dmacfour

I took a linear algebra class that said it was computational, but you couldn't tell that from the transcript and there were proofs on just about every page of the textbook. You could do what I did and study the proofs, even if they aren't required.

One of the bigger considerations is if it's applied or not. Applied statistics programs replace a lot of the theory with programming, consulting, and projects. This is good if you want to go straight into industry, but doesn't help you much if you want to get a PhD. I chose an applied program because it fit in with my career goals. Pay attention to the prereqs if you're looking at applied stats programs. Some have the same requirements as regular stats programs, and others require very little math (a single semester of calc). The applied program I'm in is using multivariable calc and linear algebra from day one, so I'm skeptical of what the programs with fewer requirements are teaching students.

The program I was admitted to requires mathematical statistics, probability, regression, GLM and mixed model courses among other things. Hard to say without seeing the syllabi how mathy the courses will be, but the program does require multivariable calc and linear algebra for admissions. I'm a bit skeptical of the programs that that only require a semester of calculus for admissions.

How much overlap is there between what statisticians working for government agencies, non-profits, or the private sector need to know to be successful and what academic statisticians need to know to be successful? A masters in applied statistics seems like a great fit for my background and career goals, but I can't help but worry that going that I'll be shooting myself in the foot or closing doors by going that route. My only concern is that some of the theory that (may be) missing from these programs will be important for a practitioner to know.

Undergrad Institutions: University of Idaho, Eastern Washington Major(s): Psychology, Post Bacc Minor(s): Business Management GPA: 3.1, 3.75 Type of Student: Domestic GRE General Test: Q: 156 V: 158 W: 4 Grad Institution: University of Idaho Concentration: Human Factors Psychology GPA: 3.41 Programs Applying: Applied Statistics, Statistics, Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics. Research Experience: 1.5 years experience working in a well know sleep research lab, 3 years experience working in labs at my original undergrad/grad institution. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: In my currently lab, I've been the go to guy for anything related to statistics and statistics computation (R, Python). In that capacity, I've worked directly with large government agencies and corporations and gotten authorship on 4 papers. Letters of Recommendation: One from widely recognized scientist in an unrelated field (sleep science), one from a math prof, and another from my current lab manager (recent PhD graduate). Math/Statistics Grades: Calculus I/II/III/IV : A-/B-/A+/A+ Statistical Methods: A Linear Algebra : A+ Finite Math: B Applying to Where: School - MAS, Applied Statistics (on campus) / Colorado State University / Accepted 6/5/18 School - MS, Mathematics Concentration in Statistics / University of Nevada Reno / Rejected School - MS, Statistics / Washington State University / Pending (Spring application) Considering my background, I was not expecting to get admitted to UNR. I was missing 3 prereqs at the time, and my GRE Q scores are not up to par for a math program. CSU was waiting for me to finish the linear algebra prereq, so I was pleasantly surprised that space was still available this late in the year. It was my program of choice when I set out on this journey, so I can't complain!

Anyone else apply to the MAS at Colorado State? Their deadline is quite a ways off, but I'm wondering if anyone knows what their decision timeline is. I imagine that I'll be sitting on my hands for a couple of months.

Also, any idea when decisions are sent out? Information on this program is surprisingly hard to come by.

I took the GRE today and got a 154 V and 156 Q. I'm aiming for mid ranked MS programs, but after seeing some the reported GRE scores on the survey section I'm starting to get worried. I'm clearly on the lower of the distribution of statistics applicants. That being said, I have a 3.75 GPA, have gotten A's in all of the prereqs for the programs I'm applying to, have authorship on 4 publications, and have solid references. I'm worried that I'll get filtered out at this point. Thoughts?

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Major: MS/BS Experimental Psychology, BS Mechanical Engineering Cumulative GPA: 3.73 at current institution (MechE), 3.4 from previous degrees (Psychology). Type of Student: US based male Math/Stats Courses: Calculus I-III (A-), Statistical Methods (A), Statistical Analysis (A), Graduate Research Methods (B) Quantitative/ Programming Courses: C Programming (A-), Physics I (A-), General Chemistry (A), Statics (A) GRE: Previous scores expired, need to retake. I remember having a 90th percentile on the Verbal and a 50th on the Quantitative without any college level math coursework. I'm optimistic that the Q score will be much higher now that I've taken college algebra, pre-calc, and calc (through mulivariable). Research Experience: I work as an RA for a notable researcher R1 medical school, and have two years of previous RA experience in experimental psychology. I've carved out a niche at my current lab working in R with mixed effects models. Recommendations: I'll get a solid one from the PI at my current lab, and another from a former employer (I worked as a software PM before becoming an RA). I'm going to have to get creative with the third. Programs I'm Interested In: The list is far from complete. I'm most interested in programs that allow specializations in biostatistics, geophysics, physics, or similar, and am very open to going oversees. Suggestions are welcome. University of Washington Oregon State University UC Davis Washington University in St. Louis University of Melbourne Concerns: GRE is a wildcard. I remember having a solid verbal score and an average quantitative score, but I'm expecting that to change now that I've taken 2 years worth of math courses. I'm going to have trouble getting 3 stellar recommendations. I'll get one from my PI, but my former employer only knows how well I perform in a software development context. I want to take linear algebra before I apply, but my 9-5 work schedule is making it a challenge. The school I'm going to doesn't offer it at night or during the weekend. When it comes down to it, I may have to move forward only having the calc series under my belt.

