Biostat_Assistant_Prof

Apply now. For statistics, quant is really all that matters as long as your verbal isn't absolutely horrible (which it's not), your fine..... There is not a single school that will reject you for those scores. Your acceptance is condisitional on the rest of your application, like LORs and GPA.

Thanks for the response yet again Cyberwulf. You have been so helpful on this forum, every week answering questions and giving advice for what seem to be the same posts over and over again. I'm sure all the other prospective students are just as appreciative of your advice as I am.

I know there are tons of posts on here about Biostats, I've read through them all and have posted my own questions in the past... But right now, I'm filling out applications and I'm just getting super nervous. I'm an American student, and biology major graduating this spring. I currently have a 3.42 GPA and should have a 3.48 GPA at the end of this semester if everything continues on the way it should. I found interest in Biostatistics a little late, and I am catching up with pre-req math classes this year. I'm currently taking Calc II and Linear Algebra, and will be sending a second transcript to schools after my semester ends to reflect these classes. I currently have high A's in both (96% and 97%) and shouldn't have a problem fishing with A's. ill be taking calc 3 in the spring. I've also taken an intro Biostatistics course in which I got an A, as well as a statistics programming course (learning R and SAS) I also earned an A in.... My GRE Q score is 164, and I'm taking it again this weekend to see if I can raise it a little more..... My LOR's are from 3 past professors: a Microbiology professors I have a good relationship with, a mathematical ecologist of whom I have done research with (which should lead to a publication this spring), and my former biostatistics professor who introduced me to the subject. I know my math background is lacking compared to most applicants, and I'm worried that by applying this year, I'll just be throwing money away... Id like some feedback on my prospective list of schools with regards to my chances: - Washington (masters, because I know I have no shot at their phd yet) - Hopkins (masters, because I know I have no shot at their phd) - Columbia (masters, because they don't accept phd students without an MS) - Michigan (undecided between masters or phd) - UNC (undecided between masters or phd) - Minnesota (undecided between masters or phd) - Yale (phd - Brown (phd) - Emory (phd) - Boston (phd) - Iowa ( undecided between masters or phd) - Pitt (phd) - Florida State (phd) Overall, I would love to go straight to a phd program, as I'm certain that Is my end goal and funding is far better, but I don't know if I should take the risk. I know my chances would fare better with MS programs. I'm also unsure as to whether I would be considered for MS admission if denied from phd admission..... Anyways, be honest, are there any other programs I should look into, should I not even bother with Hopkins or UW, should I add more safeties, and are my current expectations a big too unrealistic? Another question, my freshman year grades are weighing my GPA down quite a bit, having had a 2.9 GPA after the first two semesters. I started college young, just before my 18th birthday, and was really immature my first year. Since then my grades have definitely been on an upward trend, as I've been on the deans list the past 4 semesters, and currently on track for 4 more A's this semester.... Is this something I should address in my SOP, or will it be obvious from my transcript and not worth mentioning. I'm not making excuses for the first year, but I'd like to explain the change in my mentality and approach to school work, and why that first years performance is not indicative of my potential (again, as I've had > 3.7 since then). Lastly, I'm extremely interested in Bayesian statistics, and curious if any programs are more Bayesian oriented than others, and if so, which ones? Thanks for any input guys. I'm just freaking as I'm filling out the applications and I'm worried of not getting in anywhere.

I have similar grades (3.5 GPA, overall and major) and GRE Q score (163). Those programs seem to be on par with where I'm applying to and I think you have a decent shot at getting into a few (of course I'm going to say that though, because I'm hoping to get into them as well!) My school list includes: Hopkins and UW, both of which I'm applying to MS because I know I don't stand a chance at their PhD yet. I'm not holding my breath for either though. Then I'm applying to UNC, Michigan, Emory, Yale, Brown, Boston, Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Florida State... I'm also thinking about Iowa, UCLA, Penn, and Minnesota..... Of those schools, I know I won't get into all, but hope to get into a few so I have options. My top of those would be UNC or Emory, because of location and proximity to my family... I've also considered the Medical University of South Carolina program, but I've heard very little about it and I'm not sure about how it compares to the rest of the schools on my list... If anyone has info regarding it, I'd like to hear it! Anyways, good luck to you!

