Reviews for ECON423

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John Chao ECON423 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/20/2022	This course is very theory heavy and gives a deeper background and understand in more advanced regression analysis. If you have a strong math background and understood ECON422 this class isn't too difficult. There is 4 problem sets with each containing 5 questions. The questions consist of derivations, basic regression arithmetic, and actual coding problems. The PowerPoints from class that John provides give all the understanding necessary to do the coding and math problems for homework. Overall class isn't too difficult the problem sets take roughly 5 hours each, and office hours are very useful if you're confused.
John Chao ECON423 Expecting a B Anonymous 05/10/2022	This course was way more math focused than it needed to be. While he does a good job explaining concepts, there are many times where he would overexplain something simple. The material became more confusing than it needed to be. The class itself was easy as long as you're good with mathematical proofs. He only grades on four problem sets for the whole semester. No exams.
Sergio Urzua ECON423 Expecting a B Anonymous 12/26/2020	Left this review on rate my professor as well: He is very accessible and really wants his students to succeed. This course was extremely challenging and needed a lot of time dedicated to it. COVID updates to his normal syllabus: No final, dropped lowest midterm, and several quizzes. He curved to a B (I think he did this in normal semesters). Very knowledgeable and passionate about economics.
Sergio Urzua ECON423 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 01/04/2020	I learned a lot from Dr. Urzua, but he tries to cover too much material in a class. Many of the concepts he teaches branches into graduate-level economics, and having that knowledge will give you a leg up for internships/jobs as research assistants or junior economists. As a result, many of the concepts are taught in a rushed manner. If you don't stay on top of your work, you can easily fall behind in class. His problem sets take on average 10-14 hours to complete, and the knowledge needed to complete the questions aren't explicitly covered in his lecture. His exams are notoriously difficult and tend to have class averages between 20% and 55%. His lectures are almost completely oral with occasional writing on the board to write the occasional equation or regression. His office hours aren't too helpful since he tends to be very vague with his answers. The class involves a lot of independent studying and will allow you to have a more thorough understanding of the concepts. Don't take this class if your schedule is pushing anywhere more than 16 credits.
Sergio Urzua ECON423 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/24/2019	Econ 423 is HARD. Urzua is good at making the class worthwhile. He's less about the math, and more about the economic reasoning. Exams (3 Midterms and one cumulative Final) are difficult. Each builds on the last. Expect repeat questions, so take the time to learn from your previous mistakes. Problem sets (4 total) are also hard. Each takes at least 10 hours. Very STATA-heavy, so expect to be thrown into STATA with absolutely zero class time taken to explain the basics. Curves to a B/B+, depends on the class size.
Jintae Kim ECON423 Anonymous 11/19/2019	Do NOT take any classes with this professor, he's one of the worst lecturers I've had at UMD. Assignments are not clearly assigned and often with no prompt, and the tested material is often not taught in class. On a positive notes he's flexible with due dates, but taking a class with him is a huge mistake
Seth Murray ECON423 Expecting a B Anonymous 08/23/2019	If you are struggling in the course, GO INTO HIS OFFICE HOUR or talk to him in person and he'll be more than willing to help you.
Maureen Cropper ECON423 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/11/2016	She was a great teacher who is always willing to help her students. If you can take any class with her do it. Also for 423 her tests are almost identical to past semesters so the averages are all above an 85. TAKE CROPPER!