Hi everyone, I am in urgent need of a profile evaluation to decide what to do next.
I was just awarded a Fulbright scholarship for Ph.D. studies in the U.S. and the IIE (Institute of International Education) will apply to departments on my behalf. I could indicate up to five preferred institutions for a Ph.D. in Statistics. I chose (in order) UC Berkeley, Harvard, Columbia, UCLA, Yale.
First of all, do you agree with theses choices for straight statistics (no biostatistics)? I decided not to include Stanford and Chicago because they require the GRE subject test, which I do not intend to take. I might still be able to change those preferences at this stage. I also wish to know if I should apply to more departments on my own to increase my chances or because the above choices are too ambitious given by profile below..
I am an international white male from Europe where I double majored in Economics and Mathematics (earning two B.S. degrees, with approx. 3.7 and 4.0 GPA's respectively). I did a master's degree at a very top UK university (Oxbridge) with approx. 70% average (this is considered to be quite high in the UK, but not absolutely top). My math undergrad covered real and complex analysis, measure theory, functional analysis, abstract algebra, topology, number theory, etc. (all A's). At master's level I took coursework exclusively in statistics (stat. theory, nonparametrics, time series, applied statistics, etc.)
As far as research experience goes I only have an undergraduate thesis and a master's thesis. The latter resulted in a strong recommendation (that probably got me the Fulbright, and that will be reused by the IIE for Ph.D. as well). A should have another good recommendation from a famous professor (but he doesn't know me well, I just did well in his course). Finally the third letter from my undergraduate institution should be very strong and enthusiastic.
I have scheduled TOEFL and GRE tests. I am confident that I can get about 110/120 for the TOEFL and at least 80-th percentile for the quantitative part of the GRE. I expect to do quite poorly in the other sections of the GRE. Are these tests important at all?
Should I worry that the IIE will not be able to place me at any of my preferences? Any input on what to further do is immensely appreciated!