svent

Fair enough. My viewpoint is probably because I was a math major. A large part of the reason I forgot so much stuff after studying to pass the SOA probability test is probably that I only had 1-2 weeks to study for it, so I had to cram as much probability into my brain as possible in that time frame.

Well I passed SOA Exam P essentially by using the Ross book I mentioned and not worrying about the details of coming up with the expectation/variance for the different distributions, etc., just taking all that stuff as a given. I passed the exam, but afterward, all the different distributions, when to use each one, different formulas for E[X], Var(X) got all jumbled in my head until I later took a probability class and studied it for real. For me at least I'm much more likely to remember those things if I actually do the calculations or proofs myself. Edit: The applied book has stuff on brownian motion and markov chains. If you care about that stuff (and don't mind not learning some of the math details), then get that book. If you just want very strong in-depth knowledge of probability, then go for the book I mentioned. Or just get the probability for CS book I mentioned, which is very quick to read.

If you can't get past the GRE, there's no way around it. But if you can get extra time or some other testing accommodation and get a decent score, it's not worth the risk.

Unless your programs specifically require math courses, I wouldn't mention it on your applications. They will throw away your application, gobble up your fee, and take someone else. There are other fish in the sea. Without more specific details, there's not much other actionable advice I could give.

Two common books are the one by Ross (First Course in Probability, not the book mentioned above) and the one by Pitman. I don't really recommend the one by Pitman for self-study. It's alright, but some things about it are strange so I'd only get it if you're taking a class with it. I've read parts of Probability and Statistics for Computer Scientists by Baron. You may not be interested in CS, but it seems to be a great brief no-nonsense book from the few chapters I've read. I don't think there's too much CS for a broader audience either. There seem to be some examples with some 2^n's thrown in and what not, it's not full of silly gambling/card problems like most texts on the subject. (I always hated that aspect of combinatorics/probability classes -- I don't play cards or poker so lots of problems were foreign to me, regardless of the math involved.)

That's pretty creepy if it occurs during the application process. I don't remember if they even took my photo at the prometric center.

Just curious, how many actual stats classes do you need in general before applying for Stats programs? I know pretty much any program's website is wishy-washy on these details, but are basic classes on probability and stats sufficient, or do you need more advanced classes like stochastic processes, regression analysis, etc.? Obviously actual math classes (calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, potentially measure theory or functional analysis) are important. It seems like most applicants don't take the subject GRE, have relatively weak math backgrounds compared to the pure math folks. Are any advanced stats classes even necessary, or do these programs like to recruit people from math/CS/etc.?

Test-taker photos?

The one class I'd try to get in that you didn't mention is Theory of Computation or Automata Theory. Principles of Programming Languages can be very useful as well if you have the time.

Yeah, all depends on your LORs I guess. For me, I was a math major, so I can still use 1 or 2 strong LORs from college. I'm planning on taking a couple grad classes as a non-degree student in the fall, which could net me 1 or 2 more, and possibly get me in at that school, (and if I went there, could get me through the Master's program a little faster). I'd guess top 20 is out of reach for you, but top 50 sounds reasonable. OS has been such a thorn in my side. Couldn't get in at my local university last fall or spring, got into a class this summer, but it's a big mess, and I probably won't be able to get into an in-person class in the fall. Maybe in the winter/spring, but there's no guarantee. Anyway, unless I decide to stick this course out, I'll probably try to take OS online through Harvard. Though it seems odd the pre-req is only data structures, and not also computer systems/organization. Are the lecture videos posted online to watch whenever, or is it some live stream you need to tune in to? FYI, Stanford does online classes, including Machine Learning. Not sure if it's in the fall or a different term. Their online classes are grad classes though.

I think your chances are almost as good as someone coming from a non-CS science major. As an aside, how are the Harvard classes? And are they easy to get into, or do they fill up (online)? I'm in an OS class this summer, but it's a big mess, and I'm thinking about dropping and taking the Harvard class in the fall. I didn't realize they had online classes until just now. Do your have a favorite area? Algorithms, systems, etc. If so, try to take a grad class somewhere to explore your interests and get a LOR.

Well check out UC Irvine too. It's near LA (OC area). I too have family near LA, but I'd still prefer to end up in the bay area (not just because of jobs). Obviously easier said than done since UCB and Stanford are so selective, but still. Also, I think Utah funds its Master's students (not sure if all of them). You can try to find some other schools that do too.

Many families are like this in America too. My parents provided everything for me, even during college, spoiled me in some ways. But at some point you have to become an adult. They probably do discuss, depends on how close they are. In many universities, EE and CS are one department anyway. Also, Master's isn't necessarily out of the question. Many students can find funding, it's just not guaranteed before enrollment. I understand it's trickier for internationals, having to prove you have some funding beforehand though. I'm saying that if he applies to EE and CS, there's a strong chance they'll talk to each other and say "this guy doesn't even know what he wants." He'll get rejected by both. Some schools also only allow 1 application. I recommend picking 1 thing. I also recommend choosing a field, and not just applying to every possible program near family. Why wouldn't he apply to Berkeley if he thinks he can get into Stanford? Again, many other schools in CA are very good. Santa Barbara and Davis are quite strong. Davis is very close to the bay area. SB is pretty close to LA and I've seen quite a few UCSB graduates here in the bay area myself. Irvine is very strong and is near both LA and San Diego. I'm not sure about your family situation, but I hope he knows CA is a very large state with very heavy traffic. For example, Stanford is much farther away from San Diego than Arizona State is. Why would your parents need to take out a loan? He's an adult, I'd think that'd be on him.

If he's applying to M.S. and Ph.D. in the same department, that's a bad idea. The same people will likely be reading both applications. Even if different departments, people talk, and that's still not a good idea. Explaining the situation to his LOR writers could be awkward as well. I hope his profile is very strong. All of those schools are very tough to get into. You know, there are other schools in CA: UCSB, UCD, UCSC, UCR, ... More importantly, how is he going to take the initiative it takes to get a Ph.D. if he has someone else posting for him here?

Will the answer change how you prepare?

Thanks. There are still a good number of schools that want to see PL, though I can't say how hard of a rule it is, while only a few schools mention compilers (and they sometimes say it's OK if you haven't taken 1 or 2 advanced courses they list). I'll probably prioritize taking a grad-level theory class and try to get into a PL class at the same place, and if not, just take the Stanford online PL class.

I was a Math major and am looking to apply for CS Master's programs. By the end of the summer, I will have taken all the classes that are really needed for admission (discrete math, calculus, programming, data structures, algorithms, computer organization, automata theory, operating systems). I've also taken networks and crypto, which aren't required most places. As a math major, I've taken linear algebra, probability, abstract algebra, and tons of other stuff that could have a small degree of helpfulness for CS. I've seen some schools say they want to see Programming Languages and/or Compilers. Let's say for someone interested in the theory side of things, how big of a disadvantage do you think I'd be at if I didn't take either? If I only took one, is Programming Languages definitely more important? I could probably take the Stanford NDO class on Programming Languages, but it's a grad class (not sure if that will make it significantly harder or not). Otherwise, you can't really sign up as a non-degree student most places until August or September, and with such high enrollment in CS lately, it can be hard to get into classes. Even if I could get in, the class at most schools probably has 100-200 students, which might take me out of my comfort zone a little bit. I think I'd rather prioritize getting into a theory-related graduate class to explore my interests further, and if there happens to be a seat available in an undergrad PL/Compilers class as well, then great. Is this a mistake?