From the inbox:
I'm applying for grad school this fall (to start next year) and I wanted to ask you about UCSB's PhD in (Environmental) Economics program. Their web page says it's number 3 in the country, the program looks good, and Santa Barbara would be an awesome place to live in – but what do you think? Is it really a good program, or would you recommend any others? Love your blog, and thanks in advance for any advice.
My reply:
I think you might want to compare UCSB's program with that of Ohio State:
- Unlike UCSB's self-proclaimed #3 ranking, OSU is the externally and objectively validated #1 ranked PhD program in Agricultural and Resource Economics.
- Like UCSB, OSU is waterfront (Oh, sure, their's is the Pacific Ocean and we have the Olentangy River, but really, you're going to be inside studying all the time anyway, so does the water body really matter?)
- Both have sunny days (maybe not the same number of sunny days, but again, see the qualifier on #2).
- OSU's new department chair (effective 12:00 AM tomorrow) is the taller co-author of THE ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS BLOG. That's gotta count for something right?
- Students can actually afford to live in Columbus, OH.
- Did I mention we're the #1 PhD program.
Seriously, both are very good programs. Good luck in your decision.
Add before you ask, yes, I actually sent that. It's my new recruiting strategy.