I think your GRE Q is decent enough for acceptance, but maybe not to the top programs like JHU, UW, or Harvard.... Your GPA, LOR's and grades in pre-req math classes will also play a role, so it's hard to say what your chances are without knowing those

Here is the list I'm applying to (I know it's a lot, but I want to maximize my chances of getting in and like having options) My Reaches: - Johns Hopkins - U Washington My fingers crossed: - UNC - Michigan The more realistic possibilities (I'll apply at 6-8 of these programs, the ones with a star I'm definitely applying to): - Emory* - Boston - Yale* - Brown* - UCLA - Florida State* - Vanderbilt* (a free application, so why not?) - Pitt - Iowa - Colorado My intention is to pursue a PhD, so I'll be applying to all PhD programs that I meet the prereqs for, and the rest for Masters. I'm a U.S citizen, so I have a slight advantage there, but I'm coming from a Biology degree with a 3.5 GPA, and will have just met the pre-reqs and nothing more (Calc 1-3 and Linear Algebra, plus 3 statistics courses), so that will certainly hold me back from being admitted to the PhD programs of the top schools. If by some miracle I'm accepted to a place like Hopkins, I'm fairly certain it will only be for a Masters... I'd really love to go to UNC and if accepted, would be hard pressed to turn it down. I love the area and it's relatively close to my home (like 6-7 hours). One of my recommenders is friends with some of the faculty there, so I'm hoping they view that specific LOR favorably and it helps my chances, but this is more likely just really wishful thinking on my part. Realistically, I'll likely be choosing between some of the schools in the 3rd tier of my list, and I'd be happy at any of them. From that 3rd section, I really hope to get into Emory, as I've grown up in the Atlanta area and know it well, plus my family and friends are all there.

With applications opening up, I'm just curious who else is applying...? I see posts here all the time concerning Biostat programs, so I'm assuming there are quite a few of us! How many school are you applying to and which ones? Which school is your top choice? PHD or Masters? What's your GPA and/or GRE (if you've taken it yet)? Again, I'm just curious who is also applying! Good luck to everyone! Hopefully some of us may become fellow classmates next year!

UW

Hmm, I don't think I could point out anything that you don't already know. I really think you should go with your gut. Personally, I would be torn between Duke and Berkeley. Berkeley because of the location/weather and Duke because of the financial package.... $32k will get you more in North Carolina than it will in the Bay Area or Seattle; you could live a very decent life there with that financial help,

Well, I can't speak about the programs, but I can speak about living in Atlanta, as I've grown up in the metro area and my brother currently goes to GT. Atlanta and Boston are completely different. Boston has a richer history and a different culture. Atlanta, while still a big city, has a ton of urban sprawl. Public transportation is available (via MARTA), but it sucks compared to other big cities. However, GT itself has public transit for the university that seems to be pretty good. Atlanta has some good restaurants around the city (if you like dining out), but probably not what Boston offers. Piedmont park is the largest park in the city and it's a good place to hang out on a nice day. If you're a sports fan, the Braves and Falcons carry a good following, but the Hawks don't get too much support; If you want a hardcore sports fan culture, Boston is a better option.... There is a huge difference in weather. While Boston gets pretty cold during the winter, Atlanta doesn't. Atlanta gets 1 or 2 days of snow on average per year, and it's usually gone within a couple days. The average temp in the winter is pretty mild compared to New England, and in the summer it gets hot and very humid! I'll be starting my senior year as an undergraduate this fall, so I have one year left here... While I like Atlanta and the surrounding area, I'm ready to get out and experience somewhere new. I'm actually considering Boston, but right now I'm favoring making a big change and heading out to the West coast.

I'm still undergraduate, planning on applying in the fall to grad school... but here's my opinion. I think that if you're having doubts about school, you should not attend this year. Take the job and see how you like it and reassess your career goals..... You can always re-apply to grad school next year (and if you were accepted this year, you're likely to be accepted again in the future), but you may not get another job offer like this.... If you work through the summer and realize you really would like to attend graduate school, then you can apply in the fall.... However, if you go to grad school and realize after a semester that you don't want it, you've lost money to tuition and you're left without a job.

