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CHOCTICK

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Everything posted by CHOCTICK

  1. Mine still says "In Review". My application did not go complete until late January 2013. I assume most of those people invited to the orientation week had their applications completed by Nov or early Dec.
  2. What's up guys. I applied to OSU's masters program in statistics late January. Did anyone else? If so, share stats. 3.2ish gpa in BA (Mathematics) 730 Quant/530 Verbal/3.5 Iraq veteran; former highschool math teacher, mailman, data analyst for state government. Did anyone else not include the official reference letter form with their application? I had it for 1 letter and it was missing for the other two. The lady I spoke with in the stat office said they can accept them at their discretion. At the online application site it says "No reference form" next to my recommenders' name. I did not get the form because I already had the letters on hand and it had been a while since I contacted the professors. I hope they(OSU stat dept) do not think less of me.
  3. How about I replace the second paragraph with this. My engineering background plays a big part in why I want to study statistics.
  4. If you are looking for a date--Yes. If you are trying to get into graduate school--No.
  5. Some of your sentences are not. 1) While many of these were short term projects, geared towards solving a hot-button issue quickly. (3rd paragraph) 2)Radiation detection is a probabilistic process, and I relied on the Poisson distribution to help quantify low level radiation measurements. (2nd paragraph) ****That comma is not needed****** The content of your essay is really good. You need to improve the flow and grammar. I am applying to Ohio's MS Statistics program; hope to see you there.
  6. I agree with the above. -Stay positive -Research Computer Science via google, find a field you love, discuss areas of field you would like to study and your unique applications. This will require some creativity. -Ensure each paragraph has atleast 4 sentences. Your intro is short and elementary.
  7. Hello. I will be submitting this tomorrow. This is the 3rd draft so I hope it meets with everyone's approval. I am going for MS Statistics. MBS 7107 I am pursuing graduate studies in applied statistics because the ability to analyze data and forecast associated trends has wide application. With a MS in applied statistics, I will be well prepared to extract meaningful descriptive data, analyze that data backwards and forwards for trends, and provide stakeholders with the necessary information to complete their task. As a result of the University of Iowa having a solid statistics program to complement their actuarial science program, I will be able to obtain a thorough understanding of the statistics behind the tools of an actuary while simultaneously learning statistical essentials such as probability theory, inference, and modeling. Upon graduation, I will work in a data driven occupation within the private sector or for an agency of the federal government. I hope to apply optimization to insurance and finance. Having studied engineering, I have seen how statistics can optimize processes and improve efficiency. Prior to the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method, engineers used the Allowable Strength Design (ASD) method exclusively to calculate the weight structural members (beams, columns, base plates, etc.) had to withstand. The ASD method multiplies all load effects—e.g. snow, wind, cars—by the same amplification factor to account for uncertainty in estimating how much weight a structural member must support. The LRFD method takes into account the certainty with which we can estimate certain loads; the weight of a piece of machinery can be estimated with more certainty than the load effects from a group of workers occupying a space for a Christmas party. Probabilistic models were used to come up with larger amplification factors for load magnitudes with high uncertainty and smaller amplification factors for load magnitudes with low uncertainty. Where the ASD method says you would need a column that can support 1500 pounds, the LRFD method would more accurately require a column that can support 1000 pounds. Less required strength means a smaller I-beam could be used which results in money saved in steel. I am also interested in learning more about data mining. This field of statistics would make good use of my computer programming skills. With my programming experience in C++, Visual Basic Applications in Excel, MATLAB, and Python, I will be able to use my degree in statistics to glean the last modicum of pertinent information from a set of data. Actuarial sciences’ use in fields other than insurance is appealing to me. The application of statistical modeling to finance in the form of asset and liability valuation is very important; fallacies in the assumptions and logic used in these applications can have serious monetary consequences. Unlike Bayesian statistics, frequentist statistics gives little attention to prior knowledge of the process being modeled. Disregard of prior knowledge of the process being modeled is especially deleterious in the world of finance. For example, securities are connected to world events; world events do repeat themselves and the likelihood to repeat can be studied. If a negative world event is on the horizon, this should be factored into the statistical model I am looking forward to studying Bayesian statistics and seeing how it can be applied in finance and insurance to improve the accuracy of the estimating process. The statistics program at the University of Iowa has everything I need to achieve a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of statistics. Considering the quality of your statistics program—as indicated by your national ranking—and the strength of your actuarial science program—as demonstrated by your CAE designation by the SOA—I feel confident in your program’s ability to prepare me for the actuarial exams and a career in the actuarial sciences or statistics.
