state_school'12

Two points:

One prospective I've heard repeatedly, which makes a lot of sense to me, is that the pedigree of the school will have the greatest impact on your first or second job. The effect will diminish, as the work that you've done moves to the top of your credentials.

To that point, I'd add that having a reputable school attached to your name may help the chances at a senior position that bears scrutiny from the public. If you wanted to be the president of a non profit, I could see that having a degree from Harvard could help snag potential donors, etc.

As to the money/prestige trade off, each gives you flexability in a different way. Obviously a degree from Harvard will open doors that wouldn't exisit (or wouldn't open as easily) as a degree from No-Name State University. However, $100+k in debt will also limit the types of positions you can take.

I've been looking at back posts on the relative quantitative rigorousness of programs, and I've noticed that virtually every program is described by some as "quant heavy", etc. For me, the ability to push myself quantitative and learn advanced skills of statistics, econometrics, microeconomics, and program evaluation is one of my most important criteria for evaluating programs. And I feel a little let down by this forum, which is generally quite informative and helpful.

For instance, GSPP is often highly regarded as quant heavy. However, their math camp spends half of the time on pre-calculus topics. To me, that sends off a little alarm.

I hope to post some of the results of my own research, which will compare syllabi, topics, and textbooks across core quant classes, but my initial impression is that at even Harris, GSPP, and Ford, it's going to take some work to get beyond advanced undergraduate classes in econ and math/stats.

With that in mind, what do you know about:

1) Advanced track quant options within the program(Ford offers an "In-Depth" Micro II, Harris has something a long these lines, etc)
2) Taking classes from econ departments/attending econ math camp. How does testing work? Has anyone done this? Many students praise the ability to take courses from econ departments, but I know most professors aren't going to be happy with letting policy students into PhD level courses, which are highly theoretical and full of proofs. Most students of which survive them only by working close together with groups of other PhD students - something that I would have difficulty doing as an MPP student.

For current students, did any of you come from a math/econ background and feel underwhelmed by the policy school's quant offerings? How did you get around this?

I'm looking for econometrics and micro courses that use multivariate calculus (lagrangians, etc), matrix algebra, and maybe some proofs. Can anyone help me out with specific examples, courses, books, syllabi, etc? An econometrics book that references Greene, and a micro book on the level of Nicholson are some of the clues that I'm looking for.

Sorry for the rambling post guys, I'm feeling overwhelmed looking for old syllabi and course descriptions. Thanks for your comments.

Check out this online series for calc: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01-single-variable-calculus-fall-2006/video-lectures/lecture-1-derivatives/

Before I came to GSPP I was under the impression that this path was extremely unlikely, but was advised by faculty that infact it was a path well-troden.
 
I personally know three folks from GSPP who went on for a econ Phd (two from Berkeley econ and one now at Michigan econ). Two had mathamatical backgrounds prior to the MPP, and third had little math. It can be done, the problem would be waiting until after your MPP before you decide to apply. If that scenario you've largely squandard your time in the MPP.
 
All three of my examples used all of their electives to take additional math, culminating in very advance math, with near perfect grades. Obviously the purpose of an MPP isn't to prepare you for a PhD, but you can leverage your time getting the MPP to make yourself more competitive.
 
If you check out the econ Phd forum at urich: http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/ if can probaily find some discussion as well.
 
 
Good luck!

