Biostatistics MS: UNC

[Vibsong]

Hey everyone! I pursued my undergrad in one of the life sciences and applied to multiple MS Biostatistics programs during this application cycle. I was fortunate enough to receive an admit from UNC. I would appreciate it if any of you could advise me about going for this program, since I come from a non-mathematical background - I am a bit apprehensive about the rigor of the coursework and level of proficiency needed to do well in these courses.

Thanks!

[StatsG0d]

UNC is pretty mathematically rigorous relative to its peers, and you will be taking courses alongside first-year PhD students who will have taken (likely) much more math than you. That said, there are many students who have the minimal math background (i.e., Calculus I-III and linear algebra) and are successful. There will be a master's exam that is only required for master's-level students, and if you pass the exam then it's smooth sailing to get the degree.

Also, note that UNC is on a pass/fail system, where the grades received are H (high pass), P (pass), L (low pass) and F (fail). Typically, <10% of students will get an H, almost all the rest of the students will get a P unless they did not do the work or bombed every single test, both of which are rare. I have never heard of anyone receiving an F. You can get two L's and still get the degree, but, again, I have seen very few students get L's.

[Vibsong]

On 4/19/2021 at 10:32 PM, StatsG0d said:

UNC is pretty mathematically rigorous relative to its peers, and you will be taking courses alongside first-year PhD students who will have taken (likely) much more math than you. That said, there are many students who have the minimal math background (i.e., Calculus I-III and linear algebra) and are successful. There will be a master's exam that is only required for master's-level students, and if you pass the exam then it's smooth sailing to get the degree.

Also, note that UNC is on a pass/fail system, where the grades received are H (high pass), P (pass), L (low pass) and F (fail). Typically, <10% of students will get an H, almost all the rest of the students will get a P unless they did not do the work or bombed every single test, both of which are rare. I have never heard of anyone receiving an F. You can get two L's and still get the degree, but, again, I have seen very few students get L's.

This helps a lot - it's quite reassuring to hear that even with just the prerequisite math preparation one can expect to do well at UNC, provided they put in the effort.

Thank you for sharing this insight!?

[possumvibes]

@Vibsong Hey out of curiosity how were they with communicating with you? I was accepted and tried to reach out to them but they never responded to me. I ended up declining the offer but will still be interested in their PhD program down the line, and am wondering if I just was contacting the wrong person and if their department number is no longer in use.

[Vibsong]

On 5/13/2021 at 3:17 AM, possumvibes said:

@Vibsong Hey out of curiosity how were they with communicating with you? I was accepted and tried to reach out to them but they never responded to me. I ended up declining the offer but will still be interested in their PhD program down the line, and am wondering if I just was contacting the wrong person and if their department number is no longer in use.

I had a good experience in this regard, actually. I contacted the academic coordinator using the email listed on the program page and all throughout the application process, I found her to be quite responsive and forthcoming with information. I didn't make use of the department number, so I'm not aware if it's in use currently.