Transitioning to Philosophy (Logic, Comp, Methodology)

[JegVetIngenting]

Hi there!

I am thinking of applying to a Logic, Computation, & Methodology PhD program. However, I have some concerns regarding change of career trajectory. But first, my profile:

Undergraduate: Large State School 

Major: Applied Mathematics, Economics

GPA: 3.5

Type of Student: Domestic White Male

Relevant Courses: Calculus I (A), II (C+), and III (A), Ordinary Differential Equations (B-), Linear Algebra (A), Discrete Mathematics (B+), Introductory Real analysis (A-), Numerical Analysis I (A)

Graduate: Large State School 

Program: MS Statistics

Relevant Courses: Mathematical Statistics I, Mathematical Statistics II, Theory of Estimation (think likelihood and asymptotics)  (all A)

Grad GPA: 3.9

GRE General Test:

Q: 167

V: 160

W: 4.5

Research Experience to Date: Applied Bayesian MCMC work (undergrad), 2 non-first-author publications in applied statistics

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: A few semesters of Dean's List, Award for highest grade in Linear Algebra or Real Analysis (they never did mention which), Decent-money scholarship from grad institution, low-money scholarships from grad institution

Letters of Recommendation: Statistics professor (decorated, dept head) I know, him personally and through classes, Statistics professor/Thesis advisor, Professor for analysis and discrete math (prolific author in mathematics).

Additional XP and Remarks: Profiency in a couple non-native languages, experience working in R and LaTex, ample experience in math and statistics TAing and tutoring.

There was a time when I would have never envisioned myself pursuing graduate education. I started my academic career at a small community college (even made a D in precalculus because I was so blasé about the formal educational experience that I just couldn't be bothered (explains the C+ in calc II as well), and now I can't satisfy my academic appetite. I'm currently interested in philosophy of probability. 

All right, now a trio of questions:

1) I understand that some LCM programs are, say, accessible to applicants of backgrounds in mathematics. However, myy background is in "applied mathematics" (no algebra, topology...) and I am unsure if this lends itself to the same treatment by adcoms. Simply put, could the PhD program be an appropriate pivot point, or would I need a second masters?

2) Assuming yes to (1), at what range of schools should I aim?

3) How concerned should I be with the writing sample component of the application?

 

 

 

[maxhgns]

There's no harm in trying for PhDs, nor is there any in applying to a few funded MAs as well. The lack of experience in philosophy may be an issue, but it's not necessarily a problem. Just be sure to clearly explain why you want to switch over to this new field in your statement of interest.

Don't limit yourself to a "range" of programs. Just apply to those which you think best fit your interests. Aim for at least ten or so programs, all told.

Finally: the writing sample is the most important part of your application. Do the best job you can with it. If you can, get faculty feedback on it and revise, revise, revise. Revise.

[JegVetIngenting]

Thanks! I really appreciate the advice.