For me, It would come down to money. One of my biggest goal is to come out with a meaningful degree, but with as little debt as possible.... If Yale's offer was that much more significan than UMich, then I would probably lean towards Yale. But if it's a matter of only a $2-$3k a year, I would go to UMich. If all things were equal in terms of funding, I think UMuch is definitely the better choice. The campus is great, department is larger and it's even ranked higher.... Don't fall into the trap of going to Yale just because of name recognition. If you want to impress the random guy on the street, Yale sounds better, but your future employers are who really matter, in which case, they recognize UMich for what it really is! Overall, if UMich will leave you swimming in debt when you leave, but Yale won't, go to Yale...but if you can afford both schools (even with Michigan being a little more expensive in your case) then go to Michigan

Yale may be slightly better known among the general public, but honestly, I think Columbia and Yale sound equally attractive, I mean they're both highly respected ivy league institutions and I don't think potential employers will see one better than the other.... Either one would be excellent choice. And also.... Finally! Someone accepted to decent programs that doesnt have a 3.9 gpa with perfect GRE scores.... It's depressing looking at the results survey and seeing such awesome scores.... Makes me feel less than adequate, even though Ill graduate with a 3.5.... I dont know if its necessary, but im paranoid about not getting in somewhere, so I'll be applying to Columbia, Brown, Yale, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Boston, Pittsburgh, UNC, Michigan, Washington, Hopkins (I know Its long shot, but my dream school), and then a few "safety" schools like Florida State and UIC.... It's gonna cost me a small fortune just to apply, lol....rightfully assuming I don't get into Hopkins, I would love to go to UCLA or UC Berkeley simply because I've grown up in Georgia and want live in the west for some time, though I would also be plenty happy at Columbia, Yale, Boston or Brown....I sure hope I have to make the decision rather than having it made for me with rejections. I've already done a ton of research into graduate programs, so I know what SOPHAS is, but what makes it so annoying? I plan on starting my apps ASAP come the fall.

From all that I've read, I think they are about equal in terms of prestige. I think it should depend on your financial situation... What sources of financial aid do you have at each school? Look at cost of living because I would assume that NYC would be higher than New Haven. Personally, If I got sufficient funding at either school (i.e Tuition waivers and/or TA/RA, etc.) I would choose Columbia because I'd prefer to live in NYC... However, if I had to pay for it all out of pocket, I would probably choose Yale due to the higher cost of living in NYC.... Also, do you plan on pursuing a PhD after a MS? If you haven't already done so, it would be beneficial to visit both schools and decide which department you fit better with. If you don't mind me asking, what was your GPA & GRE scores? I'll be applying next year, and both Columbia and Yale are on my list of schools.

Well, my interest lies in Biostatistics... Other than the web pages of the schools programs themeslves, there isn't too much info out there about rankings, admissions, etc... I have found more useful information regarding Biostatistics on these forums than anywhere else. What I'm saying is, it's possible that there is less info available, so people have more questions about Statistics than other math.

Thanks for the information. I really do appreciate it and understand you're simply trying to give the best advice possible. Honestly, I know I'm not the best source, but because so few Biostatistics programs even mention Real Analysis, let alone require it, I just don't see how it can be so very important. I feel like the programs would at least mention it being recommended if it was actually that big of deal and necessary for success in Graduate School.... Then again, maybe I just rationalize it that way to make myself feel better about my situation.... Regardless, it is what it is, and I'm applying anyway.... I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see. But, I was (and still am) actually already planning on emailing each individual program I intend on applying to... Also, my university does offer an 8 week Real Analysis course during the summer semester, so that is an option for me. ... Speaking of Emory, ironically, it's one of my last choices and I may not even apply. I'm well aware that it's a fantastic school, but I have lived in the Atlanta area my entire life and I'm looking to get out, at least for graduate school. So if I do apply and don't get into Emory, I wouldn't be too upset anyway, lol.

