anon123

I found a post related to #1 and am linking it here for the benefit of other users who view this thread.

The chair at the stats department at my undergrad university (a well regarded, more theoretical program in graduate stats, but not a top 5 school) told me research isn't a major factor in admission decisions. It sounds like you will have research experience anyways by the end of this semester so its a moot point. I think you should spend more time trying to pick schools that are right for your interests rather than stressing about getting in?

From what I understand this program was only recently launched, so there's no data available [no pun intend] regarding how graduates have fared in their job search or applications to graduate school. The program looks like it shares around 50% of the coursework with the Duke masters in econ, which is an established program with a lot of information available: http://econ.duke.edu/masters-program/placement

Background: out of school for 3 years working in semi-technical role in the financial industry (do some programming, occasional regression model/time series analysis as part of the job) Undergrad: econ major at top-30 large state school with top-30 stats, math, and econ graduate programs GPA: 3.58 GRE: yet to take, assume I do well Math: Multivariable calc: A-, Discrete/intro to proofs: B+, Linear algebra: A-, Advanced Calc: scheduled for Fall 2013 Stats, OR: Math Stat: A-, Probability: C+(retake Fall 2013), Actuarial models: A, Grad level intro to deterministic models: A Relevant Econ: Economic statistics: B, Econometrics: A, Game Theory: A CS: Intro to scientific programming (MATLAB): A Research: none Teaching: TA for economics class LOR: haven't asked yet but assume they are fairly generic letters, likely will ask an associate professor in econometrics, a well regarded professor in stat department, future advanced calc professor Interests: applied over theoretical, industry/govt research over academia Caucasian male, US Citizen Other: passed a few CFA exams More background: I didn't really get interested/serious about statistics (or school in general) until my senior year in college. Most of the higher grades in my upper level classes came senior year (math stat, linear algebra, actuarial, econometrics). At that point I got offered a good job and ended up working since graduating, but have been kicking myself since for not pursuing a graduate degree. I spoke to a former professor who indicated I have a shot at programs with a more applied focus, and time away from school was probably the biggest negative on my application. To address this and the mediocre grade in probability I intend to take probability and advanced calc this fall part-time as a post-bac student at the local state university while working. Questions: 1. Assuming I get A's in my two post-bac classes and do well on the GRE, do I have a shot at lower-middle ranked PhD programs? What about without the post-bac classes? Would you recommend going to a lower-middle ranked program if admitted, or would I be better served doing well in a masters program and applying to higher ranked schools? 2. Do you suggest signing up for spring 2014 courses? The grades wouldn't show up on my transcript by application time but I might thank myself for taking more math refreshers and it might make a difference to adcoms to see I am registered? 3. Are there master's programs you would recommend for someone with my profile ultimately intending to pursue a PhD? 4. Would I improve my profile significantly by outright quitting my job and taking additional statistics/math courses vs. just taking the two I am signed up for now? I am fortunate to have the flexibility to do this. Thanks in advance for your input. The input you all have already provided in other posts on these forums has been invaluable!