Should I take real analysis or survival analysis?

[statsafari347]

Hello, I am a rising senior majoring in statistics. I changed my major sophomore year from engineering, and I am on a time crunch to graduate in four years. I want to attend a Masters program in Statistics in Fall 2020. For my courses, I have the option to take real analysis or survival analysis in the fall (but they are offered at the same time). I have heard that taking a proof heavy course shows my mathematical ability to graduate admissions. This would be helpful since I have had no upper division math courses. I did well in my intro to proofs class and discrete math courses, but I am worried that taking real analysis on top of Statistical Methods I, Mathematical Statistics I, and Clinical Trials will spread me too thin. Should I take real analysis or opt for survival analysis? Thank you.

Edited July 3, 2019 by statsafari347

[bayessays]

For a master's program, analysis is not necessary (although showing more math ability is obviously good).  If you already have good grades in your previous math classes, I don't think this decision matters a ton.  RA is a harder class that will look better, but you obviously don't want to get a C in it, so only take it if you think you'll do well. 

[statsafari347]

Thank you for the reply! I want to take RA but it won't really serve my purpose if I do poorly. A mentor of mine mentioned I should take RA, but I'm really in a bind with my major switch. I think I'm more interested in machine learning and computational statistics anyways. I'm primarily looking for Master's programs with operations research departments. Perhaps I could take RA in grad school if I decide to do a PhD later on. 

 

[bayessays]

Yes, I think that sounds like a great plan. Many MS students who want to go on to PhDs take RA during grad school.

[BL250604]

I agree completely with Bayes! Solid advice as always.