statistics
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Hello All.
I was fortunate to be admitted to both Stanford University MS in Statistics and UC Berkeley MA in Statistics. I am having a difficulty deciding which program to attend.
I intend to pursue a phd in statistics or computer science to do machine learning research. I did not apply to doctorate programs this year because I did not believe I was competitive enough. As a result I would like to attend a program that will not only provide me with rigorous coursework but also research opportunities to prepare me for phd. Here is my reasoning so far; I would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks !
Berkeley MA:
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Pros:
- I am able to pursue a formal thesis if I am able to find an advisor and committee on my own
- I am able to substitute the MA coursework for much of the phd sequence
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Cons:
- Coursework otherwise is very limited and I would not be able to explore my interests through coursework almost at all
- Short program - 3 semesters at most
- I am unsure how doable taking phd sequence whilst working on a thesis is
- Potentially problematic "MA" title when applying to phd
Stanford MS:
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Pros:
- Coursework is very rigorous and I would be able to not only take phd sequence but also many depth and breadth courses to explore my interests; many more courses than Berkeley
- Moderate length program - 6 quarters at most
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Cons:
- Independent research course/opportunities are available but do not guarantee a paper - unlike Berkeley thesis option
Both seem like great options and I am beyond grateful for having these opportunities. I understand that both rigorous coursework and research potential are important in phd applications. Although at both unis I would be able to take the phd sequence, I seems to be in a dilemma: at UCB I have a potential formal thesis but no supplementary coursework - and at Stanford I have fantastic coursework options but uncertain research opportunity with amorphous form it could take, i.e. not a formal opportunity.
I would love any advice ! Thanks
Edit: prestige is not a factor for me unless placements would be very different from one over the other because of it
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Pros:
Please Advise: Stanford vs Berkeley
in Mathematics and Statistics
Posted
Thanks for your insight. I see, that does make Stanford seem like a better option then.
Although the reason I valued writing a formal paper is for the computer science phd application setting. It seems that applicants have numerous first author papers written in top conferences. Surely these are not all from formal opportunities/thesis, but I worry that if I were to attend Stanford and research under an advisor but not publish/finish a formal paper then that would make me less competitive - even though I would have a recommendation letter from them. Perhaps this is unproductive overthinking however ...
Would appreciate any insight !