Stat/Biostat Profile Eval

[uncertainty1]

Hi all, I'm applying to grad school this cycle and I'm lost on where to apply. I'm looking into stat masters and biostat masters/PhDs.

Undergraduate Institution: R1 state school, top 20 stat department, top 100 US News
Major: Statistics
Minor: Math, Computer programming
GPA: 3.87
Type of Student: Domestic Asian female

GRE Score: 162Q/159V/4.5 (plan to retake)

Math classes: Calc II (A+), Calc III (A), Intro to proofs (A), ODE (A-), Linear algebra (A-), Real analysis I (B), Real analysis II (B)
Stat classes: Probability theory (A+), Inference (A-), Regression analysis (B), Experimental design (A+), Survey sampling (A), Bayesian analysis (A-), Nonparametrics (in progress), Time series (in progress)
Misc classes: 2 Java intro classes (A-, A), Data structures and algorithms (in progress), C (in progress)

Research Experience:
REU in statistical genetics - 2 papers published in biocomputing conference (not first author), presented one
REU working for geophysics prof on Gaussian process emulators - oral presentation at geophysics conference

Work/Other Experience:
TA for a statistical computing class for a year, data science industry internship for a summer

Awards:
Goldwater scholarship, Full ride undergrad scholarship

Letters: 
2 REU profs (1 stat, 1 geophysics, both decent), stat prof I took a class from (not as strong)

I'm applying to the stat masters program at my undergrad institution, but not sure where else I could apply for biostat phd programs with my math grades. Any input is appreciated!

Edited September 19, 2020 by uncertainty1

[StatsG0d]

Your GRE score is pretty low. I think you should shoot for a minimum 165 and preferably 167+ on your retake.

I think what hurts your application the most is those two B's in analysis. I think you should try to take one more upper level theoretical math course like Abstract Algebra or Complex Analysis and try to aim for an A- or higher. That will reassure adcoms that you can do well in theoretical math courses.

If you do both of those, I think you have a good shot at biostats departments outside the top-3 and stats programs outside the top-20

[Casorati]

Your low GRE Q, along with B's in real analysis will raise concerns about your ability to do math. With that said, you may have trouble getting into top 10 Biostat PhD programs. Taking complex analysis/abstract algebra is not absolutely necessary unless you are very interested but I would consider taking measure theory. If you do well in measure theory and raise your GRE Q to 165+, I think you have a chance of getting into schools like UNC/Michigan.

Edited September 19, 2020 by Casorati

[uncertainty1]

Thank you both so much for the advice! I'll definitely take more math classes and aim for a much better GRE score.

[bayessays]

Especially if you can improve your GRE a few points, I think you can get into some good biostat programs right now outside the top 3.  I don't think your Bs in real analysis will be a huge issue, but I'd try to get that GRE up if you're submitting it.

[Casorati]

Some more applied biostat programs might care less about your grades in real analysis so I think you may have a shot at Columbia/UCLA/Emory. I would apply to some programs outside the top 10 just to be safe.

[bayessays]

Agreed with @Casorati and even think OP might have a chance at Michigan due to their seemingly extensive genetics research background if they are interested in statgen.

[player-tracking-data]

On 9/19/2020 at 11:35 PM, StatsG0d said:

Your GRE score is pretty low. I think you should shoot for a minimum 165 and preferably 167+ on your retake.

I think what hurts your application the most is those two B's in analysis. I think you should try to take one more upper level theoretical math course like Abstract Algebra or Complex Analysis and try to aim for an A- or higher. That will reassure adcoms that you can do well in theoretical math courses.

If you do both of those, I think you have a good shot at biostats departments outside the top-3 and stats programs outside the top-20

I just took the GRE and got a 165 Q. Is this good enough for Stats Masters programs and PhD in Statistics/BioStatistics (outside USNWR top 20-30)

[Casorati]

20 minutes ago, player-tracking-data said:

I just took the GRE and got a 165 Q. Is this good enough for Stats Masters programs and PhD in Statistics/BioStatistics (outside USNWR top 20-30)

Your score should be fine.