[Masters in Statistics (low gpa)]

That's a very valid point on the opportunity cost. Honestly, I'm still trying to assess what I want to do. I suppose it's a mix of things:

• The actuarial field is a very narrow niche and typically governed by regulation. If I wanted to move out of the insurance industry, it won't be a lateral move and I won't have the appropriate training as someone coming out of a Masters/PhD program in Stats.
• Some positions do lean more towards statistics / data science (and these were roles I've enjoyed more) but at the end it's limited by actuarial judgment.
• While I'm doing well professionally, I'm not that interested in the insurance industry. Part of me is considering whether a MS in Math would be better (like NYU's program) so I can explore a variety of math courses, something I neglected to do during my late-switch in undergrad to my Actuarial degree. Related question, what are top MS in Math programs that offer a thesis option?

I'm open to any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks for the advice so far!

[Masters in Statistics (low gpa)]

Thanks for the quick response!

On the math professors - I can reach out but I doubt they'll remember me given how long it's been. Would it hurt my app to not have a rec from a professor?

On Stanford/Chicago, anything I can should consider doing to make my application more attractive?

[Masters in Statistics (low gpa)]

Hello!

I've been working for ~10 years as an actuary but I'm reconsidering my career. Hoping to get thoughts on whether a top tier (top 15) MS program in Statistics is out of reach for me, or if there are things I could do to make my application more attractive.

 

Undergrad: One of the State University of NY

Major: Major in Math (Actuarial), Minor in Chemistry

GPA: 3.25 overall, 3.8 major (I was previously trying to go the premed path but was not suited for it. At the same time, I was dealing with some family issues - onset of dementia in a parent, younger sibling going through a crisis of risky behavior - and as a result, probably held on too long to premed than I should have.)

Student Type: Domestic Asian Female

Undergrad Courses:  Calculus II (A), Calculus III (A), Ordinary Differential Equation (A), Probability I (A-), Probability II (C+), Applied Probability Models (A), Topology (A-), Linear Algebra (A). And maybe less relevant undergrad courses - Interest Theory (A), Microeconomics I (A), Microeconomics II (A), Macroeconomics I (A), Macroeconomics II (A), Actuarial Problem Solving (A).

GRE General: Will take, assuming quantitative will be fine

Math GRE: Should I take this?

Research: None related to math - 2 semesters in materials research under a Nobel prize winner

Work Experience: ~10 years as an actuary within consulting and life insurance, regular promotions and great reviews

Letters of Recommendation: Likely will ask from past managers

Programs Applying to: MS in Statistics

Considering to Apply to:  Top 15-20 programs

 

Questions

1.  What can I do to improve my application?

2. Which programs do you think I can get into? Will it be a stretch if I'm aiming for top 15-20?

3. I'm guessing I'm not the typical applicant since I'm more removed from school. How will that be viewed?

 

Many thanks!!