cannonwalker

I'm curious about this: spending ten years raising children is a difficult, long-term project. It's educational psychology adjacent. Is it possible to translate the enormous value of the experience that's taken up most of your adult life to an application? I guess, if I was an admissions committee I would want someone who had good grades when they were in school, could demonstrate they were smart via GRE performance and good writing, and had developed the grit from 10 years of parenting.

Depending on the course requirements, a certificate wouldn't be enough. From a quick google, a certificate doesn't necessarily include multivariable calc, linear algebra, or analysis. I am sure there are exceptions made occasionally for appealing candidates, but many (most?) programs want you to have courses in linear algebra and real analysis at least. If you are trying to gauge fit with a PhD program, taking more math classes or learning more math on your own is probably better than taking a survey course in stats. Another suggestion: get on arXiv and browse a couple papers. Simply Statistics reflects on going to grad school in stats.

I might be guilty of answering a different question than the one you asked, however: I think you are probably going to have to do visits and talk to students/professors to get quality information w.r.t. your potential to succeed in either program. I am willing to bet that if you are happy and supported at your institution, you won't be irrevocably closing any professional doors on yourself by attending either one.

What clued you in? Did you ask particular questions or seek out interactions that helped you realize this information?

I’m not sure. I didn’t check until afterwards. I’m sorry it is stressful! I hope they get back to you soon.

I don't know the answer to this, but I can tell you that my application status on the portal says the same thing, and I got an offer from them a bit more than a week ago. Have you tried calling? Do people do that anymore?

Just in time for the deadline! The thought of a decision spreadsheet makes my tummy glow. That's normal, right?

Thanks for your thoughts! Perspectives I hadn't considered. It is sobering to see the number of strong applicants rejected from the top programs... I think I'll know better once I visit the departments and gauge their interest in me. UW-Madison has some process by which MS students can move into the doctoral program, but I'm not sure how much of a sure thing it is, given good performance. Either way, good problems?

That sounds like a great feeling. The constant checking can really run a person ragged.

Hi! I've been lurking in this forum for a while, either as a way to cope with my anxiety or feed it more fuel. As offers start to come in, I'm facing a dilemma that I hope some of you might have insight into. The gist is: what are the consequences of choosing a M.S. program vs. a Ph.D. program? The details: I'm accepted into Iowa State's Ph.D. program with funding (1/2 time $2000/month TA position, 5 years) and also the UW-Madison's M.S. program with funding (1/2 time unspecified appointment, 2 years). Both departments seem to be well-regarded, but the UW is perhaps more prestigious. Both departments have multiple faculty members doing research that matches my interest. I ultimately want to do research, so likely that I will need a doctorate eventually. Some questions I have: 1) Is doing the M.S. almost equivalent to doing the first two years of a Ph.D. program? Looking at the course requirements for the two degrees at the UW, they are very similar. 2) Would having the M.S. from the UW substantially improve the quality of Ph.D. programs I can get into? 3) Are there hidden benefits to being a Ph.D. student? 4) How highly should I value 5 years of guaranteed funding vs. 2? Of course, I'll contact faculty and grad students in both departments with questions. I appreciate any thoughts y'all might have. It's helpful just to transfer my nervous energy into writing as well.