biostat_prof, thanks for your input! I'm not complaining; got into 3 of the 5 psych/neuro programs I applied to, without ever having taken a psych class! To be fair, I only applied to and got rejected by 2 stats PhD programs (Berkeley and Johns Hopkins). With Berkeley, I didn't expect much because I didn't even originally apply to the stats program. I applied to neuro there on the recommendation of someone I wanted to work with, who thought my credentials were very strong and seemed interested in me. When it became clear they're not pursuing my application anymore, I got in touch with him and he said he still thought I was very strong, but probably the fact that I'm not a US citizen did me in, as funding in CA is very tight right now. And then he suggested that I transfer my application to stats, as he was working closely on what I was interested in with someone in the Stats dept. So, not too offended, since their program wasn't even my first choice (and I didn't get to resubmit a new SOP), and I know the UCB stats program is absolutely stellar. But I thought I was a 'perfect' fit for Hopkins Biostats- specific experience in biostatistics, even through a medical system they tend to collaborate with. Also in general they seemed to emphasize being an overall good communicator and having strong general research skills, which I think I do and I'm sure it got highlighed in the letters of recommendation (I may be a statistician, but I'm not "just" a number cruncher) and tried to convey in my SOP. Of course, I didn't *expect* I'll get in, because I know the process is super competitive and plenty of qualified candidates get rejected, but I was at least somewhat surprised about JHU's decision.
Re: funding. At least one of the other programs I got in will have a harder time funding me because I'm costing them much more (will never qualify for in-state tuition), but they will. I'm thinking the stats applicant pool consists of more foreign people than many other fields, so it becomes even more competitive.
Re: Math classes. As far as what programs list on the website, I have covered the minimum. Four semesters of calculus (actually, fourth one was more math induction, proofs, etc.), linear algebra, probability and three mathematical stats courses which I count more as math, since they're not applied stats classes.
All in all, things work out as they should. I tell all my friends who are applying to grad school: have faith in the process and trust that you'll end up at the place that's best for you (not only professionally, but personally as well).