mimique

Thanks, biostat_prof! The course title was 'advanced calculus'. Interestingly, it was *not* a requirement for my major (even the more mathematical track I picked), and I took it for my own interest. Best of luck to everyone!

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).

Thanks! The field that I'm interested in is cognitive psychology/cognitive science/neuroscience. One thing I didn't do with the stats programs which could've made a difference is get in touch with specific professors so that they know I'm applying. The reason I did it for the psych/neuro programs is that in general it's a 'lab science' where people typically get admitted to work with a specific professor (and I didn't think it's that way with stats programs) and also because I cared more and the whole process is very time-consuming, as everyone on this website knows! As an absolute back-up, I applied to two MS programs in Stats so I'm curious to see what they say. Now, PhD programs are orders of magnitude more competitive than master's programs, IMO, so I'm not offended, but it'll be really embarrassing if I get rejected by the MS programs.. Good luck with your applications! Hope the funding situation works out! Stats is one of the few fields in which it's worth financing your own education, if you have to (but probably more so for a Master's!), because the returns once you graduate will make up for it. I think that's true of very few fields...

So I wanted to post here just to add another data point. I currently work as a biostatistician but wanted to switch fields so I applied to a bunch of programs in an unrelated field, without having any formal experience in it (coursework or research). As a back-up (or rather, as a second option), I applied to several PhD programs in stats. I wouldn't call them back-ups because they are very competitive, but it was something I thought would work out easier than the programs in the non-related field because I have a degree in stats and have been working in the field. Well, I got accepted by 3 programs in the field I wanted (2 of which very competitive and one with 3% acceptance rate this year), but rejected by the stats programs. I guess I was totally wrong thinking that it'd be easier for me to get into the stats programs. My statistics: - Statistics major, 3.9 GPA, 3.96 in major, coursework mostly consisted of graduate classes (that's how my department worked) including the typical two-course Master's sequence of Mathematical Statistics. Also took many more courses than minimum requirement - GRE: 710V, 800Q, 4.5AW - Full tuition four-year scholarship as an undegrad, Phi Beta Kappa, etc. - Worked as a biostatistician in a research setting for 3.5 years, co-authorship in many publications, great recs from director and manager. Got the job despite only having a BS. Lots of programming experience with multiple softwares. - Woman (I know it helps sometimes), foreign national (don't know if that helps/hurts)- but with US degree, experience, etc. - I think my personal statement was pretty decent too. - Lots of tutoring experience I'm thinking I was able to differentiate myself enough in the other field (and be a 'non-traditional' student), but not for the stats programs!

I recommend you go to all the activities, even if not mandatory, if you can. It's helpful to talk to the grad students to get a feel what the environment in the department is, the style of your potential future advisor etc. Also, in my case, the social dinner with the grad students was the first event at my first interview (the night before the actual interviews) and it helped ease my anxiety about the whole process-- I saw that they are just normal people and that made me feel at ease. But I will warn you, all these events back to back get draining after a while.

I just went through a phone interview/conversation with a professor who seems very interested in me. That's before the official recruitment visit, which is in 3 weeks. He asked a bit about my interests, told me about his interests. So, he basically said that they like me and it's very likely I'll be admitted. Then he asked about what other places I've applied to. I got nervous responding to that question because the other two schools I'll be interviewing with a more prestigious than this one. Basically, I told him the two schools, said I don't know yet where I want to know, seeing as how I haven't visited any of the schools yet. I was worried he would think I'm not serious about his school because the other two universities/programs are definitely higher ranked. In the end he said that they need this information to use it in determining financial aid packages-- I guess it is a good thing to have an interview (or even better- an offer!) from a better or competing school because it gives them more motivation to give you a competitive package so that you'll choose them. I'm sure that's not the case for all programs, but I thought it may be useful to share. I have no reason to not trust what he said, but I'm still a bit scared they'll decide I won't go there and not make me an offer.

Hi there, Does anyone have a rough idea of the percentage of interviewees who get admissions? Is it something like 30% or more like 70%? I am asking because it seems the purpose of the interview is different at different schools/programs. Some schools seem to know they want you, and that's why they invite you- and will make an offer unless you really bomb the interview. Other schools really seem to view this as an active competition/recruitment activity and they don't really know whom they want to admit. That's my perception anyway, from talking to people. So I'm trying to gauge where UPenn stands. Any thoughts are appreciated!