The LEAP website mentions tuition waivers (or maybe it was scholarships), but I'm under the impression that they're uncommon. Have you heard anything?

Thanks, I'll take a look!

You seem to have a stick up your rear about my plans, for whatever reason. If you don't have anything constructive to say, don't bother responding. Do you think I'm just planning on applying with no background whatsoever? I'm following guidelines published by graduate schools willing to accept non-engineers. Why would I take statics, dynamics, thermo, fluids, materials, and a dozen other courses if I was trying to avoid the "actual engineering education"? Believe me, if I could start over and get a bachelors in mechanical engineering before doing this I would. But that's the reality of my situation, and it doesn't make sense to complete a second bachelors if it's not actually necessary. At least as far as my goals are concerned.

MS, although I want to get a PhD in the future.

Mechanical or Civil Engineering, but I'm leaning towards mechanical. Obviously it's a big leap, but that's why programs like... LEAP exist. I've also found a few programs that publish guidelines like this: http://www.cmu.edu/cee/prospective/graduate-degree/masters/ms-program-details/ms-graduate-students-without-engineering-degree.html I get what you're saying about being behind, but I've already committed to getting caught up. I'll have MATLAB, statics, dynamics, thermo, fluids, materials, and all of the physics and calc prereqs done by the time I apply. Worst case scenario, I spend an extra year or two finishing the undergrad degree before applying.

Hello, After reading about LEAP a couple years ago, I decided to make preparations to switch careers to engineering. My MS and BS are in psychology, so I enrolled at a local school to beef up my calculus, physics, and engineering skills. As far as I can tell, all of the schools that advertise that they admit non-engineers have the same pre-reqs, so I have a good idea what I'll need to take to get in... somewhere. I don't want be restricted to applying to the handful of schools though. I suppose I could email every department I can think of, but I'd rather ask here first. Are there any resources for people in my position? A list of schools that take non-engineers with the right prereqs? Have any of you done what I'm doing? Thanks!

I was 25 when I finished my masters, but I'll be over 30 by the time I start my PhD.

My B.S. and M.S. GPAs were 3.1 and 3.4 respectively. I needed to get some science/math/engineer prereqs out of the way for PhD programs I want to apply to, so I took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone and improve my GPA.It's been about a year and my GPA at this institution is 3.75. My background is psychology and I'm looking at engineering programs that admit non-engineer applicants. Most of the schools in question are R1. All other things being equal (GRE, GPA, research, letters, etc), is this a sufficient improvement? Is there any reason I should take more classes to improve on this GPA?

Does anyone here study Human Factors? I received a Masters in Human Factors Psychology, and have been looking into PhD programs for awhile now. I noticed that more than half of them are offered through engineering programs and require certain pre-reqs, leveling courses, or plain old engineering degrees. With a background in psychology, I'm obviously deficient on this front. How much of an engineering/math/physics background will I need before I'll be considered these programs? Are leveling courses designed to bring complete outsiders up to speed, or just address minor deficiencies? I'm more than willing to take study full time before applying. I've been accepted to a local university, completed an audit, and registered for classes. Spring quarter starts at the end of this month; I could finish most of a mechanical engineering degree before fall of 2017 (the date I want to start grad school). That includes both the math and the physics sequences. Now, the issue isn't that I don't want to do it - if I started over, I would choose mechanical engineering. I chose Human Factors because it was less fluffy and more related to engineering. I'd prefer to continue drifting towards the engineering side of things. I'll have all of the supporting classes out of the way. Will my application be taken seriously without a finished degree?

