BU PhD Stats Profile Eval

[db2018]

Hi guys, 

Does anyone know anything about the PhD program in Statistics at Boston University? I just haven't seen anyone who applied to that program on any relevant websites (urch, mathematicsgre, here,..).

The program is within their mathematics & statistics department, and when you apply you select the area of specialization as "Statistics". 

Anyway, below is my profile and I would really appreciate it if anyone who knows about the BU PhD statistics program can evaluate my profile, or anyone who can give me an insight for other schools that I am applying to! Thanks! 

Type of Undergrad: Small LAC
Undergrad GPA: 3.83/4.0
Major: Mathematics, Economics
Minor: Computer Science (but does not show on my transcript)
GRE: Q: 167, V:155

GRE Math: N/A

Math Courses:
Multivariable Calculus (A)
Discrete Mathematics (A)
Linear Algebra (A, but taken during a summer at a CC)
Probability and Statistics 1 (A)
Real Analysis (A)

Econ Courses:
Intro Micro (A-)
Intro Macro (A)
Intermediate Micro (A)
Intermediate Macro (W, but will take it again this fall with my advisor)
Econometrics (A)

Computer Science Courses:
Intro to Comp Sci 1,2 (A) (A-)
Data Structures and Problem Solving (A-)
Computer Organization and Architecutre (A-)
Theoretical Foundation of Computer Science (A-)

Other Courses:
General Chemistry w/ Lab (A)
Intro to Physics (A-)

Letters of Recommendation:
2 from professors that I will be doing research with this summer (expect to be strong)
1 from professor from Comp Sci department (expect to be semi-strong)

Research Experience:
-2 semesters as an RA but for an economics professor 
-Going to do Student-Faculty Collaborative Research in the summer with two of my professors mentioned above, and it will most likely going to be under review at journals by the time of application deadlines but is feasible to be published (top 50 Journals) and, if published, I will be listed as co-author (but, again, economics topic; it is data heavy though) 

Teaching Experience: 

- TA for Econometrics (1 semester)
- Tutor at the "Quantitative" center at my school (3 semesters)

Research Interests: N/A

Applying:
BU PhD Statistics (absolute first choice)

Rice PhD Statistics

CMU PhD Statistics

UVa PhD Statistics

Columbia MA Statistics

Yale MA Statistics

Any recommendations for other schools to apply would be appreciated as well!

 

[Bayesian1701]

Your grades and GPA are good. Ideally you would have another semester of both math stat and real analysis by now if you are applying for fall 2019, so you might want to consider taking those this fall.  Coming from a small LAC might hurt you depending on how prestigious it is.  There is a difference between Amherst and some place few people have heard of.   Not a lot of people have stats research experience so you don't have a huge disadvantage.  I would drop the comp sci letter and one of the research letters and get  a letter from your stats professor and one of your math professors.  To show that you can handle the math since an adcomm might be concerned about your mathematical preparation if you don't have any more proof based courses than you listed.  

If the Statistics program at BU is a specialization in the Math PhD program,  looking at BU math admissions might help you gage your chances there. 

Regarding your other programs I wouldn't apply to CMU unless it's your close second choice you also love.  CMU is arguably the one of the most competitive stats PhD  program in the country to get into. CMU is definitely a reach for you.   If you are looking at the northeast for programs, you could add UConn which should be realistic. Columbia’s MA program is a cash cow with hundreds of students in a cohort, and you will get in but you would probably have a better experience and more attention at another programs.   

My two questions for you to better refine my advice are how prestigious of a LAC do you attend and if you have any more proof based math like Abstract Algebra, Topology, Set Theory, Complex Analysis, or a second semester of Mathematical Statistics or Real Analysis.

[bayessays]

I'd say CMU is an incredible reach regardless, and would agree that your chances at the other PhD places very much depends on what college you are at. I don't know enough about MA programs.