  8. Thanks for all of the feedback guys. The apostrophe abuse was very helpful. I cannot believe I made so many mistakes. I am applying to a MS Statistics: Actuarial Sciences concentration program. The SOP prompt follows:
  9. Does the lack of posts mean my SOP is good as is? Please review. I need to submit my applications by Friday (1/4/13)
  10. Enjoy. I am pursuing graduate studies in applied statistics’ because the ability to analyze data and forecast associated trends has wide application. With a MS in applied statistics, I will be well prepared to extract meaningful descriptive data, analyze that data backwards and forwards for trends, and provide stakeholders with the necessary information to complete their task. As a result of the University of Iowa having a solid statistics program to complement their actuarial science program, I will be able to obtain a thorough understanding of the statistics behind the tools of an actuary while simultaneously learning statistical essentials such as probability theory, inference, and modeling. Upon graduation, I will work in a data driven occupation within the private sector or for an agency of the federal government. Statistics’ use in predicting and modeling are the most attractive to me. The ability to model phenomenon and forecast the future with these models has wide and practical application. Statistics also has the power to make processes more efficient. Having studied structural engineering, I have seen the application of statistics first hand. The Load and Resistance Factor (LRFD) design process has its roots in statistics. Prior to the LRFD method, engineers used the Allowable Strength Design (ASD) method exclusively to calculate the weight structural members (beams, columns, base plates, etc.) had to withstand. The ASD method multiplies all load effects—e.g. snow, wind, cars—by the same amplification factor to account for uncertainty in estimating how much weight a structural member must support. The LRFD method takes into account the certainty with which we can estimate certain loads; the weight of a piece of machinery can be estimated with more certainty than the load effects from a group of workers occupying a space for a Christmas party. Probabilistic models were used to come up with larger amplification factors for load magnitudes with high uncertainty and smaller amplification factors for load magnitudes with low uncertainty. Where the ASD method says you would need a column that can support 1500 pounds, the LRFD method would more accurately require a column that can support 1000 pounds. Less required strength means a smaller I beam could be used which results in money saved in steel. The LRFD method has made the design process more efficient; money that would have needlessly been spent on infrastructure—due to overdesign of structural members—now can be allocated for business and economy growing pursuits. The rise in popularity of the LRFD method is a testament to this fact. I am also interested in learning more about data mining. This field of statistics would make good use of my computer programming skills. With my programming experience in C++, Visual Basic Applications in Excel, MATLAB, and Python, I will be able to use my degree in statistics to glean the last modicum of pertinent information from a set of data. Actuarial sciences’ use in fields other than insurance is appealing to me. The application of statistical modeling to finance in the form of asset and liability valuation is very important; fallacies in the assumptions and logic used in these applications can have serious monetary consequences. Insights into the cyclical nature of the process being modeled and factors that might influence the data being modeled are all things that should not be ignored in financial markets. This is why the use of Bayesian statistics is on the rise within financial forecasting. For the non-statistician, frequentist statistics defines the scope of their statistical knowledge; they are familiar with normal distributions, bell curves, and established probabilities. Unlike Bayesian statistics, frequentist statistics’ gives little attention to prior knowledge of the process being modeled. Disregard of prior knowledge of the process being modeled is especially deleterious in the world of finance. For example, securities are connected to world events; world events do repeat themselves and the likelihood to repeat can be studied. If a negative world event is on the horizon, this should be factored into the statistical model. Bayesian statistics addresses this important information through the prior and posterior distribution. I am looking forward to studying Bayesian statistics and seeing how it can be applied in finance and insurance to improve the accuracy of the estimating process. The statistics program at the University of Iowa has everything I need to achieve a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of statistics. Considering the quality of your statistics program—as indicated by your national ranking—and the strength of your actuarial science program—as demonstrated by your CAE designation by the SOA—I feel confident in your statistics’ program ability to prepare me for the actuarial exams and a career in the actuarial sciences or statistics. MBS 7107
  11. Can a couple of people please read my SOP and provide feedback so I can apply to U of I. The link goes to another thread within GradCafe.Thank You.
