jmcq

Multivariable calculus is often listed as Calculus III or Advanced Calculus I if you're in a quarter school. Look for something that covers partial differentiation, Lagrange Multipliers, double and triple integrals (usually taught in polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates) at minimum. Line and Surface integrals as well as Greene's and Stokes theorem are also often taught in this sort of a class (sometimes split, depending on where you go) but this is less important that the former at least for a MS in stats. This sort of calculus is essential when dealing with multivariate distributions since you'll need to differentiate and integrate equations with multiple random variables. You probably don't need Lebesgue measure theory for a masters degree. Also if you can, an intro to real analysis class that covers topics like limits and series, convergence and improper integrals will help a lot. I was an Econ undergrad too and getting my PhD in Statistics at a "top 10" program.

My program starts in late September and I already live in the city. I'll be staying at my job as an Actuary (which is somewhat related to my field) all the way through September 14th. Mostly because I could really use the cash but also bonuses don't get paid out until mid September and I really don't want to miss out on mine. I have some vacations planned throughout the summer already so it won't be too bad (hopefully). But I totally feel your pain, these last few months since I've known about school have been dragging on and my motivation is slowly sinking. Luckily I love all the people I work with so that makes it easier to get up in the morning and go.

Well I never competed in the Putnam and only took a couple of graduate courses (one in Economics and one in Statistics) as an undergraduate. I did have a very strong GPA and strong letters of recommendation. I went to a solid undergraduate state school (not ivy league or anything) and I managed to get fully funded offers to 2 "top 10" PhD programs for Statistics. So you don't have to be a crazy math genius to get in. This might not be the case for a pure math PhD at a top school but I can't really speak to that. As a Freshman you have plenty of time. My Freshman year I didn't take any math courses at all (I thought I was going to study linguistics). The courses that were the biggest indicators of aptitude in Statistics at a graduate level I think were: 1) a proof based course on Real analysis and 2) an upper undergrad/grad course on mathematical statistics (covering things through Cramer-Rao bounds, Maximum likelhiood estimators etc). If you feel comfortable in those courses then I think you'll be fine. As a general rule, the more math you take the easier time you'll have. It's easy to pick up the statistics, it's harder to pick up the math. Although taking courses on Abstract Algebra and Topology while helping you with mathematics, probably won't be very useful as a Stats PhD. Focus on Real Analysis, Calculus, and Linear Algebra. As far as interest, I mean if you're already looking at things like the Netflix competition and think that's cool, that probably says enough (Machine learning is also my area of interest). Read some papers in the area (don't expect to get the math but the intro and conclusions usually gives you a general idea of what they are trying to do). Other than that take some statistics classes and if you find yourself thinking and talking about statistics even when you don't have to I think that's a great indicator. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions that I might be able to help with.