Brack5
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Posts posted by Brack5
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20 hours ago, efh0888 said:
- Choose a different person for the last LOR if possible.
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Agreed, Magoosh is simply incredible. Shoot for 168+ on Q. Trust me, it's possible
- Not sure if research experience matters. Think math is probably more important. So yes, still take real analysis as it'll help once in a program.
- Read the thread below about choosing schools. I strongly agree with @TakeruK. Anecdotally, my first time around (long story) I applied only to reach and match schools in the top 20 and got great results. With no research experience I might add. Of course, YMMV.
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).
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9 hours ago, edward130603 said:
I don't think lack of stat research is a huge deal. A few admitted students I talked to had 0 or fairly minimal research.
What classes are you taking fall semester? Ideally, it would be real analysis, linear algebra, probability, but at the same time, that is a very tough courseload, especially if you are new to proof-based math courses. Your second semester courses/grades will not really matter since the grad schools won't see them during the admissions process.
Don't think getting rec from an employer where you do something that's not really related to stats is good.
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?)
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1 hour ago, BrittanyA1701 said:Here is my profileUndergrad Institution: Public State School (not flagship)
Major: Math, minor in Economics, expected graduation May 2018
GPA: 3.7Type of Student: domestic femaleUpper Division Courses:Proof(A), Math Stat I (A+), Diff Eq. (A), Programming(B) (horrible professor), Calc III (B), Calc II(A), Linear Alg. (A), Math Stat II(A), Real Analysis I (A), Numerical Analysis(B), Will take Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis II,GRE: Taking in August, Estimate: 165Q/157V
Undergraduate Research:Independent long term project 10 hours a week for over a year, preparing to send manuscript to journalsPlan to apply to:Duke, Rice, Baylor, Florida State, Southern Methodist, Kansas State, Missouri, South Carolina (?)That was a typo thanks for pointing that out. My GPA is a little lower and my GRE will probably also be lower. I have basically no teaching experience, but I have done a lot of research. Some of the very top programs do require the math subject GRE but I am avoiding schools that require it. I definitely want to go into applied Bayesian statistics. I am strongly considering a career in academia, but I want go to a program that has good placement in both industry and academia. I am applying to Duke and Baylor because they are Bayesian focused. The rest of my programs are mainly medium sized programs with a lot of variety of research. Duke is my reach, Baylor is my first choice, and the rest are programs that I have identified that meet my criteria. I made my list based on research matches, good funding relative to the cost of living, location, and most importantly probability of acceptance. Every program on my list had at least 2 professors (preferably more) whose research I was interested in.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).
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36 minutes ago, BrittanyA1701 said:
I am also applying to Fall 2018 Statistics Ph.D. programs so I am not an expert, but I would hope you would get in a PhD program somewhere since I am probably a similar level of applicant. Duke has admission stats on their Phd program here: https://gradschool.duke.edu/about/statistics/statistical-science-phd-admissions-and-enrollment-statistics. Duke, UNC, and NC State are pretty competitive schools, and I assume Carnegie Mellon would be as well. I would drop the masters applications and add a few middle tier Phd programs (Florida State, South Carolina), unless you have a specific reason to apply to WVU and Depaul. I would check to see if any of those schools require the GRE Math Subject Test (I know Duke and VT don't), and avoid programs that require it since it is a very difficult exam even for math majors. From what I have read some programs will offer rejected PhD applicants acceptance to their PhD program. Do you know what you want to do with a PhD in statistics or what you want to specialize in (biostat, Bayesian, applied, theoretical etc)?
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!
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Undergrad Institution: Large public university
Major(s): Chemistry
Minor(s):
GPA: 3.9Type of Student: Male, White, Domestic
GRE General Test: Yet to take, from practice tests: Quant 95%ish, Verbal 70%ishPrograms Applying: PhD and/or Masters in StatisticsResearch 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 tutoringLetters 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 theoryA'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!
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12 hours ago, edward130603 said:
With a master's, you will probably be able to skip some or all of the first year of classes in the PhD program. I agree that it is a good idea to take up to a 5th year of undergrad to get your math core in. If you've already basically finished your major, one more semester is probably enough. Also, would recommend math minor over stat.
P.S. I actually studied chemistry too and made the decision to apply to biostat and stat phd programs in the spring of my junior year. By the end of senior year fall, I had done a calc sequence, linear algebra, one real analysis class, numerical analysis, probability, and a few applied stats classes. I was accepted to 1/4 stat phd and 4/6 biostat phd programs (all well-ranked). So coming from a science background, it may be a good idea to consider biostat programs if you have any interest in that.
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.
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20 hours ago, TakeruK said:
Generally, completing a Masters before a PhD does not significantly reduce the length of the PhD program. Whether any PhD program requirements will be waived will depend on each PhD program. I'm not in Statistics, but the range in my field varies from reducing the PhD course requirements between 0-1.5 semesters (i.e 0-0.75 years).
However, as you may already know, the part that takes the longest is not the coursework, but the research! Having experience with research in a Masters program can help (e.g. if you do a PhD project closely related to your Masters work, you will already have a lot of the background reading etc. done). A Masters program can also help you adjust to the time management and help you develop valuable research skills that could make your PhD go faster than someone who enters directly from an undergrad degree. That said, in your case, since you will be using a Masters program to help you get caught up in Statistics compared to those who might be entering directly, you may not end up that far ahead of direct-entry students.
In your case, I think you potentially have another option. Can you also get a major (or at least a minor) in Statistics, extending the length of your undergrad degree as necessary? I am not sure what your school rules are but in Canada, this is very typical for students who change/alter interests after their 2nd year. It might be cheaper to continue on your BS degree for a 5th and 6th year instead of enrolling as a Masters student. But I know that at some schools, you aren't allowed to stay this long.
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
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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.
Profile Evaluation of a Chemistry undegrad
in Mathematics and Statistics
Posted
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.