an letter from their department and said that I am less likely get funding in the first two years of graduate study.

Any one has similar circumstances? Would that change a little bit(ie., limited funding) if I wait until April ?

Or, If I accept it and fund myself for a whole year, would they provide assistant ship to those students who are un-funding in the first year?

Any suggestion or insights will be really appreciate it !
↧
↧

Michigan vs Ohio State...is it a no-brainer?

March 13, 2016, 11:32 pm
$
0
0
Hey folks,

So I've got two (comparable) funded offers from Michigan and OSU. My mentor, as well as some other insiders, have told me that Michigan is a no-brainer. After talking to some Michigan folks on here, I'm pretty much 90% confident that I will end up at Michigan. However, I've still got a lingering feeling that I shouldn't be dismissing OSU so quickly.

I know that their placements aren't even in the same league, but one thing that keeps coming to mind is the "star" issue. That is, my odds of being a top student at OSU (and receiving more attention from advisers) is much higher because of program rank (and maybe also cohort size?). I'm also a little concerned about the prelim structure at Michigan (once a year, only in August, gotta wait till next year if you fail first time).

What do you guys think? Is it really a no-brainer or... a little brainer? Thanks!

EDIT: I should say that I will be attending Michigan's open house this week. If I still don't have a final decision, then I will visit OSU later this month.
↧

OSU vs. MSU vs. Purdue

March 14, 2016, 8:45 am
$
0
0
Hello All,

Thought I'd try my hand at one of these "help me decide between schools" threads that are so popular as of late.

As the title would imply, I'm interested in getting some feedback about these three schools. The funding offers from all three are pretty comparable; all include fellowships with reduced TA duties, though the stipend at MSU is a bit more than those offered at OSU and Purdue. My career goal is to attain a tenure track position at a directional state school or liberal arts college (blasphemy I know!). Work life balance is more important to me than earning prestige and I actually really enjoy teaching. As I've never taken an econ field course, research interests are pretty malleable at the moment, but I'm currently interested in applied micro fields including labor, public and health.

Another factor I'll be considering is that my partner will doing a PhD at the same university as me, but in a different field. In his field, OSU and Purdue are both quite strong, while MSU is ranked a fair bit below the other two.

Thank you for any and all insights.
↧

paying high tuition to BGSE or accepting TILBURG

March 14, 2016, 11:27 am
$
0
0
Hi,

I am in a bit of dilemma. I have acceptance from Barcelona Graduate School and Tilburg both without stipend. I am interested in macro, and clearly BGSE=>UPF path dominates Tilburg in that field.(i am not sure even if there are any guys who do DSGEs in Tilburg)

However the BGSE tuition is extremely high, 16000 euros vs 2000 in tilburg. So i am not sure what to do at this point.
accepting bgse would mean that i would use all my savings for the tuition plus the living expenses during first year there and then hope that i will be able to get GOOD(!) financial support during my second Mres and then hope to be admitted to the phd program.

in tilburg the tuition is much lower however they again do not guarantee admission to the phd program and given the rumors of the financial difficulties they have been experiencing recently, i assume the phd admissions to be more limited in the future. plus i am not sure the strength of tilburg in macro.

so i am not really sure what to do. does anyone have any idea whether bgse or tilburg is more student friendly in terms of providing financial assistance to students in second and third year?

Thanks a lot and wish everyone good luck
↧
Viewing all 6904 articles
Browse latest View live
Search