sittingduck

I haven't been to Yale just yet, but from what I hear, the GSIs/TAs at UMich are assigned to teach general statistics/biostatistics courses to others in the School of Public Health who need to fulfill the core requirements for their degree. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong!) In terms of rankings, the University of Michigan is higher ranked for Biostatistics, but have you visited the university and talked to some of their professors? I would recommend doing so and seeing if it's the right fit for you. I think either program can get you into solid jobs depending what connections you make and how well you do in your program. (I can't speak for Yale, but UMich seems to heavily support their PhD students. They consider themselves a research institution and are generous with funding if they like you. If you don't get funding in your first year, you are eligible for funding in your second.)

I've been to a couple open houses and talked to some current students, and the overall impression that I get is Biostatistics is hard and it requires a lot of long hours, perseverance, and dedication. Having said that, you should look for a university that you "click" with: one where you feel like you will get the most support from students, faculty, and staff. The prestige of the university you go to is great, but you also want to excel. It might make your resume look good, but when you go into job interviews, they will want to test your technical skills. The MS degree is typically advertised as a research, academic-oriented degree. If you study hard and understand the material, you should be prepared for whatever career path you choose. How easy it is to find a job largely depends on what you doing during your graduate career and what connections you make as a student, whether it be with local orgs, professors, or even other students (e.g. alumni). You might see most MS students continue onto academic pursuits because that's what the degree is geared for. Terminal degrees are generally the MPH, though that degree is more public health-oriented. (And there is a chance for a doctoral degree if the university offers the DrPH track.)

They only accepted 10 Masters Biostatistics candidates? Is this for the MPH and MS degrees? Also, for the Columbia Biostatistics program, that's a 1-year accelerated program, right? Unless you're talking about the Biostatsitics Certificate, I would consider the classes and pacing of the curriculum.

Hi guys! Since most of us are sitting anxiously by our computers and refreshing our inboxes any moment we can get, I thought I would pick your brains and see what Biostatistics programs you guys are gunning for and why. I graduated in 2012 and applied to about 12 different programs, some MPH and some MS. Still in the process of hearing back, but I hope most of you guys heard some good news already . What are you looking for in the biostatistics program of your choice? I know there are lots of postings about biostatistics department rankings, but I'm curious to see what the Grad Cafe population would rank the programs.

I am fairly certain that for most schools, the admissions committee will at least send an email or a letter informing you of their decision, good or bad. It depends on when you submitted the application. Generally, those who submit it earlier in the cycle will hear back first in the rolling admissions process. For UC Berkeley, I know they said decisions are given out up until early March. So sit tight! If March rolls around and you still don't hear back, you can always give them a call. But it's definitely a waiting game.