Hey I will be applying to statistics/biostatistics phd this fall. I am mostly interested in theoretical aspects of statistics so I am mostly looking into departments where there is a strong emphasis on theory. Any evaluation/advice is greatly appreciated. Here is my profile:
Undergrad Institution: One of the big Math/Statistics schools in Canada (one of U of T, U of Waterloo, UBC) Major(s): Statistics and Mathematics GPA: We do percentage grading. High 80s, higher in math/stat courses
Grad Institution: Same school
Major: Statistics
GPA: ~90
Type of Student: International Male
Relevant Courses:
Calculus 1-3 (100, 96, 91). First year Algebra (92). Linear Algebra 1-2 (91, 90). ODE I (93). Mechanics (93). Intro to Prob (95). Intro to Statistics (93). Real Analysis I (84). Real Analysis II (84). Measure Theory I (95). Abstract Algebra (79). Complex Analysis (90). Mathematical Statistics I (92). Mathematical Statistics || (93). Graduate Math Stat (90). Applied Probability (91). Stochastic Processes (90). Applied Linear Models (80). GLM (89). Time Series (87). Experimental Design I (93). Experimental Design II (91). Survival Analysis (89). Missing Data and Causal Inference (90)
Taking next term: Functional Analysis, Measure Theory
Grading scale is as follows: A+: 90-100, A: 85-89, A-: 80-84, B+: 77-79, B: 73-76 etc.
GRE General Test:
Q: 170 V: 153 W: 3.5
Research Experience: Part time RA with an assistant professor during undergrad. Graduate RA resulting in a master's thesis. Both related to causal inference. Expect to submit a paper to statistics in medicine before application deadlines. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's list, awarded for academic excellence during grad study. Nothing major.
Letters of Recommendation: One from my master's supervisor (associate prof), one from a senior prof who I took grad math stat with. One from a very well-known prof in biostatistics. Any Miscellaneous Points that Might Help: Although I did well in most math/stat courses, I received some low grades in some finance, computer science and elective courses. How will this negatively impact my chances? Should I address this in my SOP? Applying to Where: My grades are good but not stellar. Also I heard that the competition among international students is insane, so I don't think I stand a chance at very top schools. I am also thinking of applying to some math department focusing on probability theory. With my math background, is it possible? This is my tentative list and it is subject to change.
Statistics: Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Cornell, UIUC, Toronto, UBC, McGill
Biostatistics: Washington, UNC, UCLA, Penn
Math: NYU, Georgia Tech, UCSD