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): University of Oregon
Previous Degrees and GPAs: Economics, Political Science (3.79 overall, 4.0 Major)
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 162 (90%-tile)/155 (69%-tile/4.5(72%-tile)
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 2 years full-time, Analyst for a small economic consulting firm, 4 years part-time (in school) TA/RA for professor at same firm, summer internship at Department of Commerce.
Math/Econ Background: Single- and multivariable calc, elementary linear algebra, elementary real analysis, several stats/econometrics classes, plus all of the usual econ classes.
Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): two terms of German and a year of Arabic
Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Domestic U.S. policy; education policy, economic policy
Long Term Professional Goals: Policy analyst for public sector consulting firm (education research/consulting), work as quasi public-private free agent
Schools Applied to & Results: UC Berkelely GSPP ($0), Wisconsin La Follette (tuition waiver), Chicago Harris ($20K), Duke Sanford ($25k + TA), UCLA ($15k), Umich Ford ($10k), CMU Heinz ($24k)
Ultimate Decision & Why: UC Berkeley GSPP. My criteria for selecting a school were 1) overall quality, 2) cost, 3)quantitative rigorousness, 4) geographic location.

1) Berkeley won the category of overall quality, based on my conversations and impressions with faculty and current students. The small size (about 70/80 per cohort) combined with the intimate setting (former fraternity house + addition) contribute to a very approachable faculty. The overall flavor of the place is about the highest quality thinking, analysis, and engagement, rather than about who you know and what kind of job you can land in DC.

2) Although I didn't get any aid, GSPP actually turned out to be the best deal for me, even coming from out of state. The school doesn't do a very good job advertising this, but everyone gets in-state tuition for the second year. Unlike UMich. This, combined with the plentiful GSI (teaching, grading, and research) positions means that at a minimum, the second year is basically free (work more than 10 hours/week = a large chunk of tuition is remissed).

3)I was extremely concerned about not selling myself short on the quant front, which made Chicago, Duke, and CMU very appealing, in that order. Each school allows/encourages taking more difficult quant classes from within the school, or in Duke's case, the econ MA program. Although Berkeley has a quant reputation, it only offers one track for quant/econ. After my visit, I was convinced that the quality of the standard quant classes is quite good, and opportunities exist for advanced study from Econ/Ag Econ (although this scenario would require taking the standard PhD track courses, including a summer math camp type course). I'm not convinced that I'll pursue this in the second year, but it's an option. Finally, because everyone takes the same calculus-based econ core, everyone's on the same page in all of the electives.

4) Lastly, my wife and I plan to settle on the west coast, so GSPP wins the regional strength card, and diminishes my willingness to pay a premium for access to east coast opportunities. And on that front, GSPP has made an effort in the past 4-5 years to build the network in DC. Once a year, everyone takes half a week off from classes, and gets a free ticket to travel to DC to network and interview. GSPP has a decent PMF finalist record as well. And, having been around since the 1969, there is a large alumni network across the country.

Advice for Future Applicants:
In contrast to the often-written advice about how a good SOP can make up for low grades and scores, I felt like my SOP was the weakest part of my applications. Particularly regarding my work/volunteer experience. GSPP's SOP was by far my worst (it was done first), and Umich Ford (last) was my best. So go figure. The hypothesis I have from my experience is that grades and scores are weighted more slightly heavily on admission side of things (i.e. they know you're smart and can do the work), while the qualitative SOP/work experience/passion are weighted on the fellowship award side of things (how badly do you want to come here?). After all, it's pretty easy for a place like Chicago or Michigan to admit you with zero or little funding. It's a smaller risk. They reserve the big bucks for the student that is qualified academically, but will also do the kind of work they most hope their alumni will do. This hypothesis is actually the reverse of what I originally thought.

I didn't start freaking out until I got my first notification (Wisconsin). Then it was check Gmail and refresh this forum every five minutes for two months.

Tip: Want to know who's probably on the admissions committee? Look to those faculty that are involved with the flyout/visit days. There was overlap at both Duke and GSPP in this area.

Offer: To prospective students, feel free to message me with questions about the process, and particularly if you have questions about GSPP. From math camp to core classes, facilities, you name it. I spent a good five years browsing these forums, and never dreamed that I'd get accepted at Berkeley without going into the Peace Corps, or launching an after school mentoring program or something. I'm happy to help the next batch of applicants.

