Hi there, I'm currently putting together my applications for a Master's program in biostat. I think I'm a strong candidate, but due to a few unique factors, I'm having some difficulting evaluating my chances at some of the upper tier programs. First, my profile: Degree in applied math / biology from a top 10 department at a top school GPA: 3.79 Grade breakdown: Methods of applied math 1 and 2: A and A, Calc 1: A, Calc 2 (multivariable): Pass (taken pass/fail) Statistical Inference 1: B, Linear Algebra: B, Quant. models of biological systems: A, Statistical infernece in genomics: A + a bunch of Biology classses, all As except 1 B Research: -Worked in a lab senior year involving statistics, but didn't do thesis -Summer internships at a top research institute, resulting in 1 publication Post grad: ~2 yrs Research Assistant at another top research institute, resulting in 1 publication, data analysis heavy Recommendations: Should be strong, and 2 of them from very distinguished faculty members GRE: Currently studying, expecting a strong quant. score What I feel like could be red flags on my application are my two Bs in Linear alg. and Stats, plus my silly senior year decision to take multivariable calculus pass/fail. This was the last semester of my senior year, and I had already taken a slew of classes that made use of multivariable calculus. Plus the class was mostly geared towards physics applications. So, with limited time on my hands and no aspiration for grad school at the time, I decided to just take it pass/fail. So the question is, how strong is my application in light of my grades for those three classes? I'm hoping that my good performance in other classes, including the other two upper level math classes, can make up for it. But I also recognize that those three classes are sort of "core" classes for a statistics student. Should I try to explain in my personal statment? Also, should I perhaps take the GRE math subject test to further demonstrate my ability? Do I still have a shot at some top programs like UCLA or Washington, or should I recalibrate my expectations? Thanks in advance for any advice!
