StatPhD2014

Do you really expect us to have any idea

What are your goals do you want to apply for a PhD after or go after jobs?

order of importance is Real analysis 1, Probability, Real analysis 2

Which city ? What program ? It could be really hard depending on the courses you take and how rigorous they are. I wouldn't really do it for the money since the amount will be small and if you're short on money you can just take a small loan to cover it. Now as a way to just get out and have a good time if you think you can manage it go for it

Thanks very much on this detailed response. Is it alright if i PM you with further questions just trying to learn a little more

I am actually interested in this, even though personally i am not aiming for a job in finance. But where do all those people who graduate with a masters in financial engineering or financial math go then, what jobs do they get and can these jobs be done by undergrads as well? Thanks

Aren't most jobs in quantitative finance mostly programming and financial mathematics as opposed to statistics

The program is primarily international most statistics masters programs are primarily international . The fact that it is primarily international might make it easier for domestic applicants actually. The requirements for the MA program are not that high don't worry about a high barrier for entry. There are other much smaller and elite masters program in statistics such as Chicago, Berkeley, Stanford the qualifications for those would be higher .

So why do you want a master's degree what kind of career do you want out of it

Name shouldnt be much of an issue, since you already went to Caltech (a big name school) for your undergrad

It doesnt really matter if they remember you , it depends on the course you took with them was it a high level difficult course? if so getting an A in such a class will get you a good recommendation if you took the class at a top university

yeah dont bother taking the subject test, its a hard test and with your background you will have a tough time getting a decent score you'll gain a lot more and spend less effort by taking real analysis and probability. who are you planning to ask for recommendations that maybe an obstacle for you

Ask this topic to the faculty of both of these schools, or ask the professors at your undergraduate institution. Do you really want advice for this kind of decision to come from an anonymous forum?

High Dimensional Statistics. For PhD stat admissions your stated interests dont factor much into admissions, since most people end up changing their interests anyway. There were some posts by CW (cyberwulf) about this previously. Core factors are GPA, grades in advanced math courses, choice of courses, strength of institutions these were earned at, and letters of recommendation

Hi, Is there anyone else here that is going to the visit day for Columbia University Stat PhD?

Hmmm i also thought almost everyone that met their requirements (which arent a lot) are admitted. Out of curiosity what other programs did you apply to , i am assuming they are all Master's programs. Don't know the rest of your application so cant comment on your likelihood of admittance.

He has also went to very impressive undergrad and grad institutions

CW had a detailed post about the admissions process , you should read that. There is a huge difference between a 3.7 and a 4.0 and there is also a big difference between a 3.7 at Princeton vs an unknown place.

Thanks for the update! Although this late in the process i am not expecting a positive result, the pessimist in me thinks this is more like an informal waitlist

when did you contact them

I haven't contacted them, i didnt know who to contact. Maybe the Chair of Graduate studies would be a better option

Looks like a waitlist then, either that or they are sending more rejections soon

Anyone still waiting to hear from Berkeley?

However most of those jobs you speak of recruit from the undergrad population especially in finance. Now there are departments such as CS, which at some schools which have good connections and reputations within industry and they are useful for getting jobs. Dont assume getting an MA in stat from big name schools will get you into high finance or get you the connections you need.

What industry are you trying to get into, if it is high finance or consulting i dont think an MA from there will do you much good, since it is hard to get into those jobs with a masters anyway (recruiting at those jobs takes place at the undergrad, MBA, and at times at the PhD level). And the department probably doesnt do much for its MA students in terms of placements (given they have so many)