I don't have funding, and I'm out of state. After talking with current students and staff on admited students day, I made the assumption that I could land a GSI position, which with the tuition remission that accompanies it, meant that GSPP was the cheapest option for me (aside from UW Madison). I didn't have any trouble landing a position by June, although positions open up throughout the summer and into the start of the semester. The economics department generates a lot of demand (800+ econ majors + countless other undergrads, and only 20-ish PhD's available to teach). So if you have econ experience, that's a plus. After the first semester here, you are qualified to teach at least econ's intermediate micro (three first-years are teaching in that this semseter, some without any previous econ experience. The stats department has a similar story. So if you know econ or stats, that's a slam dunk. But there are many other positions in envirionmental classes, business, history, law, etc.

Bottom line, the jobs are there if you want them enough. I think it's really an effort thing, becuase GSSP has a reputation for supplying good GSIs to so many departments. It's only a matter of finding the right one for you.

I think he meant U of O had a better reputation than PSU, not UW. UW obviously has the best reputation in the PNW.

UW is an awesome school for what it's worth. Culturally and politically Seattle is a very unique place to be. 

Those look like solid choices for you. You should get in with decent aid to at least one of those, likely more.

Can I ask what sort of work you did in the energy sector, and did you enjoy it/return to that field after graduation? I recall that UT Austin LBJ has a good energy program, pretty good aid/teaching opportunities. Might be a good safety(ish) school for you.

Goodluck!

P.S. Fenderpete, congrats on WWS! That's amazing

I don't think internships during the school year are as important as taking advantage of summer opportunities. During the school year I plan on working a part-time job that hopefully gets me tuition remission (TA/grader/tutor) to defray my living costs and lower my total indebtedness at graduation, on top of taking 4-5 classes. The summer is when I'll have the time to work a full-time internship and get a meaningful project done in that position (hopefully). In that sense, going to a school that provides support for summer internships is important. Thankfully UCSD IR/PS offers summer grants for students undertaking unpaid internships because they recognize how important that work experience is and want to lower financial barriers for it.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): University of Oregon
Previous Degrees and GPAs: Economics, Political Science (3.79 overall, 4.0 Major)
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 162 (90%-tile)/155 (69%-tile/4.5(72%-tile)
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 2 years full-time, Analyst for a small economic consulting firm, 4 years part-time (in school) TA/RA for professor at same firm, summer internship at Department of Commerce.
Math/Econ Background: Single- and multivariable calc, elementary linear algebra, elementary real analysis, several stats/econometrics classes, plus all of the usual econ classes.
Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): two terms of German and a year of Arabic
Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Domestic U.S. policy; education policy, economic policy
Long Term Professional Goals: Policy analyst for public sector consulting firm (education research/consulting), work as quasi public-private free agent
Schools Applied to & Results: UC Berkelely GSPP ($0), Wisconsin La Follette (tuition waiver), Chicago Harris ($20K), Duke Sanford ($25k + TA), UCLA ($15k), Umich Ford ($10k), CMU Heinz ($24k)
Ultimate Decision & Why: UC Berkeley GSPP. My criteria for selecting a school were 1) overall quality, 2) cost, 3)quantitative rigorousness, 4) geographic location.

1) Berkeley won the category of overall quality, based on my conversations and impressions with faculty and current students. The small size (about 70/80 per cohort) combined with the intimate setting (former fraternity house + addition) contribute to a very approachable faculty. The overall flavor of the place is about the highest quality thinking, analysis, and engagement, rather than about who you know and what kind of job you can land in DC.

2) Although I didn't get any aid, GSPP actually turned out to be the best deal for me, even coming from out of state. The school doesn't do a very good job advertising this, but everyone gets in-state tuition for the second year. Unlike UMich. This, combined with the plentiful GSI (teaching, grading, and research) positions means that at a minimum, the second year is basically free (work more than 10 hours/week = a large chunk of tuition is remissed).

