biostatsPhD

Oops, 155 is the verbal score. I applied to Upenn, Michigan, UNC, UWM, Columbia, Emory, Rice, UIC and SMU. I withdrew my application to UIC and SMU when I heard from BU. I actually did some research before I apply, mostly based on the faculty listed on the school website and the location. Personally I weight more on if the program is a good fit for my research interest than department ranking, so I didn't apply to several good ranked schools which focus more on the statistical genetics, say Yale biostats. I'm very confused at the places I got in (and was rejected), as I didn't expect such a wide range in terms of department ranking. I hear many nice things about the program in Michigan. I got in the stats program for my master's two years ago, but turned it down in the end due to the high tuition. A friend who attended the stats ms program at Michigan spoke highly of the department. And it seems that several graduate students from the stats department chose to continue their PhD in the Biostats program.

Yeah, I thought I would have a shot at Rice since it matches my background quite well, I guess I'm wrong then. The fact that I don't have any training in Bayesian statistics might be a weak spot, considering it's a direction where clinical trial research is going. I would definitely try to learn some Bayesian statistics if I decide to re-apply next year. In terms of the recommendation letter for next year, I will have two letters spoken for my research abilities instead just one this year. I think the letters would be at least as strong as this year. The biggest improvement of my profile next year would be the additional one year of research experience directly related to my field, and two more papers coming. still not sure if that would be much helpful with the PhD application. It's extremely difficult to make the decision, especially for places like Michigan or BU. I would like to at least get a sense of where my weak spots may be before I make any decision. I hope to get some feedbacks from schools that already rejected me. Does this post violate any rules? Not sure how it got two negative reputations.

Thanks! I think MD Anderson has two PhD programs - with Rice and UT Houston. I applied to Rice, Penn, UNC and Columbia too, but didn't get in. Can you evaluate my profile and give some advice?

I was hoping for schools in Pennsylvania (my fiancee works there), but Boston might work too, no much for Ann Arbor though. Also, it looks like Michigan is heavy on genetics, I'm not sure if it's a good fit for clinical trial study. Any opinion on the strength of BU? I prefer to work in medical research institute, like MD Anderson, Dana-Farber etc.

Hi all, I'm thinking about re-applying next year. Looking back my application profile this year, I have no regret given the amount of time to prepare, but I do feel I will be a more competitive candidate if I apply next year (Fall 2015). Here's my profile: Undergraduate Institution: Big ten public school, ranks in the 60- 70s Major: Mathematics Minor: statistics GPA: 3.75 Type of Student: international (Asian) Graduate Institution: top 20 private school, but relatively new biostats program (not ranked) GPA: 4.0 GRE General Test: -- plan to retake if re-apply due to the low AW score Q: 155 V:168 W: 3.5 Programs Applying: PhD programs in Biostatistics Research Experience (term 2014): one year biostats internship using SAS, two public health papers (collaboration with clinicians) (in preparation), 2nd / 3rd author; one clinical trial research paper in mid impact journal (under review), 1st author. one year clinical trial research experience (simulation in R). Research Experience (term 2015 if re-apply): one year biostats internship using SAS, two public health papers (one published, one under review, both relatively high impact); one clinical trial research paper in mid impact journal (published), 1st author. Two conference presentations. Two-year research experience (simulation and data analysis) in R (clinical trial and observational studies area)-Two papers under review. Teaching Experience: undergraduate math lab tutor for one year; graduate TA (stats class) for one semester Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Undergrad - dean's list (all four years); Grad - Tuition scholarship (two years) Letters of recommendation (term 2014): one from my intern supervisor, one from a professor who I took a class (in stats), one from the professor I do clinical trial research (simulation in R) with. All know me quite well. Letters of recommendation (term 2015): two from the professors I do research with (clinical trial and observational studies area), one from either my intern supervisor or class professor. Math courses: Calc II (A+); Calc III (A), summer school, credit transfer; Linear Algebra (A+); Matrix Theory (A-); Abstract Algebra (A-); Undergrad-level proof course (A-); Graduate level proof course (real analysis & measure theory ) (B+) Computer skills: SAS (base and advanced certification); R; Matlab I feel I will have more research experience if re-apply next year, but as an international applicant, I know the competition would be tough. I've applied to a bunch of schools this year, and got in BU and Michigan Biostats PhD programs. Can anyone compare BU and Michigan biostats (PhD) in terms of clinical trial research? Also, if I apply to the same schools that I got in, will they still consider me? Any biostats PhD program recommendation for clinical trial research? Thanks!

Can anyone give some comments on the biostats department at BU?