I am applying for Stats PhD programs (Fall 2013 entrance) and would appreciate a few opinions on my List
I really enjoy most of statistics, but at the moment I think I will do some sort of statistical machine learning work. I am also pretty interested in bio/medical applications (considering UNC biostat, maybe other biostat programs?). So any comments particular to my interests would be greatly appreciated.
My profile is something like:
Undergrad: Public school, top 40-60(?) overall. Higher ranked in math/stats
Majors: Applied Math, Computer Science
Minor: Statistics
GPA: 4.00
Domestic Student
GRE: Haven't taken yet
Math subject GRE: 820/990 (85th percentile)
[G] means graduate course
Math Courses: As and A+ in Calculus, Real Analysis (2 semesters), Abstract algebra, Linear algebra (lower division), Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis [G]
currently taking Mathematical Modeling [G], Linear Control Theory [G]
Statistics Courses: As and A+ in Easy Intro Stats, Math Stats (2 semesters), Stochastic Models [G], Regression
Plus a smattering of computer science courses that aren't directly relevant to stats
Research: Summer 2011 REU in mathematical biology, Summer 2012 REU in mathematical biology, Independent work in applied math (parameter estimation/optimization stuff, tangentially related to statistics)
Presentations/Publications:
2nd author papers from summers 2011-12 are under review, given poster presentations at two national math conferences
Other stuff: 2 years Math tutoring, currently grading many calculus exams...
Letters: Good to excellent letter from summer 2012 mentor (very well known in the field); excellent letter from independent research advisor (full professor at my university); third letter undecided
The Current List (in order of perceived levels of competition):
Stanford
Berkeley
Washington
Michigan
Chicago
Carnegie Mellon
UNC (biostat)
Columbia
Purdue
Ohio State
Minnesota
I'm thinking I'll apply to 8-12 in the end.
Thanks!