windwhispered

As a CMU undergrad majoring statistics, my understanding from a talk with my advisor is that CMU's statistics graduate program is extremely prone to admitting student with relatively little background in statistics, but rather has done a lot in other field and/or is willing to work in the intersections of his previous area and statistics. Hence I'm pretty positive that you have a shot at MSP. Meanwhile, the program is very professional-oriented and a lot of the materials and courses are covered in our undergraduate data analysis curriculum. You can of course opt to take some PhD level stats courses, but the program in general may not be as valuable as other "theoretical" programs at other institutions.

Matrix Theory / linear algebra could certainly be helpful, but my personal perception is that real analysis is a more important qualification.

marmle: it's really reassuring to hear these words from a current applicant. Thanks, and also good luck to you on your applications!

Hi everyone, I'm interested in a PhD program in statistics and/or machine learning. I am a junior as of fall 2016 but think I should give myself a head start. Any feedbacks will be much appreciated! Undergrad Institution: Carnegie Mellon Major: Statistics and Machine Learning, Math GPA: 3.95 Type of Student: International (Chinese) Courses and Background: Undergrad level: Calculus 1-3, Differential Equation, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis 1,2, Discrete Math, Combinatorics, Stochastic Calculus, Discrete-Time and Continuous-Time Finance, Mathematical Statistics and Inference, Modern Regression, Advanced Statistical Methods, Data Mining Graduate level: Machine Learning (PhD), Graphical Models, Statistical Computing (All A's) GRE Score: V - 165 Q - 170 GRE Math: Haven't Taken Computing: R, Python, C, Matlab; Scripting: Latex Research Experience: I don't have any REU's due to my nationality Research Assistant for a project in operations research and statistics. (Probably) research assistant for modeling infectious disease Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in statistics and algorithmic trading Will be working on a senior thesis based on my summer research Other Relevant Experience Teaching Assistant for Intro to Computer Science Grader for Statistical Inference and Proof-based math Math Tutor Honor: same old, same old...dean's list Letter of Recommendation: I'm still working on this part My boss (my SURF and thesis advisor) TBD TBD Thinking about applying for: Stanford (...dream?) Berkeley (reach) Chicago (reach) Princeton ORFE ( unorthodox, but I'm interested in statistical methods in finance ) Duke UMich NC State Columbia and of course, CMU I'm afraid that this list is too front-heavy, and I'm really looking forward to any advice and suggestions!