Looking at PhD programs for Statistics for Fall 2020. Looking to get a better idea of rankings and the merit of it all.
Undergrad Institution: Larger State School, known for STEM not much else.
Undergrad Major: Math
Grad Institution: Other Larger State School, USNews ranked for mathematics/applied mathematics PhD, but on the lower end. Seems to be known for analysis?
Grad Major: Applied Math (Masters)
GPA(Undergrad): 3.6
GPA(Masters): 3.9
Type of Student: Domestic
Relevant Courses(Undergrad):
Calculus 1-3, Abstract I, Advanced Calc I (A-)
Abstract II, Advanced Calc II, Topology, Comp Sci courses (A)
Several generic statistics/actuarial science/finance courses. My major GPA is likely higher than my cumulative, any sub-A grades were not in math coursework.
Relevant Courses(Masters):
Math Stats I, Math Stats II, Probability II, Sequential Analysis (A) * These were the seemingly typical Casella-Berger/measure-theoretic probability courses
Probability I (B) * Measure theory started rough, finished well at the end though
Some other generic applied math, statistics, and CS courses. All focused on modeling. (A)
GRE General(Unofficial): 160 Q, 160 V, ? AW
I took the General GRE on a last-minute whim to ensure I had time for two chances before December. Given I have time to retake I would expect to be able to beat this with some actual studying and now being aware of the testing process.
GRE Math Subject: Taken in October. Unsure of score, but I am hesitant to rely on it in any way at all. I assume 70s are the only worthwhile scores to send?
Programs Applying: Statistics PhD
Research Experience:
- Thesis related to statistics and machine learning. Did presentations in statistics/probability seminars locally. Most of this was just following papers over the last few years from bigger names at the top 10 schools.
Teaching Experience: Is this important? I was hired as adjunct faculty during my 2-yr masters stint so there's a good bit here.
Coding Experience: Proficient in R, Python. A few other less-relevant things.
Letters of Recommendation: One from advisor, two from professors I took class with. One letter is from the Probability/Analysis professor.
Research Interests: Regression, supervised learning, etc buzzwords
PhD Programs I am applying to:
USNews 20s - 50s? Specifically ignoring the biostats programs and re-ranking them in order without those programs filling the list.
Is it even worth applying? I feel like I have a very subpar application comparatively as I look around. I don't really want to go to the lower ranked schools whose stats are just a repeat of Casella Berger and start a dissertation, as I was hoping to do a program that offers some more diversity and be able to do something more in the topics of interest.
My Advisor recommends sending apps to a few top 20 schools and mentioned sending custom letters, but I don't think there's much merit there. I feel questionable in standing when applying to the 30's, let alone above that.
Assuming I come back with some 165 general GRE scores does anything really change, or is that really just the bare-minimum to be bothering in the first place? I assume if I want to be competitive I have to come back with a strong Subject GRE?
