Misc. MS Stats Questions

[fujigala]

Hello, I just have a few miscellaneous questions relating to MS programs in stats/data science:

1. Do you think my GRE score of V: 165 Q: 165 is good enough to get into top 10 schools? What about Ivy League schools? I have seen the average quant scores at these types of schools to be 167+. I am considering retaking it because on practice tests, I did better on the quant section (167, 168), but worse on the verbal section (163, 162). I assume the rest of my application would give me a decent shot at top 10 schools.

2. Are lower ranked (based on USNWR rankings) Ivy League schools (and other schools with overall prestigious reputations) very competitive to get into compared to other schools with similar USNWR rankings but less of an overall reputation (e.g. Yale stats vs. UC Davis stats, both #31 on USNWR rankings)? I think having a degree from a prestigious school would help my chances of employment, but I don't want to apply to all Ivy League schools and not get in anywhere.

3. I am considering applying to MS programs in data science, but I am wondering whether an MS in data science might not make me as competitive for stat PhD programs as someone with an MS in stats. Is this a valid concern? Does it depend on how many stat courses you take as a data science MS major? My undergraduate degree was in physics, if that is relevant at all.

I would really appreciate any insight you may have on any or all of these questions, thanks!

[StatsG0d]

1. A 165Q is more than sufficient for MS programs

2. Yes--Ivy League schools are more competitive despite their ranking. But I think the small caveat here is that the more highly ranked programs have more employers recruiting (e.g., NCSU, UNC, and Duke will have a ton of employers recruiting from the research triangle, and because these programs are prestigious, the employers will look for stats people).

3. If you're interested in stat PhD, I recommend you post your complete profile to see if you could get into stat programs directly.

[fujigala]

On 9/1/2020 at 7:40 AM, StatsG0d said:

1. A 165Q is more than sufficient for MS programs

2. Yes--Ivy League schools are more competitive despite their ranking. But I think the small caveat here is that the more highly ranked programs have more employers recruiting (e.g., NCSU, UNC, and Duke will have a ton of employers recruiting from the research triangle, and because these programs are prestigious, the employers will look for stats people).

3. If you're interested in stat PhD, I recommend you post your complete profile to see if you could get into stat programs directly.

Thanks for the insight

1. Sufficient even for top 10/ivy league ms programs?

3. Not sure if I want to get a PhD at this point.

Edited September 2, 2020 by fujigala

[StatsG0d]

1. Yes.

3. If you think you're potentially interested in PhD programs later on (which it sounds like you are), the general recommendation is to apply to them directly. Most will consider you for MS if you get rejected, and worst case scenario, you can leave with a master's degree.

[fujigala]

Thanks for the reply