Stats MS: Apply Now or Wait?

[WishyWashyMS]

Hi everyone,

I'm applying to a few Statistics MS programs this time around, or perhaps next cycle depending on the advice I get here. I do not know if I yet want to do a PhD in the future, but I'm leaning away from it. However, I'm want to apply mainly to MS programs that are 1.5-2 years in length so that if I decide I want to do a PhD, I may be able to get some research opportunities.

Here's my profile:

College: UCLA (graduated June 2017, have been working / starting my own startup since then)

Ethnicity: Asian/White Gay Male (if this matters for diversity purposes lol)

Major: Applied Mathematics

UGPA: 3.66/4.00

Math / Stats GPA: 3.44/4.00 (... yeah... )

Harvard Extension GPA: 4.00/4.00

Undergrad Coursework (Quarter System): Single Variable Calc (AP/AP), Multivariable Calc (B-/B+), Intro Linear Algebra (B+), Intro Differential Eqs (A-), Linear Algebra (B-), Real Analysis (B+/C), Mathematical Modeling (B+), Complex Analysis (B), Varied Mathematics (A+), Discrete Structures (P), Ordinary Differential Eqs (C+), Systems of Linear and Nonlinear DEs (A-), Intro Stats (A), Intro Stat Programming (A-), Probability Theory (A+), Math Stats (B), Regression (A-), Design of Experiment (A-), Statistical and Machine Learning (A+), Statistical Research (A+), Stat Programming (A), Computation and Optimization Statistics (A)

Econ Coursework (if Applicable): Intro Micro (A), Intro Macro (A-), Intermediate Micro (B+), Honors Micro Seminar (A+), Advanced Micro (A), Advanced Macro (P), Econometrics (A)

Harvard Extension Coursework (taken after undergrad): Linear Algebra and Real Analysis I (A), Mathematics for Computation and Data Science (A)

GRE Scores: 168Q/167V/5.5AWA

Letters Of Recommendation: 3 From Professors (all Statisticians; 2 lecturers, 1 tenured; had good relationships with each and was the best student in the classes I took with 2 of them, so hoping for good letters)

Other Awards: Obtained College Honors on diploma (not major honors, so essentially just indicating that I took many courses outside my major and did well in them); Phi Beta Kappa (prestigious honor society?)

I am only looking to apply to a few schools (Stanford, University of Washington, University of Chicago, UCLA, and John Hopkins), which I know are likely a crap shoot with regards to my chances. Honestly, my letter writers thought I should apply to PhD programs in the 25-40ish range since they indicated that I'd likely have much more mathematical and statistical coursework than many of my peers in an MS program, which would almost make the MS redundant (which I'm not entirely sure if I agree, since my pure math background is rather weak). I just don't have my heart set on a PhD at this time. I also had a few illnesses during school, so hence the few P grades, a few dropped courses and a quarter where I withdrew.

So I'd appreciate any advice you guys can give me, if I should just go ahead and apply this year or apply next year and work on my profile in the meantime (maybe take more courses or the Math Subject GRE). I just don't feel confident applying if I can't "reasonably" think that I could get admissions to each of the schools I'm applying to. Thanks for all your advice!  

[theduckster]

If you are able to work in a statistics related field, then by all means do that. Working in relevant industry positions is a good way to improve your profile since MS programs look favorably on those with such experience (plus your ultimate goal seems to be industry anyways, so the work experience obviously aids that by fattening your resume).

I'm not sure if taking additional classes will help you that much at this point. Taking the Math GRE will probably help some if you get above a 70th percentile, but you should weigh the opportunity costs of doing so against the return. If you ultimately choose to take a gap year or two for the sole purpose of boosting your MS profile, then I would prioritize the Math GRE over additional classes.

Edited November 17, 2018 by theduckster

[WishyWashyMS]

Thanks for your advice! Taking the Math GRE seems like really the only thing more I could do at this point, and while I'm not averse to preparing for it next year, I don't really know how much more it would help me, considering that it probably won't be easy preparation. But thanks for all your help!

[theduckster]

I think if you do well on the Math GRE then adcoms will be more likely to forgive some poor math grades. You seem to be at least okay on analysis and linear algebra by now, and with a little review in both of those topics as well as some review in basic calculus, I think you have a decent shot at getting a score that will be looked on favorably.

[WishyWashyMS]

Though I think that I will apply next cycle, do you think that it's risky to apply to the schools I listed this cycle? I mean, I think that with those math grades, it might be a hit-or-miss if I apply this time.

[bayessays]

Taking the subject GRE to try to increase your chances of getting into a stats master's program would be insane.  Just apply to the schools you listed.  If you don't mind paying for your master's, I think you have a pretty good shot.  You could also apply to lower PhD programs and leave with an MS if you don't want to keep going. 

[WishyWashyMS]

Yeah, I think it is a little insane to be considering taking it just for the MS. The only reason I would honestly do it is to increase my chances at Stanford's program, which has it as optional (and I seriously doubt any MS applicants have taken it / submit it).

[WishyWashyMS]

@Stat PhD Now Postdoc @cyberwulf @Biostat_Assistant_Prof I was wondering if any one you would have any advice or opinion regarding my question? I know that I've received good, thoughtful answers from bayessays and theduckster, but I was wondering if other eminent users in this forum concur with the advice given or have a different opinion! I know that some of you are more biostats focused, but I'd really appreciate your insight. Many thanks!