3)I was extremely concerned about not selling myself short on the quant front, which made Chicago, Duke, and CMU very appealing, in that order. Each school allows/encourages taking more difficult quant classes from within the school, or in Duke's case, the econ MA program. Although Berkeley has a quant reputation, it only offers one track for quant/econ. After my visit, I was convinced that the quality of the standard quant classes is quite good, and opportunities exist for advanced study from Econ/Ag Econ (although this scenario would require taking the standard PhD track courses, including a summer math camp type course). I'm not convinced that I'll pursue this in the second year, but it's an option. Finally, because everyone takes the same calculus-based econ core, everyone's on the same page in all of the electives.

4) Lastly, my wife and I plan to settle on the west coast, so GSPP wins the regional strength card, and diminishes my willingness to pay a premium for access to east coast opportunities. And on that front, GSPP has made an effort in the past 4-5 years to build the network in DC. Once a year, everyone takes half a week off from classes, and gets a free ticket to travel to DC to network and interview. GSPP has a decent PMF finalist record as well. And, having been around since the 1969, there is a large alumni network across the country.

Advice for Future Applicants:
In contrast to the often-written advice about how a good SOP can make up for low grades and scores, I felt like my SOP was the weakest part of my applications. Particularly regarding my work/volunteer experience. GSPP's SOP was by far my worst (it was done first), and Umich Ford (last) was my best. So go figure. The hypothesis I have from my experience is that grades and scores are weighted more slightly heavily on admission side of things (i.e. they know you're smart and can do the work), while the qualitative SOP/work experience/passion are weighted on the fellowship award side of things (how badly do you want to come here?). After all, it's pretty easy for a place like Chicago or Michigan to admit you with zero or little funding. It's a smaller risk. They reserve the big bucks for the student that is qualified academically, but will also do the kind of work they most hope their alumni will do. This hypothesis is actually the reverse of what I originally thought.

I didn't start freaking out until I got my first notification (Wisconsin). Then it was check Gmail and refresh this forum every five minutes for two months.

Tip: Want to know who's probably on the admissions committee? Look to those faculty that are involved with the flyout/visit days. There was overlap at both Duke and GSPP in this area.

Offer: To prospective students, feel free to message me with questions about the process, and particularly if you have questions about GSPP. From math camp to core classes, facilities, you name it. I spent a good five years browsing these forums, and never dreamed that I'd get accepted at Berkeley without going into the Peace Corps, or launching an after school mentoring program or something. I'm happy to help the next batch of applicants.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): University of Oregon
Previous Degrees and GPAs: Economics, Political Science (3.79 overall, 4.0 Major)
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 162 (90%-tile)/155 (69%-tile/4.5(72%-tile)
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 2 years full-time, Analyst for a small economic consulting firm, 4 years part-time (in school) TA/RA for professor at same firm, summer internship at Department of Commerce.
Math/Econ Background: Single- and multivariable calc, elementary linear algebra, elementary real analysis, several stats/econometrics classes, plus all of the usual econ classes.
Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): two terms of German and a year of Arabic
Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Domestic U.S. policy; education policy, economic policy
Long Term Professional Goals: Policy analyst for public sector consulting firm (education research/consulting), work as quasi public-private free agent
Schools Applied to & Results: UC Berkelely GSPP ($0), Wisconsin La Follette (tuition waiver), Chicago Harris ($20K), Duke Sanford ($25k + TA), UCLA ($15k), Umich Ford ($10k), CMU Heinz ($24k)
Ultimate Decision & Why: UC Berkeley GSPP. My criteria for selecting a school were 1) overall quality, 2) cost, 3)quantitative rigorousness, 4) geographic location.

1) Berkeley won the category of overall quality, based on my conversations and impressions with faculty and current students. The small size (about 70/80 per cohort) combined with the intimate setting (former fraternity house + addition) contribute to a very approachable faculty. The overall flavor of the place is about the highest quality thinking, analysis, and engagement, rather than about who you know and what kind of job you can land in DC.

