StatMaster2016

For master's programs, research isn't that important I don't think. I did not do any statistical research as an undergrad. The only research I was a part of was in psychology lab and at market research firm.

You should be able to get into any master's program you want. I got into Stanford, U Chicago, Harvard, etc. with a much weaker profile than yours. The only thing I would say is that you might want to get two of your LORs from professors, even if they are lukewarm. I think the programs prefer to hear from people that can attest to your academic ability. Of course, you will probably hear multiple opinions on this matter. Good luck!

I got into Stanford, U Chicago, Harvard, Duke, and more with a background similar to yours. I went to a strong state school, was an econ major, and did not take any proofs based math courses. I did take a statistics course that taught R and an intro CS course that used Python. I also took a mathematical stats course, which seems to be a pre-req for some of the programs. I did well on the GRE and did not take the math subject test-- I did not have a strong enough background to take it Good luck!

Yeah everything looks really good besides the probability course. I got into Harvard's AM Stat program with similar credentials, minus the work experience, but with a good grade in probability. Probability is an important course, so if there is anyway to demonstrate your capability (online courses, night course, etc), I'd recommend doing so. Besides that, look at what DC1020 has to say. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply! Your advice is appreciated.

Thank you for the congrats! Your point of view is consistent with what I've gathered from reading through the program sites and talking to people. Always nice to have that information corroborated though. Thank you for your help!

Hi Tigertiger, Thank you for the response! Why do you say that? Is it the brand name or is there something about the programs specifically?

Hi everyone, I have been accepted by both the Harvard and Chicago master's in statistics programs (gratefully). Looks like costs are going to be similar and I do not have a preference for either geographically. I am wondering if anyone has experience or has heard of others' experiences with either of these schools/programs that he or she would be willing to share. Any advice regarding this decision and the programs would be welcomed. Thank you in advance! Note: I am not planning on doing my PhD in statistics.

Curious to hear an answer to this...I have a similar profile in terms of pre-reqs, GPA, GRE, non-math/stats major, undergrad research in non-math/stats discipline

Yeah I understand what you are saying. However, my desire to pursue a career in data analysis outweighs the amount of stress I'll feel taking those exams. I actually think it's ridiculous to think that I shouldn't learn more of what I love because I often perform poorly on exams (I am not saying that you're suggesting this, it's just a thought that I have). I am likely going to avoid master's programs that require some sort of qualifying exam to get the degree...I would much prefer a thesis. Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated.

Hi cyberwulf, Thank you for your reply. What if there was a high risk of getting below a B? Which would be worse, a C or a W? I find that I understand the material in the course, and intend on learning it regardless of whether or not I complete the course. However, I have a history of doing very poorly on exams even when I know the material due to high performance anxiety, making continuing on in the course a risk considering that I only have one opportunity to make up for the first midterm.

I will definitely check out that website. Thank you for your help.

Hi fluffyj, Thank you for your response. So advanced calculus essentially is an intro to proofs/intro analysis course. I do want to learn to material, and plan on self-studying the subject regardless of whether or not I complete the course. I think some master's grad programs want a course like this, and others do not require it. My concern is that I will not be able to complete the course with a decent grade (meaning at least a B ) due to my first midterm score. I just cannot gauge the admissions process (i.e. I don't feel there is much information available to determine my strength as a candidate) so I am looking for all of the advice I can get.

Hi all, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I am currently in the process of applying for master's in statistics programs for Fall 2016 entry. This semester, my final semester in undergrad, I am taking a few courses that will be important in preparing for a master's program and for which my grades will be important for an admissions committee to see (I think). My classes are: Intro to Computer Programming (Python), Linear & Matrix Algebra, Mathematical Statistics, Game Theory, and Advanced Calculus. As you can see, it is a bit of a heavy course load, especially when doing applications as well. I currently feel like I do not have adequate time to ensure that I perform well. In fact, I did very poorly on my first calculus exam. I am considering dropping the course because of this. I am wondering what advice anyone has regarding dropping the course. I am worried that, a) having a DR (drop) on my transcript for this course will look bad, and may signal to admissions that I am not a good enough student for their programs, b ) that not having advanced calculus will significantly hurt my chances of getting into a good school, irrespective of having the drop marked on my transcript, and c) that not having advanced calculus will mean that I am not adequately prepared for master's programs. I have a strong GPA (3.75), go to a top 20 public university, and am not a math or stat major (I am an economics and psychology major, minor in business). As such, my math background will just meet the minimal requirements for most programs. My GREs are strong enough for any school I believe (167 Q, 166 V, 4.0 W). Also, I have never dropped a course before. Please let me know any advice you may have. Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you efh, this is helpful. I imagine tier I may still be a bit of a reach given the credentials of other applicants, but might as well try and see what happens.

Hi Marcus, Thank you for your response. I will likely go work in industry after my masters degree. I am interested in economics/behavioral economics, public policy, or finance. My worry is that my courses may lack rigor in comparison to other candidates. I have not taken real analysis yet, not because I have avoided it, but because of my late developed interest in statistics.

Bump; just retook the GRE today and scored 167 Q, 166 V, if that changes anything. Thank you.

Hi all, I've been looking over the results of last year's applicants to masters in statistics programs, and am more confused than ever about where I would be competitive. From the looks of it, many applicants with very high GPAs and GREs were rejected from programs ranging from Stanford (ranked 1st) to Yale (ranked 34th). I am applying to programs this coming fall, and am trying to get an idea about what range of masters programs I should apply to. I was hoping to get some help on this forum. Thank you in advance! Here is my profile: About me Domestic, Caucasian male School: Top 10 public university Majors: B.S., Psychology and Economics Minors: Math and Business Other: Completed basic pre-med courses Cumulative GPA: 3.78 Last 60 credits: 4.00 GRE scores 167 Q 160 V 5.0 W Quant courses/grades Calc I (AP) Calc II (A) Calc III (A) Probability and Math Stats I (A) Probability and Math Stats II (A) Matrix and Linear Algebra (A) Theory of Single Variable Calculus (essentially an intro to analysis and proof-writing) (A) Acc. Intro to Stats (A) Econometrics (A) Intermediate Microeconomics (A) Intermediate Macroeconomics (A) Game Theory (A) Psychology Stats ( B )-- fluke grade Experimental Psychology (A) Intro to programming in R (A) Intermediate programming in R (A) Intro to Data Programming (Python) (A) Work experience -2 summer internships, one being in market research -Lifeguard Academic research experience -Research assistant in psychology lab; this was not very statistical in nature though Other things -Played club baseball -On the board of Psi Chi (psychology honor society) for a year -Served as treasurer in an investment club Suggestions for the range of schools I should apply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again!