BL250604

@kingduckthe higher the better is the general rule but in that range you're sitting fine. The GRE is more of a weed out tool. If you will improve just by 1 point, don't spend the money, it's an expensive test and a 165 vs 166 will be virtually meaningless in the eyes of the adcoms. If it were a 159 to 160, or a 159 to 161, I get it, but not in the mid 160s-- you're fine.

Plane answers is a good book, I've used that one. Primer to Linear Models (Monahan) is good, as is Linear Models in Statistics (Rencher). I also really like the discussion in KNNL, personally.

I agree with StatsG0d. If you're okay spending the money, as the GRE is a screening criteria, the higher the better when under 165 in my view. Otherwise, I think you're fine.

There are a lot of students in my cohort who use the iPad + Apple Pencil combo. They also use the screen protector that makes the screen feel like paper in order to write more easily. I've noticed that their notes are very organized. Also, plenty go students in my program actually take notes in person and scan them to annotate/archive on their computer/tablet. This is also a good option. While it's expensive, I usually advocate that it's cheaper to get a machine that will last through the rigors of grad school than one that may fail along the way. BL

To me the overall GPA is less important than how you did in your math/stat courses. The ones you listed are what adcoms would like to see, with the exception of real analysis but good grades and letters can overcome that. How did you do in the classes you listed? Once we know that, it's easier to make some application recommendations. Also, don't stress too much about the GRE. Your GRE score won't get you in places, it will just be used to filter you out of the acceptance process. Usually if you score in the low-mid 160's, you've done enough. A perfect score may look nice but it won't bump your profile very far in my experience. BL

I personally looked (only) at the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro. My MacBook Pro is the 13" that I upgraded. A lot of students in my cohort love the Thinkpads. I think those are the three most popular in my cohort. I know other students that have the surface (or some variety of the surface), but I don't know much about it.

Absolutely. I have 16 GB for that exact reason. I think 8 GB could do just fine, but for the minimal upgrade charge, I upped it to be safe. I'd say that 16GB i7 or better is probably the best way to go. That tends to be pretty standard with some of the more heavy duty models, so there should be plenty of options for the OP.

I agree with @StatsG0d. Frankly, as long as your computer is fast enough to run some code for research and big problem sets, you're fine. For some of the heavier research you'll be doing, you'll be sending it to the cluster, at least in my department. Get a laptop you'd like. I got a MacBook Pro with the student discounts and upgraded it. I love it, and have always been an Apple user so I prefer the macs for many reasons. Takeaway: Get something you want that's light, fast (enough) and won't cripple you financially. As long as you don't mistreat it or download some seedy parts of the internet, you'll be okay.

Usually I would say a score that is solidly within the 80's (as a %ile), or above, will always improve your chances. Unfortunately, at the top schools, most folks will have very solid scores, but I think that a score in the mid 80%ile or above will certainly boost your already solid profile!

You have a very solid profile, I think your list is fine. If your MGRE score is good (worth taking with your profile imo), you could even aim for the tippy top departments.

Can't agree with this more. That being said, there are very good cost of living calculators. For instance, the south is incredibly cheap compared to the north east and west coast. A stipend of $1800 - 2500 can get you a very nice apartment (without roommates) and gives you money for things you enjoy down south, while in other places, that can barely cover housing. Just another thing to think about, while you're looking into the matter.

Yup, I agree. You're in some great programs, no need to even consider an unfunded offer, even from a school like UNC. Pick a program you like with research areas you like and you'll be happy.

I can't echo @bayessays's sentiments more. It's imperative, during this time to explore! Really make sure you want to do statistics, and if you do, start your research early. It appears you've been looking into programs already, which is great. Try and read up on things to see if they interest you. If they do, you might want to consider those as potential research areas that you will look for in programs. But, at the end of the day, it's perfectly fine to not know what you want to do research in! Plenty of people change their minds, as well, so be open-minded and find a place that fits your interests, needs and goals.

Here is the foreign language requirement, check under "Language Requirement." It seems now you may choose a "computer language," however this was not the case when I spoke with the department before my application cycle. https://www.stat.rutgers.edu/graduate-academics/phd-degree-program

They have a strong industry focus but are a very solid department. Last time I checked, I believe they still had a foreign language requirement? I'm not positive, however if that still remains... I know some of the professors there are and some grad students as I have a connection with DIMACS at Rutgers.