<aside> 💡 This is a template that I wish I had had when applying to grad school. The template is more applicable to economics master/PhD application than others. (It may serve as a reference for programs in other disciplines).
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<aside> 💡 Choose where to apply is as important as apply before the deadline. Always remind yourself of the deadline. Some programs have an early admission round which you may want to take advantage of. Others may offer scholarship if you apply in the early round. (I know it because I have missed one. Now I regret it every day…)
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Not applied: NYU, UMich, Cornell, Yale IDE, BU
<aside> 💡 Personal statement is a must. Research Proposal can serve as writing sample. Filling out the general information is so tedious that you should definitely do it only once, and copy and paste later. Recommendation letter is something you do not have too much control of. Ask politely and fingers crossed.
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Seriously, there is no need to buy any book when preparing for standard test…make good use of online resources. Don’t waste paper and money.
<aside> 💡 Only very few Econ programs have interviews. You may prepare by asking yourself the following the questions if you receive an interview request. Written test is even less likely to happen than interview. But HKUST PhD program does have a written test….unfortunately.
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<aside> 💡 I have read many blogs regarding application, talked to several seniors/ current econ PhD, a few professors. If you want to know a specific program (somewhere you really want to go), you may send email to their student whose contact can be found on the program’s official website. They are usually very kind and helpful in giving you an insider view.
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