2019 Stat PhD Profile

[Nick Browen]

 

I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD in statistics about 6 months ago and I feel relatively knowledgeable about the ins and outs of where to go and where I could get in. I have asked around my department for advice and they have been helpful, but all been out of school for quite a while. I would really appreciate any advice.

 

Basic questions:

• Are the schools I listed realistic choices? 
• What are some lower tier schools I could apply to?
• I don't know at all my area of research interest. How much of a disadvantage does that put me at?
• Does it put my at a disadvantage to submit my app close to the deadline or should I try to submit closer to when the apps open up?

 

 

Undergrad:  Medium-sized US Public University (Cal Poly SLO)
Major:  Statistics

Minor: Math
GPA:  3.911

Programs Applying:  Statistics Ph.D.

Type of Student:  Domestic Caucasian Male

Relevant Courses:  Linear Algebra I (A),  Linear Algebra II (A-), Methods of Proof (A), Calculus I-IV - through multi-variable calculus (A, -A, A, A) , Vector Analysis (A), Fundamentals of Computer Science - Python (A), Design and Analysis of Experiments I (A), Design and Analysis of Experiments II (A), Applied Regression Analysis (A), Statistical Computing with SAS (A), Statistical Computing with R (-A), Statistical Analysis of Time Series (A), Probability Theory (A), Estimation and Sampling Theory (A), Mathematical Statistics (A)

GRE: Studying now, will be taking within this next month. I do not plan on taking the GRE Math Subject Test.

Research Experience: Evaluating viticulture practices on soil microbial communities using Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Factor Analysis for the summer with faculty

Recommendation Letters:  Will be from statistics professors that I have taken several classes with and am currently doing research with one of them.

Coding Background:  R, SAS

Work Experience: Statistics tutor, Instructor's Student Assistant for lower and upper division courses

Applying to (all for Stat):  Harvard, University of Michigan Ann Harbor, University of Chicago, UNC, UPenn, Columbia, Northwestern, Michigan State 

Notes:  I will be taking Real Analysis I/II this year along with several more statistics classes such as Multilevel and Mixed Modelling, Survival Analysis Methods, Applied Multivariate Statistics and Statistical Consulting. 

 

Thank you for the help! This is my first post and I'm excited to be a part of this community!

[bayessays]

I'm assuming you're going to get a 167+ on your GRE for the rest of this. 

You are light on math - you need to get that analysis grade on your transcript before you have a shot at any school on your list. 

Harvard, Chicago, Penn, and Columbia almost certainly will be rejections. Michigan and UNC (due to rank) and Northwestern (due to size) likely will be as well.  Michigan State is doable. 

You need to get the analysis grade on your transcript, and apply to schools outside of the top 20.  Your grades are great, but your math background is lacking, your research doesn't appear to be standout, and you go to an unremarkable school.

You should consider applying to biostat programs outside the top 3-5 as well. 

[StatsG0d]

I agree with Bayes about getting that Analysis grade. However, I do think with the grade you'd have a decent shot at Michigan (UNC statistics would be hard because they are focused on probability, but biostats you could likely get in), but I agree with them that the rest will almost certainly be rejections. In my opinion, I would say statistics programs outside the top-10 are attainable, and almost all biostatistics programs are attainable save for maybe Washington. I would be surprised if you didn't get into any biostatistics programs ranked 4 and below.