moosetiger

Incoming statistics PhD student (awarded NSF in statistics) who has recently realized that their interests lie more in applied math (PDEs, mathematical biology and a couple other subfields). If I continue with my current statistics program, however, I will be unable to do research in applied math (since my program’s department requires the dissertation to be highly statistical in nature): thus, I am hoping to apply to my current institution’s applied math program and transfer my NSF award to the “applied math” subfield after the first year. Does anyone have any experience with transferring subfields after the first year, ie how difficult it is? I am torn between either attempting to transfer departments or applying to a new program entirely. If transferring NSF subfields is almost impossible, though, would really appreciate knowing so can best guide decision…

Hi all, I was extremely fortunate to be admitted to both schools’ PhD programs this program, and given both of their records, I am having a lot of trouble deciding. Does anyone have any things that one *must* keep in mind? Would really appreciate any crucial insights 😭 Harvard: - Lots of random matrix theory and biostats, weak at theoretical ML - Far fewer students, so advisors can put more time - Boston = ok Berkeley: - Strong at theoretical ML, which seems to align with my interests - Hard to get facetime with certain advisors and, in general, navigate research — so many students - Simantousely, I have heard that what makes Berkeley truly unique is its “culture of innovation” — there’s just something about it. Can anyone confirm? This is the main point dissauding me from Harvard…

Hi all, Was curious if anyone's heard back from Harvard, UC Berkeley, Yale and other top statistics programs regarding rejections / interviews... getting a bit anxious, since I heard that a couple years ago, top statistics schools (such as Harvard and UC Berkeley) would start rejecting applicants as soon as mid-December. Just hoping there's still some chance for an interivew!