researchnerd

If you want to do a PhD in economics an MPA, MIA, MPP is not the way to go. Seriously, math math math. Full calc series (1,2,3), diff eq, real analysis and linear algebra. If you want a quant heavy policy program I recommend SIPA. Thats where I'm going next year--and I'm simultaneously boosting my math background. Its an international program, but they're connected to QMSS (Quantitative methods in social science research MA)--which is a lot of econometrics etc.--you can even get an additional MA in QMSS for just an extra semester by doing the "quantitative advanced economic analysis track" They also tell you that although its a professional program, people do go off to do phDs. The thing is that the policy programs are seen as quant weak by academic economists, so you must supplement with those math courses.

It was awesome--but I'm a quant geek. Depends on the track you want to do. I sat in on the Finance track and the Quant specialization. I'm 99% sure thats where I'm going. Although, I'm heading to G-Town as we speak!

I recommend that you retake the GRE--but otherwise, you sound competitive. Personally--I started out with a 1000 (during my first practice test). I ended up with a 1500. This is what I did: I bought this book: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gre+barrons&x=0&y=0 The second one that comes up and the little blue one--like 800 words for the GRE, also by Barrons. I also got the Princeton review 250 words list. I put every single inane word possible into an anki (google anki and download it, its free) and then memorized about 1500 words. I think it was probably overkill, because when I took the test I knew every word--I'm a slow reader, so I prob lost points because I skipped the last passage. Lastly I took a Kaplan course and took every single practice test (6) plus the 2 free ones from ETS--while I was memorizing these crazy words. I took these at Kaplan in simulated conditions. The 3500 master word list really helps, you'll probably know most of them. I left 4 months to do all of this.

I'm going to the accepted students day for the MSFS. I'd be happy to write a full report! Ugh, I'm deciding between SIPA and SFS. Leaning towards SIPA tho!

Full disclosure: I'm debating SFS and SIPA, and am leaning towards SIPA.

Um. I'm confused. If you don't want to LIVE in SE Asia...why are you studying it??? The SAIS option if you want to study SE Asia, also sounds like the wrong fit---considering that you're not sure if they even have that as a concentration. If you want to study a region, you should be prepared to spend a SIGNIFICANT amount of time there, especially if you want to do it well. It sounds like you're unclear on your future plans, and until you figure that out, you should not be worrying about a school. I'm not trying to be mean, just realistic. You don't want to end up either a) not getting the education you need because you chose a program without the right concentration or get an education you need for an area of the world you're "just not that into".

Seriously--that is so insane. I got my acceptance via email--couldn't they at least have had the decency to do that for EVERYONE? This is so inefficient--not that that surprises me from a government focused school! Hrmmph. I'm mad for you guys.

I say Harris all the way--and I'm probably going to SIPA. A free deal in a rad city like Chicago would be SO stupid to pass up. Plus--think of all the awesome people at U Chicago that you can take classes with. I hate DC.

I too wanted to get a PhD in Econ (changed my mind)--and the advice I got from econ profs was: math, math, math, math. You need to take Calc 1, 2, 3, differential equations, real analysis, linear algebra BEFORE applying and you MUST get As. They could care less about the econ knowledge you have. That said, your recommendations for PhD programs are key--and Boston University has top people who you should try and get to know to write your recs. An MPA is a watered down degree where most people cant take a derivative or derive Beta 1 hat to save their lives. No offense folks. Economists are not fooled and you are better served starting relationships with economists at BU and working on those math skills.

Program Applied To: IR, Russian Schools Applied To: SIPA, SFS, Davis Center Schools Admitted To: SIPA (MIA) and SFS (MSFS) Schools Rejected From: Davis Center Still Waiting: n/a Undergraduate institution: Antioch College Undergraduate GPA: n/a Narrative Evaluations However, I did supplemental coursework (25 Credits) in economics and math at Pace University with a 3.8 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): n/a Undergraduate Major: Political Science I also have an MA in Geography from Hunter College with a 4.0 GPA and I have done actual coursework in Russian at MGU including Mathematical Economics, Micro and Russian GRE Quantitative Score: 750 GRE Verbal Score: 750 GRE AW Score: 4.0 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Work Experience: 3 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Research Assistant to a Statistician, Non Profit doing micro-grants to community organizations making structural change Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Eh, not bad, not thrilling. It was pretty last minute Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): They were ok but I realize now they were from an Assistant Prof, and 2 lecturers! Other:

I will post a full report. However, I'm a quant nerd, so take that into account when reading my opinion.

Agreed--besides there's plenty of strange varied funding out there that not everyone meets the criteria for.

Hey all- Since most of us are freaking out about the costs of these crazy programs--I thought we should start a thread on funding. If you have external funding, would you mind posting the source and how you found it? From my research it looked like most funding was for second year of studies--i.e. you had to know where you were going. However, judging by some of the info on here, I see that that might not be the case. Maybe this would also be a good place to post various external funding sites and databases? I used the Cornell Database.

I know. I feel like G-town is more invested in us--and those stupid emails from SIPA have been irritating me. I know, I'm also in NYC--and DC pretty much sucks. What a crazy choice. You going to the accepted students days? Maybe we can chat and weigh out the pros and cons of each after sitting in their sessions.

Are you going to the accepted students thing?

UGH. I would have thought this day would make me psyched, but I'm so anxious I can't sleep. I'm interested in more the banking policy/finance side of international relations. I feel like SIPA is definitely the way to go in terms of quantitative skill set enhancement--but I sorta have been getting this "cash cow" for Columbia vibe! Since SFS took only 8% of applicants, I'm feeling swayed in that direction. This is probably stupid. I'm having trouble evaluating these programs and I thought I'd ask you guys! Thanks!