Hi all,
I am a rising senior studying statistics with concentration in biostatistics, also double majoring in math. I am planning to apply for both biostatistics and statistics PhD programs for Fall 2017, and I am leaning towards stat programs. Currently I am sort of concerned about the GRE math subject test. Although nearly none of the biostatistics programs require/recommend the subject, many top stat programs do, either require (such as Stanford) or strongly recommend (such as UW). I am curious about how large the role of the subject test plays in admission? If it is very important, I wonder what score/percentile on the subject is usually considered good or "not bad"?
Some basic info about me:
Undergraduate at a top 5 state university. General GPA: 3.80+ Major GPA: 3.95+
Most math courses taken directly relate to statistics: Cal1-3, Intro to differential equations, real analysis I & II, linear algebra (one applied and one theoretical), numerical analysis, combinatorics, probability. All A's except A- in real analysis II. I am concerned about the complex analysis, algebra and number theory parts on the subject test since I have not taken them yet.
Most statistics courses taken are in biostatistics: SAS computing (A), sample survey method (A), applied biostatistics methods (A), linear model (B+ . I also studied Casella&Berger by myself
Will be taking measure theory and statistical theory for first year Stat PhDs in senior year.
Considering my particular case in which I have not yet got a general GRE score nor have had courses in every topic on the subject test, I am struggling about whether to take the test. I hope to make the decision based on its importance.
Thanks so much in advance! I will really appreciate any information you have!