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.

I think also a school like South Carolina would be worth a look. if you have questions about it, feel free to reach out. I think it fits into your range, and fits your southern disposition. Virginia tech also may be worthwhile. Perhaps George Mason as well. Or, some of the UNC- schools are worth a shot, such as UNC-G, UNC-W, etc.

Got it! That's certainly a good way to do it. Was just interested to see

Did your program also have a separate class on more advanced statistical computing? We go through Casella Berger (1-5 in Semester 1 as well) but stay pretty far down in the theory and actually briefly cover E-M lasso, etc.. We have a year long (required) sequence in measure theoretic probability (Billingsley + Resnick, and others) which goes further into the theory. But, we also have another required course that is essentially dedicated to computing methods such as E-M, MCMC, Optimization methods, Bootstrapping, etc. It certainly gives you different flavors of everything and keeps things pretty compartmentalized at the first year level. Just curious to see how your program compares/compared!

I respectively disagree. I got into a handful of top masters programs (5/6) and only into 6/14 ph.d. programs. I'd be willing to argue that masters programs are far less competitive. All of my 6 M.S. applications were to top 15 schools, 3 of which were top top tier (Yale, NYU, Columbia, etc.)

I wouldn't exactly say this is the case. You get paid a living wage to work very hard and grapple with complex ideas. Reading wiki, while sometimes is a supplement, is certainly not the main activity of a Ph.D. candidate in Statistics.

That being said, it certainly doesn't hurt to visit campus if you want to do that. No need to arrange something with the department (if you haven't been accepted yet), and check out the building and part of campus that they're in.

The rollercoaster is terrible, but it's not even March. Mid-March is when decisions really roll out. Initial waves have just been sent out or are being sent out now. Most schools don't send out other waves of acceptances until after they here from their first wave, that way they don't send out too many. You guys are fine. The waiting game sucks- but it happens year after year. Develop hobbies and find ways to keep yourself out of your email. That's what I did! Best of luck.

This isn't true at all. This is their first wave of acceptances. Usually, top students have gotten into multiple places and will be inclined to accept (or at a minimum, turn down offers elsewhere). Michigan is trying to get a feel for how many more acceptances they can extend. Formal waitlists won't come for another month or so from Michigan, and acceptances can be sent out until early April, from my experience last year. You should still have hope!

I agree (as always, pretty much) with Postdoc. In my opinion, there are two options. You can either (a) head back to school full time; or (b) take classes while you work. Regardless of choice, your best plan is to take some courses at a local university (the more well-known the better) and admissions shouldn't be too tough as a non-degree seeking student. The goal from there would be to complete the required coursework (calculus sequence, linear algebra and real analysis), plus, if anything else strikes your fancy, you can certainly take another math/stats course if you feel like it. Doing this part time is certainly difficult, but doable. Doing this full time is also difficult! Transitioning back to the life of a student is always hard and takes time to get in the routine. Either way, if you think a Biostats degree is the way for you, I think this is the best way to get a head start.

Probability and Measure, Billingsley is what my PhD program uses for our measure theory course.