Hey all, I am relatively new to this site. I won't ask you to rate my profile (although you can if you want), but I just have a few questions regarding machine learning programs. I am looking to apply to places in the northeast (Cornell, CMU, MIT, University of Amherst, Stony Brook, Columbia). I am just wondering what the advantages/differences are between the different programs. Also, some of the schools don't have a specific machine learning department; instead it would be found within the Comp. Sci. or Stats departments. I am slightly intimidated when considering applying to these schools, but I figure it makes sense to be where the cutting edge research is happening, since this is a relatively new field.
Here is my background, if anyone would like to give me some advice:
Double major in Math and Statistics at Stony Brook University (3.5 GPA)
Currently in a Masters in Statistics program at Columbia University (about the same GPA)
I don't have formal research experience, but my classes this semester have some advanced final projects.
GRE - 800 Quant, 500 Verbal, 4.5 Analytic Writing
2 good letters of recommendation from professors this semester, 1 generic from my undergraduate department chair
