The major difference is the difference between empirics and theory.
Our strength is that we have sufficient research funding and a long term partner relationship with ERS at USDA, also we have a good friendship with Hershey Corporation. The strength at Econ department is the theory all the time, now Mark Roberts is the leader in IO area after Vuong and his wife left to NYU.
Good background, if you can get strong letters I think you have a shot for at least top 50. But I still think this year is even tougher than before, there are many Chinese with US background will apply including me. Anyway good luck.