<p>I don't know if this is helpful or not but as an incoming transfer I sent a few emails to the econ department a few weeks ago requesting some information regarding class selection. The director of undergraduate studies in the econ department answered my question, and he returned 3 or 4 of my emails throughout the next few days and was extremely helpful. I thought this was very cool since he could have had a grad student or even another undergraduate working in the dept email me but he chose to do it himself. If this is a reflection of the economics faculty at NU, I think that finding someone willing to help you should be very easy. As for the statement "doing well at Chicago is a stronger signal than doing well at NU, both because of well known rigor and because of pedigree," (sorry I don't know how to quote.. someone tell me) I think I agree with that, HOWEVER, two students will rarely be similar/identical enough for that to come into play. Just work on getting better contacts and better internships than your U Chicago counterpart and you will place better. It should also be noted that due to supposedly famous rigor and difficulty at U Chi, your GPA at NU will <em>probably</em> be better.</p>
<p>Yeah, I was really looking forward to contacting the Econ departments at my prospective schools. If you don't mind me asking, who did you talk to at NU?
Did you just send out a general email, or was it directed to a specific member of the department?</p>
<p>When you're dealing with two schools as well respected in Economics as Chicago and NU, I really think that the advantage on the graduate application is negligible. Of course, when I make the comparison to Reed or Oberlin, I really do need to check out the merit of their faculty. With either Chicago or NU the real challenge will be to interact and engage the faculty, as the schools are not nearly as undergraduate focused. Right now, I have to make a decision on my top choice. Reed is really looking attractive to me at the moment.</p>
<p>I checked out the Chicago v Reed thread someone linked, and the conversation was brief. I really wish we could revive it. They seem to have the same spirit.</p>
<p>"Are you working on an undergraduate thesis? If so, in what field?"</p>
<p>I seriously considered a thesis, but it would have been a pain since I'm graduating in december. However, I do work for a professor as his research assistant so I'll collect data, set up experiments, run experiments, pick the data apart, run regression analyses (is that a word?) - whatever my prof wants. So far, our work has been presented on CNN, Boston Globe, various other business newspapers, plus numerous business/org. behavior newsletters. I could probably be a resarch assistant at any other school --- but it's daaamn cool to see how powerful the results are when you work with big name profs. PM me if you have questions about research stuff for undergrads...</p>
<p>In the place of a thesis, research experience is a suitable alternative for graduate school. I'm involved with a smaller project ('Cigarrette Tarrif) looking at the amount of tax revenue lost to imported cigarettes from Indiana. Not exactly my area of interest, but the the experience (particularly with the data analysis) has been invaluable. </p>
<p>You say that you're graduating in December. Am I right to assume that you're major(s) feature both Math and Economics? Are you applying to graduate school? It's really neat to meet another Econ student on this forum.
I'll be sure to PM you when something comes up.</p>
<p>My thesis is principally concerned with the IMF/World Bank and the future of Development.</p>
<p>Data analysis is ALWAYS valuable - in fact, it's partially why I landed the internship I have now. </p>
<p>Your project sounds interesting - reminds me a bit of the Tobin tax proposal, not completely, but it's just what came to mind. </p>
<p>My major does feature quite a bit of math and econ (I'm a major in industrial and labor relations, and econ is a pretty solid feature of the school) ... I've taken a bunch of really fun econ classes, my favorite being on the great depression in both the US and UK - depression era Keynes is the best! My main area of focus in my major is organizational behavior, and accordingly my internship is in the department of organization and talent development. I did look at grad school (alot) but I've decided to wait it out for a bit for an MBA program of sorts. There aren't many ILR degrees offered from grad schools unless at the PhD level (I may do PhD, but I still want to work first), and a masters degree from Cornell is just a glorified version of the B.S. - didn't think it was worth the $50K. I may consider law school again some day ... it's all in the air, I'll see where work will take me and then decide from there. I'm not worried at all, it'll all fall into place.</p>
<p>Those are all pretty good options. I really haven't been able to picture myself with a professional degree, working for a firm. As far as Economics goes, I've had my on a PhD for awhile. Your major does sound interesting. Depression era Keynes does rock... but, I'm not fond of his contemporary proponents (Krugman...).</p>
<p>PhD profs have great jobs - nice pay, prestige, great hours, easy summers ... I'd totally consider a PhD some day as I love teaching and I love research. But, first, I'd like to explore the job market. I'm having a great time at my internship here in the Washington DC area, i'll see where it takes me. You may very well change paths in college (I did), just keep an open mind.</p>
<p>Yeah, that's been my general attitude toward college. Having an open mind, that is. My passion for teaching and research really outweighs any interest in private gain on the job front .</p>