This website uses cookies.

By clicking the "Accept" button or continuing to browse our site, you agree to first-party and session-only cookies being stored on your device to enhance site navigation and analyze site performance and traffic. For more information on our use of cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

« Back to Results

Preparing Undergraduates for Application to Graduate School

Paper Session

Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019 12:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Atlanta Marriott Marquis, A707
Hosted By: American Economic Association & Economic Education Committee
  • Chair: Gail Hoyt, University of Kentucky

So You Want to Go to Grad School? Factors that Influence Admissions to Economics PhD Programs

Adam T. Jones
,
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Peter Schuhmann
,
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Daniel Soques
,
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Allison Witman
,
University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Abstract

We survey Admissions Coordinators about the importance of application components in admissions decisions for Economics PhD programs. We explore the relative importance of application components, including difficult-to-quantify aspects such as a targeted personal statement, strength of letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and related work experience. The most important aspects of an application are GPA in math and economics, letters of recommendation, and GRE quantitative score. The strength of letters of recommendation carry more weight in application decisions than the prominence of the letter writer. With our sample of schools at various program ranks, we test for differences in preferences between higher and lower-ranked programs. We find that top 25 programs place a higher value on undergraduate program rank for students from both domestic and international universities and strength of letters of recommendation.
Discussant(s)
Gautam Gowrisankaran
,
University of Arizona
Navin Kartik
,
Columbia University
Martin Boileau
,
University of Colorado Boulder
Wojciech Olszewski
,
Northwestern University
M. Daniele Paserman
,
Boston University
Marcus Berliant
,
Washington University-St. Louis
JEL Classifications
  • A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics