04 On Starting Graduate School

The speaker shares their journey of becoming interested in economics through reading Franco's papers. They recount an interview at MIT where they were advised to pursue institutional subjects due to a lack of mathematics background. Disappointed, they encounter Franco Modigliani, who offers them a scholarship at Northwestern, leading to their eventual enrollment there.

What was the main reason the narrator was told they couldn't pursue theoretical work at MIT?

• Lack of interest in economics

• Insufficient mathematics background

• Desire to enter diplomatic service

• Preference for institutional subjects

What motivated the narrator to choose economics over a diplomatic career?

• Desire for a scholarship

• Influence from family

• Interest in theoretical questions

• Opportunity to travel

Who did the narrator unexpectedly meet at MIT, leading to a scholarship offer?

• A mathematics professor

• Franco Modigliani

• A fellow student

• The MIT chairman

What did Franco Modigliani offer the narrator if they applied to Northwestern?

• A teaching assistant role

• A research position

• A scholarship

• A job opportunity

What was the narrator's initial reaction upon seeing Franco Modigliani's name on the door?

• They decided to leave immediately

• They knocked on the door and entered

• They waited for someone else to arrive

• They wrote a note and left it