ANDS!, I have seen a few programs mention something about exposure to Real Analysis being beneficial, but none that actually require it... I'm not doubting you on it being helpful, but I've looked at the Biostatistics web pages of every US university with a Biostat program, and the requirements for nearly all of them are first semester Linear Algebra and 3 semesters of Calc (through multivariable). Some suggest a previous course in Probability (which I'll take) and a course in Statistics (which I have taken).... For many programs, I've seen it where schools encourage undergraduate Biology majors to apply, so long as they meet the math requirements (which I will prior to the start of the program).... Quite a few even say that if a student is short a course or two, the deficiency can be made up in the first year... Having spoken with a few Biostat professors, I've been told that, assuming I meet the pre-reqs, coming from a Biology background may help distinguish me from many other applicants coming from strictly math backgrounds. It's unfortunate I discovered the field of Biostats a little late in my undergraduate studies, but I have really developed a passion for statistics (I actually bought and read a textbook on Probability Theory because it fascinates me).... In order for me to apply for Fall of 2013, I'm doing everything I can in order to get in my pre-reqs taken care of, while still taking the necessary Biology courses so I can earn my BS on time... Luckily, I'm able to, but just barely. To do this, I'm taking a summer class this year, 18 semester hours next fall (which includes Linear and Calc II), and 18 semester hours next spring (which Includes Probability and Calc III)... As much as I'd like, I simply cannot fit R.A into my schedule for next year... and I really don't want to take an entire year extra of undergrad to make up only one class. Therefore, on my applications, I'll offer to take Real Analysis (if the school insists) during the summer prior to the Fall semester...... (On a side note, If I don't get accepted anywhere next year, I'll be able to complete a BS in math given an extra year, so I would likely do that and re-apply). Also, I'm curious where you found the admission statistics for Emory. I've looked all over the website and can't find them specifically for the Biostat program... On a side note, I have seen admission stats for many other schools regarding the Biostat programs, so I'm well aware of the number of applicants vs. acceptances.

Sorry, I don't have any tips about that. But I've seen your posts around here and I know you've been a little down on your luck with applying to Biostat/Biomath programs. Have you officially heard back from every school yet? I'm curious as to how many schools you applied to and which schools they were?

Wow, we are in very similar situations. I am definitely not the best source, but I've spent many hours doing my research about this for myself. I know it takes a while to get responses on here, so I'll go ahead and share what I know... But it would be nice if someone who know a little better will respond. I too will be applying next year for the Fall of 2013. A little about me: Biology major who found interest in Statistics. My GPA is around 3.4 right now, but should be 3.45-3.5 by end of next fall. A. My biggest issue is that I found my interest in Biostat a little late in undergrad, so I won't be taking Linear Algebra and Calc II until this Fall and Calc III and Probability until next spring. For that reason, my applications will already be sent in before I have grades for those courses. I still plan on sending transcripts after my fall semester ends to reflect my grades in Calc II and Linear... But nevertheless, I'm worried about my chances of being accepted because there is no way to have a Calc III (multivariable) grade before I apply..... I have however taken a biostat course which I earned an A. So here is what I know (but anyone please correct me if I'm wrong Your GPA is pretty good. Your Calc grades aren't perfect, but B's are still not going to kill you from being accepted. What is going to matter a lot is your GREq score, LOR's and SOP.... A GREq >160 will surely help your chances. Also, find the best references (professors) to write you strong LOR's.... And something that is completely under your control is your statement of purpose/personal statement. Make sure your SOP reflects your passion for the field and why you want to pursue it at "X" program. As for the research experience, it certainly won't hurt you, but I don't think it's necessary. Having talked with my former biostat professor at my university, as well as various others online, it seems that experience in statistics (such as in research, internships,etc.) is very hard to come by as an undergraduate, so don't worry about it.... However, like I said, research experience to put on your resumet/CV would not hurt you at all. Concerning PhD vs MS... PhD's are definitely better because your career will not be limited once you're out of school. Also, you will always have the choice of working in academia if you get tired of industry. Also, PhD typically offers better funding than MS programs.... I've looked at nearly every biostat program in the US and some of them allow you to apply straight to PhD and some require a Masters first (Columbia is one that requires a MS first). I personally will apply to PhD programs if at all possible, and the MS programs where required. I've seen that most programs will admit you to the MS program anyway if you're not yet qualified for the PhD program... Other schools (such as Washington) don't allow you apply to the PhD coming from undergrad, but in your MS app, you can mention your ultimate goal is a PhD and it becomes a possibility. Being a domestic student also slightly helps your chances (it has something to do with funding availability), and it seems like Biostat is dominated by international students for some reason. - Getting accepted to top programs like Hopkins, Harvard, Washington are going to be long shots, but still worth applying to for the 'off' chance you get an interview/accepted - Good schools that are possibilities are Michigan, Minnesota and UNC, but your GRE scores, LORs and SOP will have a big effect on whether or not you get accepted to these 3 schools - Lastly, schools like UCLA, Columbia, Yale, Brown, Pitt, Emory, Boston, UC Berkely are all pretty good possibilities. - Also apply to some other schools not mentioned as 'safety' schools. Personally, as expensive as it will be, I'll be applying to around 15/16 schools because I'm paranoid about not getting accepted and want to give myself the best chances. Here is the list of Schools I'll be applying to, just to give you an idea The first 5 are my "long shots". 6-13 are more realistic and I expect to get into a few of them (any one of which I'll be happy at), and 14-16 are kinda like my 'safety schools' Johns Hopkins Washington Michigan UNC Minnesota Boston Columbia Brown UCLA Pittsburgh Yale UC Berkeley Emory Florida State Arizona Case Western ... This list will likely change a little bit before the fall, but not much Anyways, I hope I was at least a little helpful.... Hopefully Cyberwulf shows up to answer your questions. I have got a lot of good info from him/her and he/she is of great help on these forums for anything concerning Biostats

