2020 Fall Statistics PhD Application Evaluation

[ultrafiltering]

Hello everyone,

I am a rising senior who will be applying to PhD programs in statistics with interest in stochastic processes, time series, high-dimensional statistics, and uncertainty quantification. Not really interested in biostats even though I have a couple of experiences with biomath research.

Undergraduate Institution: Top 20 among public universities; big, well-known state school.

Majors: Pure mathematics

Minor: Computer Science

GPA: 3.73/4.0

Major GPA: 3.83/4.0

Type of Student: Domestic Asian Male

Courses taken:

• Math: 
  • Calc 3 (A)
  • Intro Linear Algebra (A)
  • Intro to Proofs (B)
  • Mathematical Probability (A)
  • Ordinary Differential Equations (A)
  • Intro Complex Analysis (A)
  • Elementary PDE (B+)
  • Linear Algebra (A)
  • Intro Real Analysis I (A)
  • Abstract Algebra I (C+)
  • Intro Real Analysis II (B+)
  • Mathematical Statistics (A)
  • Graduate Ordinary Differential Equations (A)
• CS:  
  • Intro to CS (A)
  • Data Structures (B)
  • Computer Architecture & Design (B)
  • Algorithm Design & Analysis (A)

Courses will take this fall: Graduate Real Analysis I (measure theory), Graduate Regression Analysis, Topology. 

GRE General Test:  164V/164Q/Writing unknown.

GRE Subject Math: Not taking.

Research Experience: 

1 semester of exploratory research on the mathematics of cancer dynamics with professor I had for diffeq (ended after a semester since professor left uni, but we had a great connection and many great discussions).

1 mathematical biology REU; will likely result in eventual publication in a biology journal, however this isn't set in stone yet. Will be giving a talk at 2020 JMM on this research.

From 2019-2020, working as research assistant with an engineering professor on quantum computing applications to environmental modeling/optimization problems. Could result in publication but would be in the spring, not while applying to schools.

Working Experience:

3 semesters tutoring Calculus I, II, Intro Linear Algebra, Mathematical Probability (simultaneously). (Will continue this through graduation)

3 semesters grading for Mathematical Probability, Advanced Linear Algebra, Mathematical Statistics (one course for each of the 3 semesters).

Letters of Recommendation: One from the exploratory research on cancer dynamics, one from REU advisor, one from either measure theory professor who I've had before for mathematical statistics or engineering professor I'm researching with (will decide soon).

Currently considering schools only for PhD in order of ranking according to US News:

• UMich
• UPenn
• UWisconsin-Madison
• Columbia
• UNC
• PennState
• UCDavis
• JHU
• UCLA
• OSU
• Rutgers
• NYU Stern

I don't want to apply to more than 10-12 schools. Please let me know what I can cross off right away and what I should consider adding to my list. It may seem like a very ambitious list given my coursework and GRE Q, but that's why I'm posting here; I don't know any better. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I'm looking forward to your input!

[bayessays]

I think your inconsistent math grades and GRE Q are going to make most of those programs tough to crack. My guess is that the PSU-Rutgers range on your list is going to be the upper end of where you should be reaching, and the rest are not unrealistic.  Given your research interests and profile, I think you should look at University of Iowa which I would consider a match.  I think you should strongly consider looking to see if there is interesting theoretical research being done in biostat programs ranked outside the top 3. 

[ultrafiltering]

@bayessays Thanks for taking the time to comment. I have a question though. You're saying that PSU-Rutgers should be the upper end. Is there a reason I may not break top 40 even? Especially given that Rutgers is ranked 40 along with UIowa, and OSU is ranked 37th, similar enough, but you're saying it would be a reach.

Edited August 29, 2019 by ultrafiltering

[bayessays]

Well, in the top 40 programs, there are a dozen biostat programs that you said you don't want to attend. The top 10-15 statistics schools are populated with people who have better math grades, perfect GRE scores, and went to better schools.  So that really only leaves a dozen schools.  Some of those are small and extremely selective, even outside the top 40.  I didn't say you will get shut out of the top 40, but I wouldn't consider any of those schools you have listed as safe choices.  Also, you deleted your question about Iowa, but rankings are approximate and not indicative of admissions competitiveness because of other factors like location and department size. The first 5 schools you listed and NYU Stern are among the most competitive programs in the country. 

Edited August 29, 2019 by bayessays

[ultrafiltering]

@bayessays I deleted my question because I was writing something which applied to Iowa State, not UIowa. I got the two confused for a moment there. But I do see your point.  So in summary, you believe I have a decent, non-reach, chance at UCDavis-Rutgers, but they are not considered safe choices? Also, what schools other than UIowa would you consider safe-ish choices in the top 50? Does UIUC fit that bill?

Edited August 29, 2019 by ultrafiltering

[bayessays]

I wouldn't call any program in the top 50 a safety, but yeah, bigger state schools in less popular occasions are less competitive - Iowa, FSU, UIUC are schools that I see you having a decent shot at. Not trying to be negative here.  These are all really fantastic programs.

[ultrafiltering]

@bayessays I posted to get honest opinions, and that's exactly what you gave. I appreciate it!