2) Although I didn't get any aid, GSPP actually turned out to be the best deal for me, even coming from out of state. The school doesn't do a very good job advertising this, but everyone gets in-state tuition for the second year. Unlike UMich. This, combined with the plentiful GSI (teaching, grading, and research) positions means that at a minimum, the second year is basically free (work more than 10 hours/week = a large chunk of tuition is remissed).

3)I was extremely concerned about not selling myself short on the quant front, which made Chicago, Duke, and CMU very appealing, in that order. Each school allows/encourages taking more difficult quant classes from within the school, or in Duke's case, the econ MA program. Although Berkeley has a quant reputation, it only offers one track for quant/econ. After my visit, I was convinced that the quality of the standard quant classes is quite good, and opportunities exist for advanced study from Econ/Ag Econ (although this scenario would require taking the standard PhD track courses, including a summer math camp type course). I'm not convinced that I'll pursue this in the second year, but it's an option. Finally, because everyone takes the same calculus-based econ core, everyone's on the same page in all of the electives.

4) Lastly, my wife and I plan to settle on the west coast, so GSPP wins the regional strength card, and diminishes my willingness to pay a premium for access to east coast opportunities. And on that front, GSPP has made an effort in the past 4-5 years to build the network in DC. Once a year, everyone takes half a week off from classes, and gets a free ticket to travel to DC to network and interview. GSPP has a decent PMF finalist record as well. And, having been around since the 1969, there is a large alumni network across the country.

Advice for Future Applicants:
In contrast to the often-written advice about how a good SOP can make up for low grades and scores, I felt like my SOP was the weakest part of my applications. Particularly regarding my work/volunteer experience. GSPP's SOP was by far my worst (it was done first), and Umich Ford (last) was my best. So go figure. The hypothesis I have from my experience is that grades and scores are weighted more slightly heavily on admission side of things (i.e. they know you're smart and can do the work), while the qualitative SOP/work experience/passion are weighted on the fellowship award side of things (how badly do you want to come here?). After all, it's pretty easy for a place like Chicago or Michigan to admit you with zero or little funding. It's a smaller risk. They reserve the big bucks for the student that is qualified academically, but will also do the kind of work they most hope their alumni will do. This hypothesis is actually the reverse of what I originally thought.

I didn't start freaking out until I got my first notification (Wisconsin). Then it was check Gmail and refresh this forum every five minutes for two months.

Tip: Want to know who's probably on the admissions committee? Look to those faculty that are involved with the flyout/visit days. There was overlap at both Duke and GSPP in this area.

Offer: To prospective students, feel free to message me with questions about the process, and particularly if you have questions about GSPP. From math camp to core classes, facilities, you name it. I spent a good five years browsing these forums, and never dreamed that I'd get accepted at Berkeley without going into the Peace Corps, or launching an after school mentoring program or something. I'm happy to help the next batch of applicants.

Are you joking? Have you seen the rankings? GWU is 7th, AU is 8th. You actually have no idea what you're talking about (and I immediately knew this when you said Elliot is comparable to SAIS- SAIS is 2nd, better than Princeton and Harvard). Please move along and let people who actually have gone to these schools/had to choose between these schools to comment on this thread and offer their advice.

PS In addition, you've just single-handedly dissed all applicants who have gone/go to/are contemplating going to AU. Way to go, buddy. Feel better?

And by this statement you demonstrate your lack of understanding of the subject. Maxwell has an excellent program not on par with HKS or WWS. Comparing the quality of students (test scores, work experience, and admission statistics) in these programs and the alumni jobs bears this out immediately. Nor is AU on par with GW. Neither of these facts mean that Maxwell nor AU's SIS are poor programs, they are just in different tiers compared to certain other schools.