I studied Psychology as an undergrad and Experimental Psychology as a grad student. My GPAs were 3.12 and 3.42 respectively. I understand that these numbers are on the low side, and may affect my chances of getting admitted to a quality PhD program or receiving funding. Many schools only consider the last four years worth of classes, which would put me at a 3.2 - 3.3 GPA. My ultimate goal is to get into a Human Factors PhD program. More than half of them reside in Industrial Engineering programs, meaning that I'll need to take pre-reqs and leveling courses to proceed. The rest of them are in psych, public health, or design departments. Most of them state rather bluntly that they prefer applicants with engineering backgrounds or a good understanding of calculus and linear algebra. I sorted all of the programs based on departmental/school ranking, how compelling their research was, and my interest in the school. 4 of the top 5 and 9 of the top 15 are based in industrial or mechanical engineering programs. Because of this, I applied to a local university and declared a major in Mechanical Engineering. I could not only get through all of the pre-reqs needed for the engineering programs, but have the opportunity to get a higher GPA in a more rigorous major. The plan is to be a model student, get to know the faculty, and jump at any possible research opportunity (in engineering and psychology). I'd have 4 quarters finished before most application deadlines and 7 finished before fall of 2017. If I don't get an offer this cycle, I'll continue studying until I have the degree (It'd take two years total), and apply next cycle. I've actually always wanted to study the subject, so I wouldn't be heartbroken if that happened. I COULD get a job as a Human Factors researcher. I haven't succeeded at this, even though I applied for seven months the first time. I got a job at a local tech company and spent 18 months doing something unrelated. I've been applying for a month this time around, and have been getting a little more interest. I got turned down for two positions and have interviews for another two. I understand that research experience plays a huge part in admissions decisions, so this option also seems appealing. I'm not exactly lacking research experience - I worked in a lab for 3 years and was named as an author on one study. On one hand, this would strengthen my research abilities and resume. On the other hand, this could close the door on the Human Factors programs I'm most interested in. TL;DR: I could go all in on class with research on the side, or go all in on research with classes on the side. My Which route would have the greatest impact? I REALLY want to take the university route, but I'm not convinced that it's the best option.

To make this as brief as possible, I have a B.S. and M.S. in Psychology (3.1 and 3.4 GPA respectively). The M.S. program emphasized Human Factors and ergonomics. I've been planning on going back to school for a couple of years, either for a send bachelors in Mechanical Engineer, for a PhD in Human Factors, or both. See the thing is, HF programs are based in both engineering departments and psychology departments. Likewise, HF jobs are open to applicants with psych and engineering backgrounds. Engineering wouldn't be completely unrelated to my existing background, and may even open up doors that psychology hasn't so far. I was hoping to stay at my job until the next application cycle, try my luck with my current GPA(s), and look for research experiences in the meantime. but then I got laid off. I don't have any academic references and I don't think the one's from my former employer are going to work anymore. It took my seven month to get a job last time, and I'm not expecting it to go different this time. I applied and got admitted to an engineering program at a nearby state school. Because I have a billion classes from my first undergrad, the degree will take two years. I think this is a good choice for a few reasons: 1. It's an opportunity to study something I've always wanted to study. 2. It's an opportunity to get a few academic references. 3. It's an opportunity to get a better GPA. I kind of fucked around during my first undergrad. I want to do school right this time and prove that I've matured. 4. If my PhD plans fall through this cycle, I'll have an engineering degree and more job options. 5. The math courses can do nothing but help me. I'm planning to attend classes full time until the time I (ideally) get admitted to a PhD program. If I fail to get admitted to a program next cycle, I'll finish up the engineering degree and apply again the cycle after. The only con is that it'll cost more money. Have any of you done something similar? How did it work out for you?

That was my mistake the first time - crammed for a week the first time around. As you can imagine, my scores were less than desirable.

What I did the first time: Studied the quant section of a Kaplin book for a week. Got a 158 verbal and a 149 quantitative. I think I forgot to finish the essay portion because none of the applications required it. I felt kind of crappy about the quant, but got in to my school of choice anyways. Because PhD programs are more competitive (and as a matter of pride), I need to nail it this go around. I've given myself at least 6 months to prepare, but am kind of lost at the moment. Materials I have: My old 2012 Kaplin GRE book, Princeton Review Cracking the GRE 2016, some other quant focused study guide from 2012. I've put maybe 12-15 hours into the Princeton book so far. It's helped with basic math review, but I'm kind of nervous about bringing up that score of 149. Is there something better I could be doing to study for the quant? Are those other two books worth keeping around?

I'd be focusing on schools in Canada, but open to looking at ones in Great Britain, NZ, or Australia. I have an M.S. in Experimental Psych, and am intending to move forward with a PhD. What can I expect applying out of country? On average, how more or less difficult is it to get a position and funding?