I'll be applying next fall, so I'm just trying to get a feel for the types of students certain schools accept. Please post your GPA, GRE scores, domestic or international, any other relevant info. Following this, please post the schools you initially applied to and then which schools you were accepted.... If you'd like, also share where you received offers for funding

I'll be applying next year to many programs and Yale is on my list.... Out of curiosity, what was your GPA and GRE scores?

I wont be applying to Grad Schools until next fall, but I'm beginning to get some of these annoying comments! Here are the most irritating thus far: "That's going to cost you like $100k! How will you ever pay that off" ... And then I have to explain what funding is. " You're going to apply to Yale, Columbia, AND Johns Hopkins?! I didn't know you were that smart.".... Gee, thanks [*]"More school? You know you won't be out in the workforce until your 25/26 [i'm 20]?"... I typically respond sarcastically, "wait... what?! I didn't even think of that... I better reevaluate my future aspirations..." and lastly, I had this conversation earlier today Friend: "You want to study what?" Me: "Biostatistics" Friend: "I've never heard of that... I don't even know what bio....biowhatever is....?

Well, Instead of cramming a few classes into next year to graduate by spring 2013. I could space it out a little more and go into a 5th year of undergrad... I've considered doing this anyway, as it would give me more time to focus on each class as well as an extra year of research. If I was to do this, I would take Calc 2 and 3, Linear Algebra, and a course in Probability.... So this would seem like a better route to take

I started undergraduate as a Bio Major. I'm set to graduate with my BS in Biology spring of 2013... However, I really enjoy statistics and I enjoyed my Biostat class more than any other I've taken ( I got an A in it)... My GPA is currently 3.4 and rising (I'm recovering from one bad 2.6 semester my freshman year). I have yet to take the GRE, but plan to do so of course. I'd really like to pursue a career in Biostatistics, unfortunately I've only taken Calc I... Next year I plan on taking Calc II and Linear Algebra (Which seem to be the minimum math requirements for most programs). I'm also currently taking (and enjoying) a class in Computer applications of Statistics in which I'm learning SAS and R. Here are my questions (Sorry if they're obvious, but I cant seem to find much info about Biostat programs in general): What else can I do enhance my resume for Biostat Grad Program? Where can I find research/work opportunities that are relevant to the field of Biostats? I'd prefer to work in industry, specifically in clinical trials. Would a MS be sufficient, or should I look to pursue a PhD? How competitive is Grad School for Biostat programs in terms of GPA, GRE, experience, etc. (for both MS and PhD)? Thanks in advance for any advice, I appreciate it!