geekman

Hi all, I am in my second to last year (most likely graduating summer 2016) doing a PhD in Statistics. I am interested in going into academia - I'd like to be considered for tenure track positions. Not neccesarily R1, but maybe a happy medium between research and teaching. What things should I be doing? The first two years of my program were not too productive due to classes / qualifying exams. Obviously, the #1 thing is publications but I doubt any will actually be in print by the time I graduate. I assume I will have two papers submitted by this summer (2015) and I am working on an R package to go along with my research. Any advice / feedback is appreciated! Thank you.

I will be attending a PhD program this upcoming Fall and I have a HUGE fear of public speaking. I intend to just 'deal' with it since the degree is worth more to me than my fear... This thread has offered some great advice so far! I have a question for you folks! Is it frowned upon or shunned to discuss public speaking concerns with fellow classmates or my supervisor? I would love to get their feelings and opinions, but I'm not sure if it's an acceptable topic of discussion. It seems to me like it's something that is a non-issue in academia - like something you just deal with on your own and move on. Is this crazy for me to think this? I'm probably going to start practicing by joining toastmasters and reading books on the subject, but I feel like they can only go so far... I'm not against taking meds for it, but like other have said, it only seems to 'treat' the problem, not cure the root of the problem. That's it for now. Thanks in advance for any comments/advice!

Looks like we're in the same program! I guess my main question would be is there a difference in locations for housing? I don't plan on living on campus, but housing seems to be pretty spread out around the area...

I am leaving June 30 and still haven't told them yet... I've only been at my job for ten months or so and my boss always makes statements like 'What would we do without you?' I know I shouldn't feel bad, but I do. I guess I should just suck it up and let them know - better sooner than later.

So I was accepted into a PhD program for this upcoming Fall. I got an official acceptance letter/package in the mail. I visited the school and met the program coordinator, professors, students, etc. Ever since I accepted the offer, I haven't heard a peep. I know that I can just go ahead and contact them, but is this a common occurence? I hope this isn't a stupid post - I just wanted any general feedback / related stories on this subject.

I'll be going to UConn in the fall as well. I'm from NY, so it's not a huge trek, but I don't plan on looking for apartments until June/July with the intent to move in early-mid August. But, don't listen to me - I'm probably cutting it close. Does anyone know anything else about the area? Stuff to do? Place to go? Etc.

Most of your stories sound exactly like mine... I took my current job for a year while I waited to go back to grad school. It's an office, 9-5, lame cubicle type job. Every day I consider quitting on the spot. When I got my acceptances I was a bit more upbeat, but now the days just drag on... I don't understand how people do this their whole lives. Leaving the end of June, which gives me about a month and a half before my program starts in mid-August. It's comforting to hear that others are in the same situation.

Has anyone had any experience with this? I already have a Masters and will be starting a PhD program this upcoming fall. How unusual / difficult is it to write a paper to sort of get a 'head start' before I enter the program? I assume that most journals and conferences would not take you seriously unless it was supervised by a professor. This is for Statistics - I don't know if the answer to this question changes dependent on the specific field.

Yeah, it's more of a personal decision that I'd want to go to Stony. One being that it's close to home, friends, gf, etc. There isn't any other reason I'd rather go to Stony over UConn. In fact, I think Stony Brook has a weaker program. That's what I wanted to confirm here. Their Statistics 'department' is located within the Applied Math department, meaning they only share some of the resources. There are only 6 professors at Stony Brook doing Statistics versus 15 - 20 at UConn. It also seems the graduates don't fare as well in academia. I basically just wanted someone to confirm this was true, so I don't think I'm just crazy.

Which is a better program for Statistics? I was accepted into both. A little background about myself: I have a BS in Mathematics, and a Masters in Stats. I am leaning towards pursuing a career in academia upon graduation, but it's not 100%. I know Stony Brook isn't AS good as UConn, but is it that much worse? I have various reasons that I'd want to attend Stony Brook over UConn, but if the academics just don't add up, there is no point. Any advice / knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

I am applying to mid-range programs (ranked 20 - 50) for a PHD in Statistics in the Fall of 2012. If anyone would like to exchange SOPs (in any related subject), I'd be very appreciative. Thanks in advance.

I am applying to mid-range programs (ranked 20 - 50) for a PHD in Statistics in the Fall of 2012. If anyone would like to exchange SOPs (in any related subject), I'd be very appreciative. Thanks in advance.

I already posted this in the Applied Math forum and got no response, so here it goes. First of all, let me state that I'm writing an SOP for a PHD in Statistics for the Fall of 2012. I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts on the SOP are? I know that you should display your research abilities since a PHD program is all about research. Do you think listing professors is relevant or required? Should I also address any deficiencies I have - for example, I have a few poor grades. How detailed do I need to be in my research interests and any relevant projects I've done? Also, I've been working for a year and realize that it's not for me. I have various reasons - I want to be more creative, I think working 9 - 5 kind of sucks, I feel that I'm not being intellectually stimulated. Are these good reasons to list for my reason to pursue the PHD, or will it be looked down upon? I can see how professors might translate this as meaning that I'm not focused, and can't deal with drudgery. Lastly, has anyone else experienced a lack of motivation to write their SOP? Today is the 2nd time I've sat down and really tried to write one, and failed again. For me, it's such an intimidating thing to write. Maybe I need to stop thinking about it so much... Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

So I'm applying to schools for the Fall of 2012. I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts on the SOP are? I know that you should prove your research abilities since a PHD program is all about research. Do you think listing professors is relevant or required? Should I also address any deficiencies I have - for example, I have a few poor grades. How detailed do I need to be in my research interests and any relevant projects I've done? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hey there - I'm in a similar situation as you. I graduated with a BA in Mathematics, and recently got a Masters in Statistics. I'm taking this year off to work and make some money. I plan on applying to PHD programs in Statistics for Fall 2012. Just to give you an idea of my background - Undergrad I have a 3.5 GPA, my Masters GPA is 3.4. GRE scores are 800 Quant, 520 Verbal, 4.5 Analytical Writing. Normal recommendation letters - nothing stellar. Anyway, please don't base your decision entirely on this, but here is a list of some of the schools that I'll be looking at / possibly applying to: SUNY Stony Brook SUNY Buffalo University of Pittsburgh SUNY Binghamton Florida State University University of Florida (These are two different universities) University of Connecticut UMass Amherst These are all schools that I feel comfortable applying to. I'll probably apply to one or two reach schools just for the heck of it. My advice to you is take your time, get to know the programs and make sure you'd be a good fit within the department. I'm going to be sending out some emails in the next few weeks to try to speak with the program directors. Also, the one thing that is totally in your control is your Statement of Purpose. Make sure it's clear, gives examples of why you'd be a good candidate (research, teaching experience, etc.). I'm pretty sure the last thing admission committees want to see is something like, "I've loved math since I was 5, so this is why I want a PHD in Math". Please, if anyone else has any advice or comments, send them our way!!