Fall 2019 Profile evaluation/school choices

[StatSig]

I'm going to be applying fro statistics phd programs, and I'd like an honest opinion of where I'd have a realistic shot. All advice (no matter how brutal) is appreciated. 
 

Undergrad Institution: Top 20 undergrad (US news)
Major(s):  Applied  Math and Statistics
GPA: 3.51

 

Type of Student: American (Indian descent) Male

GRE General Test: 

V: 164

Q: 167

W: 4.0

 

Intended program: PhD in Statistics

 

Research Experience: Year long senior statistics capstone project which involved applied statistics and data analytics for a large company. I was part of a team of students that worked under 2 professors. Both of them are fairly accomplished, and will be writing my recommendations. 

 

LORS: two from research profs, and one from graduate math prof

 

Coursework: 

Calc2/3 (B+,B) (I retook calc 3 at another university post graduation and got an A); Linear Algebra (C+) (retaken at another university post graduation and got an A); Probability (B+); Abstract Vector Spaces(Very Theoretical linear algebra) (A-); Intro to proofs (A); Mathematical Stats (A-); Real Analysis 1/2 (B,B); Graduate complex analysis (A); Graduate Real Analysis (Measure Theory) (A); Time series (B); Generalized linear models (B); Numerical Analysis (A); Partial Differential Equations (A); Differential Equations (A); regression analysis (A).

 

Current position: Business analytics at a small company in NYC

 

My interests are all over the place, but I'm not super into bio statistics because it seems like a very niche route and I'd like to have a more "generalist" background. I'm definitely not going to be looking at Harvard and Berkeley (Or anything in the top 10 for that matter), but I'm having a tough time placing myself. Thoughts? I'd like to try and avoid a masters programs because of the cost. 

[bayessays]

Hard to say how strong your letters will be and how well known they are. That could help you a lot if you ever real research, but it sounds like it was pretty much data analysis. I think you'll face an uphill battle to get into a top 30 program. 

[StatSig]

Sounds about right, and I was kind of expecting that. I was thinking about ranks 30-70, but I'm worried that I'm still being unrealistic? 

[bayessays]

Given that you went to a good school, clearly have a strong math background even with some shaky grades, if you think you will have some good recommendations I would say to apply to a range of schools in the 40-70 range, maybe with some reaches a little higher, and some master's programs. 

[StatSig]

Sounds about right! I know that while my gpa is above a 3.5, it's still lower than a ton of applicants, so that has definitely been a point of stress. Really hoping my experience with graduate level math and my recs get me through the door. Sometimes I feel like the only place I may have a realistic shot is at the bottom of the barrel lol

[bayessays]

My GPA was the same as yours and I got into top 20 programs with strong letters and research.  I wouldn't give up hope, but you will probably have very mixed results (eg, I got into top 10 programs but was rejected from programs in the 40s).  I think you should submit more apps than the average applicant to increase your exposure because the results will be more over the place.

[StatSig]

That inspires some confidence, thank you! I'm a little surprised though; there are a few threads on this website that list down profiles and admission results, and everyone seemed to have 3.8+ gpas with research experience. It just begs the question as to how the admissions game works.

 

Edited August 6, 2018 by statislife
Misspelling

[CarolinaSmash]

I have very similar stat as you, 3.5 GPA, similar GRE, currently working, debating between master or PHD,  Let me know how things turn out for you.