As most of us have received most or even all of our admissions and financial aid decisions, I figured I'd start a thread for final thoughts and decisions as in previous years (though making it more generally for everyone on this forum, as opposed to just IR). This is intended as the authoritative thread where next year's applicants will look back, so please share as much of the following information as you feel comfortable, after you have made your decision. [N.B.: Since posts seem to become no longer editable after a certain amount of time elapses, make sure to only post once you've made your final decision. That way, you also have a single post to which you can link in your signatures. ].

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier):
Previous Degrees and GPAs:
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing):
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type):
Math/Econ Background:
Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program):
Intended Field of Study in Grad School:
Long Term Professional Goals:
Schools Applied to & Results:
Ultimate Decision & Why:
Advice for Future Applicants:

Here's the 'Beta' version of my loan spreadsheet. I think it has some good features. It calculates deferment options, and the interest accumulation while in deferment, along with other features that you'd expect. You can compare up to ten programs. I recommend copying and pasting (values) from the results of each school analysis (i.e. the green cells in the Dashboard tab) into a separate tab or workbook.

Sorry if all of the colors are confusing, I got a little carried away. It uses a pivot table and a lot of referencing, so I hope that everything translates when you download it. Don't use it in Google Docs, it won't work. I'm still refining it, so shoot me suggestions/bugs. I think the next step is to factor in up to $8500 in subsidized stafford loans we might be table to take out, and to build in undergraduate loans into the monthly payment and monthly take-home pay figures.

Link: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B476rg_hUjpiUHhwSGg0bi1Ubk9Xa2RKcmhuZkZEdw

Yeah, f'that - let's just go to Berkeley! It's a lot cheaper for someone out of state, that's for sure.

I'll just add that there is something about Harris' curriculum that captivates me. They have a lot of courses, and reading the descriptions and syllabi leads me to the conclusion that these are very, very substantial courses.

But that's where the attraction to Harris ends, aside from the brand of the university, and its location. I want to start a thread titled, "What's the deal with Harris?" I've found those occasional negative comments from Harris students deeply troubling. Also, watching On the MaPP from 2010 I wasn't very impressed with the dean/former dean. For what that's worth.

Two points:

One prospective I've heard repeatedly, which makes a lot of sense to me, is that the pedigree of the school will have the greatest impact on your first or second job. The effect will diminish, as the work that you've done moves to the top of your credentials.

To that point, I'd add that having a reputable school attached to your name may help the chances at a senior position that bears scrutiny from the public. If you wanted to be the president of a non profit, I could see that having a degree from Harvard could help snag potential donors, etc.

As to the money/prestige trade off, each gives you flexability in a different way. Obviously a degree from Harvard will open doors that wouldn't exisit (or wouldn't open as easily) as a degree from No-Name State University. However, $100+k in debt will also limit the types of positions you can take.

I suspect that those of you (us) that will trash the rankings will do so for the same reason you (we) trashed the last version: the rankings are rubbish. I mean, who the hell's heard of the University of Kansas SPIA (#9)? Which is apparently ranked above Duke, Michigan, Georgetown, Berkeley, Chicago, etc., etc. So, as hard as it is, continue to (almost entirely) ignore the rankings.

I've been looking at back posts on the relative quantitative rigorousness of programs, and I've noticed that virtually every program is described by some as "quant heavy", etc. For me, the ability to push myself quantitative and learn advanced skills of statistics, econometrics, microeconomics, and program evaluation is one of my most important criteria for evaluating programs. And I feel a little let down by this forum, which is generally quite informative and helpful.

For instance, GSPP is often highly regarded as quant heavy. However, their math camp spends half of the time on pre-calculus topics. To me, that sends off a little alarm.

I hope to post some of the results of my own research, which will compare syllabi, topics, and textbooks across core quant classes, but my initial impression is that at even Harris, GSPP, and Ford, it's going to take some work to get beyond advanced undergraduate classes in econ and math/stats.

