CoffeeShopPhilosopher

I would really appreciate it if someone could look over my stats and give me some advice on how to look like a more competitive applicant. I'm set to graduate in 2 semesters, but I might take an additional semester if it's helpful. I plan on applying to programs next fall, and I am not sure how to proceed from here. I would also like to know if an MS is maybe more appropriate for someone like me. Undergraduate Institution： University of Georgia (top 20 public school) major/minor: Math/statistics GPA：3.67 Ethnicity/Gender: White Male GRE: Haven't taken it yet Math GRE: I don't want to take it unless I need to take it Programs Applying: Statistics phd or biostatistics phd Noticeable Courses Taken: Calc 2 & 3 A- , Intro to Proofs A linear algebra A, Abstract Algebra B-, Differential Equations B Sequences and Series (Introduction to Real Analysis) B Real Analysis (Don't know yet, likely a B or C) Complex Analysis (Don't know yet, likely a B or a C) Intro to Statistics A- Statistical Methods B+ Intermediate Biostatistics B+ Some classes I plan on taking are a follow up course in real analysis, number theory, (maybe abstract algebra II?), CS courses (including a stat programming course), and other stat courses to finish my minor. Is that a good approach? Awards: Made Dean's list spring my freshman year, because I had a 3.9 overall GPA Research experience: Nothing Notable, but I've talked to a professor about working on it, I plan on applying to an REU Misc: I have three semesters left before I graduate, so I need advice on how to make the most of it. I just don't really know what I should be looking at. My transcript looks a little off, because I made A's and A-'s my first year of college, and then I did alright my third semester besides the B in differential equations, but I made nothing but B's my fourth semester, because I took nothing but math and statistics courses, and I had an unusually bad experience with Algebra (I believe the teacher was reprimanded for the course, because it was absurdly difficult) so it caused my whole semester to just go off the rails. This semester I've been dealing with a continuation of extenuating circumstances involving my personal life that have caused me to not do as well as I could have this semester. I also find Real/Complex Analysis to be very difficult subjects. Schools and programs I am applying to: Probably UGA, maybe GA Tech, not sure where else to realistically apply at If I don't get funding, I can't really afford to go anywhere Concerns: My GPA is probably going to go down after this semester, and it's starting to get into a low range. My grades don't look great, but I can explain sort of what was going on in my life to cause that to happen. I don't really have a lot of research experience, and I'm not sure I'll stand out as an applicant to any programs.