SOCgrad987

Also, my program has comp exam after you complete coursework, which is usually 3 years. You also complete an MA thesis during that time as well.

I'm not so sure most programs would let you take stats courses in economics. I am almost positive that would get a few jaws dropped from the faculty/staff at my department. I guess it would not hurt to ask--all they could tell you is no.

I just finished my first semester at a top 15 university. As for the course load, there was quite a bit of reading and paper writing, but it was not too stressful. As for statistics, I had a great professor who made it interesting and relatable, focusing more on interpreting the data than memorizing formulas, etc. Our program emphasizes that grades no longer matter (or are not the sole focus of the program)--it is now about research productivity and thinking critically and innovatively. The difficulty was not the material (as most of us at least found it interesting), but balancing TAing, RAing, coursework, and outside reading in preparation for our master's thesis.

I am a current grad student at a top 15 program who just stumbled on this site. Reading through this thread, I thought I would provide some input. I was accepted to 5 out of my 8 schools--three of which were in the top 20 and one just outside the top 20. While I am sure there is much variation amongst programs, the two comments I heard most often on recruiting visits were "I loved your writing sample" and "you worked with X professor at X university, I love her work! She is great." I am very qualitative, so the writing sample and statement of purpose were my bread and butter. Additionally, I had three top-notch recommenders--two of which I had done independent study projects and thesis projects with over the course of my career. So, I would say do not discount the writing sample. The best advice one of my recommenders provided me was to make your intro interesting to make the AD COM members want to read more. It is definitely more than just numbers at some programs.