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Frequently
Asked Questions
Here are some
questions which are frequently asked by prospective students. If your
query is not on this list, please email
ide@yale.edu for more information.
Can I apply to the IDE Program without
being an economics major?
To apply to the IDE program, an undergraduate economics major, while
preferred, is not absolutely necessary. We do require a strong analytical
background, so it is best to have multivariable calculus and some form of
upper level math, such as linear (i.e. matrix) algebra. Upon admission to
the program, it may be required that a student take the "Math for
Economists" course during the summer prior to beginning the program.
What economics classes should I take
during my undergraduate years to prepare for the program?
The IDE program requires a strong analytical background, so it is strongly
suggested that prospective students take Microeconomics, with an analytical
perspective if possible, then Econometrics, then Macroeconomics.
What math classes should I take during my
undergraduate years to prepare for the program?
We admit students who have courses in multivariate calculus, probability and
statistics. We give preference to people who have had linear (matrix)
algebra.
Can I take the GMATs instead of the GREs?
No. You must take the GRE General Test; this is a
requirement for admission to the Graduate School and cannot be waived. If
you have taken the GRE’s five or more years ago, then you must re-take them.
If you have not taken the GRE’s by the application deadline, please write a
note in the Personal Statement portion of the application and give the date
on which you will take the exam.
What is the average score on the GREs?
The average Quantitative score is 750; the average
Analytical score is 5.
Do I take the GRE General Test or the GRE
Subject Test?
The GRE General Test is required, not the GRE Subject Test.
Can the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) be waived? The TOEFL exam, administered in
foreign countries by the Educational Testing Service, is required of all
applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement is
waived only for applicants who will have received a degree, prior to
matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the
primary language of instruction.
How many students are usually accepted
into the program?
Each IDE class averages about 25 students a year
Does Yale University have any financial
aid funds for this program?
Unfortunately, there are no financial aid funds
for this program. Generally, students come to the IDE program with
sponsorship from their employer or from their government, or by securing
loans from either banking institutions or from their family. International
applicants may apply for the Yale International Loan or any loan of their
choice. Contact Susan Wrzosek at Yale's Financial Aid Office for loan
information. Her email address is susan.wrzosek@yale.edu.
Since there is no funding through the
school, what are other options to funding this program?
Many governments have regular fellowship programs
for graduate training of public officials.† Alternatively, candidates for
admission may be eligible for support from the World Bank, Fulbright, the
Ford Foundation, the US Agency for International Development, the Asia
Foundation, or a number of other foundations. Yale's Graduate School website
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/funding/index.html
gives a list of online databases for fellowships and grants. These databases
provide direct access to several hundred grant and fellowship opportunities
around the world. Another website that might be helpful is
http://www.cgsnet.org;
this site gives a list of graduate fellowship opportunities for those
entering graduate programs.
What is the cost of tuition and living
expenses?
The cost of tuition for 2008-2009 is $32,500;
living expenses for New Haven are approximately $17,600 per single student.
Every year the tuition increases by approximately 4%.
What percentage of the applicants gets
accepted?
Twenty-three students are enrolled in the program
for the class of 2009. During the application period, there were
approximately 216 applicants to the IDE program, admission was offered to 50
students with another 27 students wait-listed. The size of the class over
the last few years has ranged from 16 to 27.
What is the composition of the students in
the IDE program?
While the majority of IDE students are from
non-developed countries, students from the U.S. and the developed countries
who have a strong interest in international and development economics have
contributed to and benefited from the program. We encourage applications
from all countries and from all post-baccalaureate backgrounds.
Is it necessary that applicants have
after-college work experience?
In the past, many of the students entering the IDE
program were early career professionals in the public or private sectors in
developing countries. Today, however, under its new director Michael Boozer,
the IDE program has taken on a more academic focus. About 80% of each IDE
class come directly from their undergraduate studies, with little or no work
experience. The remaining 20% of students have some graduate training and/or
early career experience.
Is it possible to choose elective courses
from other disciplines besides economics?
IDE students are free to choose any elective
courses they want, besides art or drama. Courses from Yale’s School of
Management, the Law School, Forestry School, Epidemiology and Public Health,
International Relations, and the Political Science Department are popular
choices.
Where have students gone after graduating
from the IDE Program?
Graduates of the IDE program in the past few years
have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Berkeley, Yale, School of Forestry, and
Georgia Tech, as well as Law School at Georgetown, research positions at
IFPRI, the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank, and field research
in India. Some students, such as those from Singapore and Japan, returned to
their home countries to work for their sponsoring agencies.
What is the application deadline for the
IDE Program? Is it the same as the Department of Economics Ph.D. Program?
The
deadline for submitting your application is January 2 for consideration for
admission to the fall term. The
Department of Economics has a different application deadline for their Ph.D.
Program.
What constitutes “evidence of strong
interest in the fields of international and development economics”?
Economics major, courses taken, some type of work
in a developing country or non-profit organizations such as the World Bank.
If you are interested in
applying for the program, please visit the
Yale
University Office of Graduate Admissions website. All questions specific
to the admissions process should be directed to the Office of Graduate
Admissions.
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