Chicago

[not@prof_yet]

What are you thoughts on the program? For Comparative? 

I know they're more known for their qualitative methodology, but any insights on the quant? What kind of interaction do they have with the economics department, if any?

[deutsch1997bw]

Chicago, according to USNWR, is ranked #13 for CP. I am applying there for comparative, as it is one of my top choices. 

While I can't comment on relations with the econ department, I do know that the department has a couple of faculty big on game theory. 

[guest56436]

Chicago is a strong department. They went through some rough times in the late 90s and 00s but they seem to be making a strong effort to replenish some strengths - they have made a number of recent hires.

That being said, the comparative department is still largely an issue and in flux. They used to have an extremely strong comparative department but have lost a lot of big names (for example, Stokes, Boix, Pzerworski, ect). The recent hires they have made have not been in comparative. And it looks like they are still bleeding a bit (Slater is moving to Michigan). I also think a couple of their stronger junior scholars are getting multiple offers and might be leaving.

Definitely worth applying to - good training, funding, and overall a strong department - but I would make sure (or at least try to) that your POIs are stable.

[oakeshott]

Almost every senior person I discussed Chicago with said something along the same lines: "It's good enough to attract top talent, but not good enough to retain it, so it's always going through booms and busts." Right now it's clearly experiencing a boom, though that may already be receding. 

That being said, I think Chicago is a very intellectually exciting place. Perhaps more so—and in less traditional ways—than "better" programs. I have a lot of love for it and a small part of me will always be sad that I didn't pick it over a "safer" option. 

I can't really speak to the department's relationship with Economics. For what it's worth, I can say that—at least according to the conversations I had—the relationship with Harris has not always been the strongest, but there are active efforts to change that. Although it does seem like that ball is on Harris' court. 

@Comparativist, has Slater's move been confirmed?

 

 

Edited June 29, 2017 by oakeshott

[not@prof_yet]

Seeing there game theory people was a pleasant surprise for me, they looked like they were doing some really interesting work. As most of you know, the field is becoming more and more empirically sophisticated, so one of the main things I'm looking at in a program is there stats training. That's partially why I'm interested in the relationship with the economics department, the prospect of also getting some top notch economics training is appealing. 

 

Thanks for letting me know about Slater, he was one of the people that was drawing me to program. 

 

I took a look at their placements and they seem okay, not great but not bad, a good number are getting assistant professor positions (though only a few are getting at top programs). Any further comment on their placements?

 

Also, @Comparativist you seem to be pretty well regarded here and especially knowledgeable about admissions for comparative. Would you mind taking a look at my profile that I posted and give some feedback on my prospects if you have a chance?

[guest56436]

1 hour ago, oakeshott said:

 

@Comparativist, has Slater's move been confirmed?

Yes. For any SE Asian prospectives out there, that means Michigan is now probably the top place to study the region (already have Hicken).

59 minutes ago, not@prof_yet said:

 

Also, @Comparativist you seem to be pretty well regarded here and especially knowledgeable about admissions for comparative. Would you mind taking a look at my profile that I posted and give some feedback on my prospects if you have a chance?

PM me.