Brack5

Hello, I'm about to start PhD program applications and just wanted an idea of how competitive my profile looks. Any insight would be appreciated. I hope to pursue Applied Statistics. Some schools I'm considering: Ohio State, Virginia Tech, NC State, Northwestern, Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan Institution: Large State School, top 100 Major: Chemistry BS GPA: 3.9 GRE: 169 - Q , 157 - V, 4.0- W Classes taken: Differential Equations (A) Calculus-based Probability (expected A) Linear Algebra (expected A) Calculus 1-3 (all A's or A+) 2nd class of Calculus-based Prob (final semester) Regression (final semester) Letters of Recommendation: I expect two very strong letters and a reasonably strong third letter. One from my Chem advisor, one from my Calc 1-3 and Dif. Eq. professor, one from my current Probability professor and mentor Research: I participated in one semester of Chemistry research (P-chem) Work/Job: TA for Organic 1 and Organic 2 lab. Concerns: Obviously, I decided about Stats grad school late in my undergrad career (Summer before senior year). My biggest concern is my lack of experience in Stats field. I am confident that I can learn the material adequately, and I really enjoy the classes I have taken so far, but I worry I will be viewed as inexperienced. I think my GRE quant score and GPA indicate that I have the ability, but I worry schools won't want a Chemistry undegrad.

Thanks for the reply. I'd be interested to hear your story and what your resume looked like while applying to top 20 schools. I'm still a little unsure about my chances because I decided upon this route so late so I'm trying to make up as much ground as I can this last year. And yeah, I definitely want to get 168+ on Q and I think it's possible ( took another practice test today and got a 166, so just need to lock down those few questions I'm missing each time).

I will be taking linear algebra and probability fall semester but I won't have the opportunity to take real analysis until spring (is it even worth it at that point?)

Awesome. What have you found useful in determining the focus programs have (Bayesian, industry, etc) and the amount of funding available? Are you just going straight from their websites or external resources? Some schools seem to have great websites while others feel worthless.... I think your research background will be huge in the process. I worry that my lack of stats research is my big weakness that could prevent me from getting into Ph.D. programs and I'd really rather not have to do a Masters and then a Ph.D. afterward. On another note, how has your GRE prep been going? I'd definitely recommend Magoosh flash cards for vocab and I have been using a site called VarsityTutors to take diagnostic tests for Verbal and Quant. I also have taken two full-length practice tests (I think they were through ETI).

Thanks so much for the reply. I have yet to see a school that requires the GRE Math subject test so I doubt it is very important. What exactly do you mean in your second to last sentence ( did you mean Masters)? I'm not entirely sure what I would like to specialize in but as of now I would lean toward applied or biostats (I don't think I want to be very involved with academia in the long term). If you don't mind me asking, what schools are you considering and what are the differences in our resumes? I'm still trying to learn as much as I can as I transition from the chemistry world to the statistical one so I would just like to hear your opinions. I appreciate it!

Undergrad Institution: Large public university Major(s): Chemistry Minor(s): GPA: 3.9 Type of Student: Male, White, Domestic GRE General Test: Yet to take, from practice tests: Quant 95%ish, Verbal 70%ish Programs Applying: PhD and/or Masters in Statistics Research Experience: My only research experience is in a Physical Chemistry laboratory for one semester Awards/Honors/Recognitions: President's List, Honors College, 1 of 20 selected to merit based honor in my college, ACS Vice President at my school's chapter Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Have worked as TA for two semesters and have over 125 hours of chemistry tutoring Letters of Recommendation: One is from my advisor, one from my calc 1-3 and diff eq. professor, and one from my employer (is this a good idea, I get to teach kids STEM activities at summer programs) Math and Stat Courses: Calc 1-3, Diff Eq, will be taking Linear Algebra, will be taking probability, will be taking stats theory A's or A+'s in all Math courses to date Applying to Where: Ohio State Carnegie Mellon NC State UNC Duke George Washington Depaul (Masters) WVU (Masters) VT Would my resume be competitive enough to get in a Ph.D. program or am I more likely to do a stats Masters and then transition to Ph.D. Also, what range of schools would I be considered for (Masters and Ph.D.). Thanks for any insight!

I feel like I might be in a similar position to you by the end of senior year. Do you think I should try and apply to some stats/biostats PhD programs even though I will be taking the important classes during/after the application process? Also, how do you like Biostats coming from a Chemistry background? I'm still unsure if I want to go more of a Data Science route or Biostats route so I'm interested to hear your opinion.

Thanks for the reply. I could stay an extra semester and get an Industrial Math and Stats major. I do, however, already have all the calcs required and have time to fill in linear algebra and several stats classes senior year. My advisor didn't think it would be beneficial to stay an extra semester just to get that degree and then not be able to apply until the following year. Of course, I am open to hearing all points of view

Hi, First time poster here. I am a Chemistry major who wants to pursue Statistics graduate programs. I have a 3.9 GPA but little actual experience with Statistics. I plan on taking most important classes this upcoming year (my senior year). Since I don't think I'll be competitive for any PhD programs, I'm curious about the process of completing a Masters and then pursuing a PhD at a different school. I talked to the Stats chair at my university and he mentioned that it can benefit the student to do a Masters at a school that doesn't offer a PhD because you will get more attention. If I take this route and then want to go for a PhD at a different school, will I still have an additional 4-6 years to complete the PhD or will the Masters help me jump the first two years. Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm just a little confused about the process. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.