Taking statistics course after PhD applications

[totoro1984]

Hi everyone,

I'm applying to statistics/biostatistics PhD programs in fall 2020, and I'm planning to take the calculus based statistics course in spring 2021. I know that a lot of programs require this course as a prerequisite, but could I still apply to programs before I take it? I'm concerned that they won't be able to see my grade in that class and might think that I'm not prepared enough for a PhD. Should I address this in my statement?

For context, I'm a math major at a state school. I have taken a lot of upper division math courses (including probability theory, linear algebra, real analysis) and a couple of upper division applied statistics courses. Thank you in advance!

Edited June 4, 2020 by juuicebox

[Stat Assistant Professor]

You should be fine. There are a lot of Statistics and Biostatistics PhD students who never took a single statistics class before enrolling in their PhD program.

[bayessays]

I don't think I've ever seen a single program that required a calculus-based statistics course.  As @Stat Assistant Professor said, many students have little stats background and most programs don't require any statistics courses.  You're good, don't worry about this at all.