  12. I really need 2 people--atleast--to review my revised SOP above.
  13. Merry Christmas. Go here and read my SOP please. You want to concentrate on the revision which is the last post within the topic. Thank You. MBS_7107 <-------------GO HERE
  14. Here is the REVISION. I am applying to a MS Statistics program with an actuarial sciences concentration. Although it is geared towards aspiring actuaries, I hope to take many stat classes to make it more of an applied stat degree--more regression, modeling, inference, uncertainty,...classes. ********************************Beginning******************************************************** I am pursuing graduate studies in applied statistics’ because the ability to analyze data and forecast data trends has wide application. With a MS in applied statistics, I will be well prepared to extract meaningful descriptive data, analyze that data backwards and forwards for trends, and provide stakeholders with the necessary information to complete their task. As a result of the ***Insert University Here*** having a solid statistics program to complement their actuarial science program, I will be able to obtain a thorough understanding of the statistics behind the tools of an actuary while simultaneously learning statistical essentials such as probability theory, inference, and modeling. Upon graduation, I will work in a data driven occupation within the private sector or for an agency of the federal government. Statistics’ use in predicting and modeling are the most attractive to me. The ability to model phenomenon and forecast the future with these models has wide and practical application. Statistics also has the power to make processes more efficient. Having studied structural engineering, I have seen the application of statistics first hand. The Load and Resistance Factor (LRFD) design process has its roots in statistics. Prior to the LRFD method, engineers used the Allowable Strength Design (ASD) method exclusively to calculate the weight structural members (beams, columns, base plates, etc.) had to withstand. The ASD method multiplies all load effects—e.g. snow, wind, cars—by the same amplification factor to account for uncertainty in estimating how much weight a structural member must support. The LRFD method takes into account the certainty with which we can estimate certain loads; the weight of a piece of machinery can be estimated with more certainty than the load effects from a group of workers occupying a space for a Christmas party. Probabilistic models were used to come up with larger amplification factors for load magnitudes with high uncertainty and smaller amplification factors for load magnitudes with low uncertainty. Where the ASD method says you would need a column that can support 1500 pounds, the LRFD method would more accurately require a column that can support 1000 pounds. Less required strength means a smaller I beam could be used which results in money saved in steel. The LRFD method has made the design process more efficient; money that would have needlessly been spent on infrastructure—due to overdesign of structural members—now can be allocated for business and economy growing pursuits. The rise in popularity of the LRFD method is a testament to this fact. I am also interested in learning more about data mining. This field of statistics would allow me to apply my computer programming skills. With my programming experience in C++, Visual Basic Applications in Excel, MATLAB, and Python, I will be able to use my degree in statistics to glean the last modicum of pertinent information from a set of data. The future is promising for me with an advanced degree in statistics. I hope to work in the intelligence sector of the federal government. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the NSA (National Security Agency) needs statisticians to analyze and summarize the data they get from their various sources. There is a use for statistics in the cryptography mission of the NSA; if you could quantify the likely hood of someone choosing a particular combination for a code, you could design codes that are less likely to be cracked. Modeling a country’s growth—be it economically or militarily—and using this model to forecast their future needs and weaknesses is of significant interest to me. The statistics program at ***insert institution here***has everything I need to achieve a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of statistics. Desiring a well-rounded statistics education, I will supplement the required actuarial science classes with traditional applied statistics classes. Considering the quality of your statistics program—as demonstrated by your national ranking—and the strength of your actuarial science program—as demonstrated by your CAE designation by the SOA—I feel confident in ***insert institution here***ability to prepare me for the actuarial exams and a career in the actuarial sciences or statistics. *****************************The End
  15. Hello Bamafan. There is no stated word limit. General SOP instructions were given and what you see was the result. Will be applying to University of Iowa and Texas A&M. Assuming by Bamafan you mean Crimson Tide. In which case, I'm sure you agree that Notre Dame is going to get assaulted in the championship game. It is going to be funny. Looking forward....
