Profile Evaluation MS Statistics/Data Science + School Recommendations

[EntrepreneurIll4719]

Hello, hope you are doing well. After looking at several profiles, I'm coming to the realization that my application is quite weak and I'm looking for the strongest schools I can get into. I graduated on May 2020, and I am currently waiting for OPT approval. I am applying for Fall 2021. Absolutely any help is greatly appreciated. 

 

Type of student: International Asian Male (Indian)

Undergraduate Institution: Small mid-western liberal arts college (St. Olaf College) 

Undergraduate Major: Mathematics, with concentration in Statistics and Data Science 

GPA: 3.8 Overall 

Relevant Math and Stats Courses:
Calculus II (A),
Linear Algebra (A),
Differential Equations I (A),
Real Analysis (A),
Statistics for Science (A),
Calculus III (A-),
Abstract Algebra (A),
Introduction to Data Science (A),
Introduction to Machine Learning (A),
Probability Theory (A-),
Statistical Modeling (A-),
Differential Equations II (A),
Combinatorics (B+)

GRE:  Haven't taken yet. In the one practice test I took, I scored 170 Quant, 166 Verbal.  

Research Experience: None. 

Work Experience: Worked with a health insurance company to create a recommendation engine that matches customers with the most suitable insurance plan for them. Various machine learning techniques were used to devise the method, an app was the final product. Was involved in every stage of the project. The whole thing was about 5 months long. This is my only relevant work experience. Hopefully I can get some more experience in the time before I go back to grad school. Not that it will help me with my application, would be nice nevertheless.  

Letters of Recommendation:  Two from math professors who view me favorably. One of them was also my academic advisor. The final letter would be from my supervisor from my work experience. They should all be strong letters as they knew me well, but probably not phenomenal.  

Colleges Shortlist: Please take this with a grain of salt. I have no idea how selective they are and odds are I am grossly overestimating my chances. Although it would be nice to keep a couple of them, I would really appreciate some new suggestions if you think they are all reach. 

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), University of Washington (Seattle), University of Wisconsin (Madison), University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), University of California (Los Angeles), University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), University of Chicago, Duke University, Georgia Tech, University of Connecticut. 

A few more things: Do you think it would do well for me to, once I get my OPT, use it as much as possible to strengthen my resume and work for a year or so more, and then apply to graduate programs? Do you think I would have a better shot at, say, the top 25 or so universities in my field? Do you think that (ranking) matters, is there a big difference between top 10, top 25, top 50 etc? I have absolutely no research experience and I have no idea how I'm supposed to get it. Could you help me by letting me know where I can find opportunities for post-undergraduates in my field (statistics/data science)? 

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it! 

Edited August 12, 2020 by EntrepreneurIll4719