GradcafeForOlds

Thanks for the response. The only reason I brought up undergrad was to maybe take versions of things I hadn't done well in grad school (like linear models and measure theory, maybe at a grad level of allowed), which might be easier and cheaper than a full master's program.

I started a stat PhD a few years ago, and didn't really put in the work I (in retrospect) should've, and ultimately failed quals. I've been working since then (not in anything where I work with PhD scientists, unfortunately), but part of me really thinks that I want to do a PhD, and that I can actually pull it off now that I know exactly what I need to do. It's probably too late to start applying this year, so don't worry about immediate actions, but I wanted to check what stuff you guys think I would need to do to actually stand a chance in admissions. Do I need to go back to undergrad to take some more math classes? I didn't do well in my PhD classes, which is why I ask -- my undergrad grades were fine, but after following them up with some grad school C's I doubt they'll look as enticing. Should I ask for a letter from my old PhD program? They probably wouldn't have great things to say about my work ethic or brains, but I thought some schools might want confirmation that I didn't cheat or violate Title 9 or anything disqualifying other than my performance, and that I'm not some eternal pain to have around. I know this is a thing for Profs at least when they change schools, not sure if it would matter in my case. I can probably guess this one, but should I get a master's first? I want a PhD pretty surely, but proving myself on my dime is probably the best way to get some trust back. I'm still in the area, so would my old PhD program have any chance of accepting me for a master's? Finally, I doubt it matters, but should I look at more biostat-y, applied programs? My grades in grad school were pretty universally bad (including in things like linear models that I like), but being at a pretty theoretical program made it harder to stay on top of everything for me, and maybe programs that aren't as focused on that wouldn't be as concerned about my first time through. Probably not, I know, but I'm open to biostat too, so I thought I'd test the waters.