  16. Any comments would be appreciated. Patent/Copyright Pending. Thanks **************************************************SOP Follows***************************************************************** Statistics’ use in predicting and modeling are the most attractive to me. The ability to model phenomenon and forecast the future with these models has wide and practical utility. Statistics also has the power to make any process more efficient. This is why I desire to study statistics. Having studied structural engineering, I have seen the application of statistics first hand. The Load and Resistance Factor (LRFD) design process has its roots in statistics. Instead of engineers extemporaneously arriving at amplified load combinations for structures, statistics was used to calculate the likely hood of loading events. Events with a higher likelihood of occurring and whose magnitude is known with the most certainty were assigned a larger amplification factor. This design tool has made the design process more efficient; monies that would have needlessly been spent on infrastructure—due to overdesign of structural members—now can be allocated for business and economy growing pursuits. Data mining is also of interest to me. This field of statistics would make good use of my computer programming skills. With my programming experience in C++, Visual Basic Applications in Excel, MATLAB, and Python, I will be able to use my degree in statistics to glean the last modicum of information from a set of data. Although uncertain, the future is bright for me with an advanced degree in statistics. Ideally, I would like to work in the intelligence sector of the federal government. Doubtlessly the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the NSA (National Security Agency) needs someone to analyze and summarize data they get from their various sources. I see some use for statistics in the cryptography mission of the NSA; if you could quantify the likely hood of someone choosing a particular combination for a code, you could design codes that are less likely to be cracked. Modeling a country’s growth—be it economically or militarily—and using this model to forecast their future needs and weaknesses also has statistics written all over it. I will also include a fair amount of actuarial science coursework into my applied statistics degree. If I cannot find employment in the intelligence community, I will work as an actuary. Once I retire, I will teach at the junior college level. Having taught high school mathematics for two years, I could see myself retiring to a community college in Florida. *******************************************************The End********************************************************************
  17. Even though the way I stated my aspirations with a statistics degree may sound down, I think I could enjoy the work. I am really attracted to the predictive nature of statistics and enjoy programming. Using statistical software and advanced math in operations research or predictive modeling in finance or insurance would be enjoyable--I think. I taught high school math for 2 years; high school teaching sucked but I feel I would enjoy teaching at the community college level.
  18. I bet the OP is the person doing the dating. Good for you JoeyBoy; get in where you fit in. Hehehe.
  19. I am a structural engineering grad student in IOWA. I have used 16 months out of my 36 months of Montgomery GI Bill benefits. It has taken 2 years but I am beginning to fall out of love with structural engineering. It seems like anyone can look in the AISC manual and find the formula and appropriate reduction factor. I say all that to say this: I have used up many resources, feel somewhat committed, and am afraid there will be a ton of competition. Also, I have googled and the entry level jobs are not there. I have 1.5 years to go before I complete my MS. I fear I may have gone down this road deluded. I envisioned myself designing skyscrapers and bridges that span oceans--very few engineers get to do this. I am giving serious consideration to switching to statistics. I have my undergrad in Math so this is not that big of a leap. I will get an MS in statistics, work as an actuary or in industry till I'm 70, then go teach at some junior college till I die. I am 33 now--34 in March. What do you think?
  20. This question is not concerned with academic probation for poor grades. Answer yes if you were caught cheating or detained for getting into drunken fights with your dorm mates.
  21. Get some applicable job experience then try again. Or go become a teacher, public employee, or soldier for awhile then apply again once your resume gains some heft. Just my .02. I've always wanted to use the .02--this was my first time. God Speed.
  22. So I applied to Iowa State University on 3/28/2012--their application deadline was 4/1/2012. I also applied to CU Boulder on 2/26/2012--their application deadline was 3/1/2012. I applied to their structural engineering MS programs. I kind of understand ISU--BUT WTF CU BOULDER. I just don't get it. Having applied so late, most of their slots should have already been filled. The remaining slots--if any--should be fairly easy to fill on their part. They must want to fill their roster so just do it. I'm confused. Well, gotta go--Meth don't cook itself. Nothing takes 2 months to process. This is uber ridiculous. P.S: I don't really do meth--I'm black. P.P.S: If you read this, you must say something pertinent to my situation.
  23. I applied to Iowa State University just in time to meet their 4/1/2012 application deadline. I applied to CU Boulder just in time to meet their 3/1/2012 application deadline. I applied for a Masters in Civil Engineering--Structures at both. When do you think I will hear something? Will their response be by snail mail or email? Both of these states allow out-of-state veterans to pay in-state tuition. Do you think the prospect of this would make them less likely to admit me? Why take this veteran when we could get an international student who will pay alot more? This sounds even more likely considering the national bad economy. I am thinking they are just now getting committals from those they admitted who applied early in the process--the national deadline was 4/15/2012. Now it is just a matter of filling their empty seats with the most qualified applicant. What do you think?
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