With that in mind, what do you know about:

1) Advanced track quant options within the program(Ford offers an "In-Depth" Micro II, Harris has something a long these lines, etc)
2) Taking classes from econ departments/attending econ math camp. How does testing work? Has anyone done this? Many students praise the ability to take courses from econ departments, but I know most professors aren't going to be happy with letting policy students into PhD level courses, which are highly theoretical and full of proofs. Most students of which survive them only by working close together with groups of other PhD students - something that I would have difficulty doing as an MPP student.

For current students, did any of you come from a math/econ background and feel underwhelmed by the policy school's quant offerings? How did you get around this?

I'm looking for econometrics and micro courses that use multivariate calculus (lagrangians, etc), matrix algebra, and maybe some proofs. Can anyone help me out with specific examples, courses, books, syllabi, etc? An econometrics book that references Greene, and a micro book on the level of Nicholson are some of the clues that I'm looking for.

Sorry for the rambling post guys, I'm feeling overwhelmed looking for old syllabi and course descriptions. Thanks for your comments.

I've been looking at back posts on the relative quantitative rigorousness of programs, and I've noticed that virtually every program is described by some as "quant heavy", etc. For me, the ability to push myself quantitative and learn advanced skills of statistics, econometrics, microeconomics, and program evaluation is one of my most important criteria for evaluating programs. And I feel a little let down by this forum, which is generally quite informative and helpful.

For instance, GSPP is often highly regarded as quant heavy. However, their math camp spends half of the time on pre-calculus topics. To me, that sends off a little alarm.

I hope to post some of the results of my own research, which will compare syllabi, topics, and textbooks across core quant classes, but my initial impression is that at even Harris, GSPP, and Ford, it's going to take some work to get beyond advanced undergraduate classes in econ and math/stats.

With that in mind, what do you know about:

1) Advanced track quant options within the program(Ford offers an "In-Depth" Micro II, Harris has something a long these lines, etc)
2) Taking classes from econ departments/attending econ math camp. How does testing work? Has anyone done this? Many students praise the ability to take courses from econ departments, but I know most professors aren't going to be happy with letting policy students into PhD level courses, which are highly theoretical and full of proofs. Most students of which survive them only by working close together with groups of other PhD students - something that I would have difficulty doing as an MPP student.

For current students, did any of you come from a math/econ background and feel underwhelmed by the policy school's quant offerings? How did you get around this?

I'm looking for econometrics and micro courses that use multivariate calculus (lagrangians, etc), matrix algebra, and maybe some proofs. Can anyone help me out with specific examples, courses, books, syllabi, etc? An econometrics book that references Greene, and a micro book on the level of Nicholson are some of the clues that I'm looking for.

Sorry for the rambling post guys, I'm feeling overwhelmed looking for old syllabi and course descriptions. Thanks for your comments.

Duke accepted me with $25k/year, plus assistantship. Nice! The email makes it sound like the assistantship is for the second year, but in the MPP handbook it sound like it could start spring semester. Also, congrats USMA06!

In at Heinz 2-year MSPPM, $12k/semester. Email notification to check status (there's a new link at the bottom of the applyyourself page).

Give it up, adollarnintynine. You're failed to persuade anyone to your way of thinking, your arguments are confused and contradictory, and you appear obsessed with prestige. Now you're just trolling.

To the OP, congrats on the excellent admit.

Harris grad here. There are many students who enter the program with minimal quantitative backgrounds. The required courses for the MPP do not require all that much math, although facility with algebra and basic calculus is certainly helpful in the statistics and economics core sequences. All that you need in this regard can be acquired in math camp. The best advice I can offer is to 1) prepare for math camp by brushing up on algebra and pre-calculus/calculus (any basic text should suffice); and 2) pay close attention and work hard during math camp. If you do this, you should be able to pass the math qualifying exam at the end of math camp, irrespective of your formal quantitative background.
The Harris program offers a number of more heavily quantitative courses for those who are so inclined, but these are optional.
In short, if you do a little bit of studying beforehand and apply yourself during math camp, you should be fine.