Schools/Profile Evaluation for Fall 2021?

[interlockjohn]

Undergrad Institution: CSULB
Major(s): Math, Emphasis on Statistics 
GPA: 3.6-3.7

Type of Student: Asian/Domestic

GRE General Test: Not taken yet
GRE Subject Test in Mathematics: Not taken, not sure if I should
 

Programs Applying: Statistics, maybe CS

Research Experience: None
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's List for a majority of semesters
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:  Stats and Math Tutor for 2 years 

Letters of Recommendation: 1 Stat undergrad advisor, 2 Stat graduate advisors, all good, but not amazing. 

Math/Statistics Grades:  Calc I (A) , Calc II (A), Calc III (B),  Intro to Probability (B), Mathematical Statistics (A), Applied Regression (B), Linear Algebra (A), Abstract Algebra (B), Graduate Statistical Inference (A), Multivariate Statistical Analysis (A), Numerical Analysis (A), Machine Learning ( W, but retaking next spring), Real Analysis (W, retaking in Fall 2021), Discrete Math (A)

 

Courses I plan to take (during admission's process/Fall2021): Graduate Linear Regression, Real Analysis, Random Processes

Research/Career Interests: Machine Learning, Bayesian Statistics, Data Science at a Tech Company

 

Schools Applying to (prefer to stay in Socal, unless the program lines up with interests):

 

MS: UCLA (Master's of Applied Statistics), Duke (Statistical Science: Data Science track), UCB, USC

PhD: UCI, UCSB

 

I'm still very torn about whether or not I want to do a PhD. I know generally, it isn't great to do a PhD if you're not dead set on it, but I would like to work in a field of data science/machine learning that is a bit more research intensive, as in I don't want to be a code monkey. However, I'm not sure I am capable of handling math intensive courses, mental health wise. I feel like my grades aren't that impressive compared to most students here, but I'm sure some students here can relate that getting these grades takes a toll on your mental heath for a while, and at times I feel like I can't cope with it, despite still managing to pull out a decent grade in the end. Despite this, I still want to consider the PhD because although I may not have the immediate smarts for it, I think my perseverance can make up for a bit of it. Or maybe I need a reality check haha...

 

Another problem is I'm not sure what kind of research I would even want to pursue in a PhD. I've enjoyed the graduate stats course I've taken and the graduate advisers I've talked to about for research, but the actual content and material wise, I'm not sure what that entails since my undergrad institution has little to no research for statistics and I was not able to secure an REU for the last 2 years. 

 

Both of these factors really make me rethink my decision if even a PhD is right for me, but I would rather know now that lead myself blindly into one.  The main driving factor that even made me consider doing the PhD in the first place is job prospects and the slight thought that MAYBE I am cut out for one, academically. Ideally, I think doing a masters is my best bet, but I just wanted to read people's opinion on a PhD. 

 

This was pretty open ended, but I'd like some advice on my whole PhD shpeal, as well as what type of programs I should be aiming for given my profile and interests. Thank you much in advance and stay safe!

 

J 

Edited April 8, 2020 by interlockjohn
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