How to improve my Statistics PhD Application?

[zen_musashi]

Student type: Domestic asian male
Applying for: Stats/Biostats PHD
Type of Undergrad: University of Utah
Major: Biology
Undergrad GPA: 3.6
Post-bacc: Math
Post-bacc GPA: 4.0
GRE: Q/V/W (165/162/4)
Courses: biophysical ecology (A-), Calc II/III (A, A), Linear Algebra (A), Intro Analysis I/II (A,A), Directed Reading Course (A), Intro to Data Structures and Algorithms (A)
Future Courses: Abstract Algebra 1/2, Topology 1/2, Real/Complex Analysis
LOR: 3 mathematics professors
Research Experience: 2 years in biology lab doing simple statistical programming for autoimmune disorder project (normalizing data, using premade R packages to find correlations/statistically significant data)
Research Interests: Topological Data Analysis, Statistical Genetics, Mathematical Statistics
Questions: Should I even consider applying to statistics programs this fall or would it be better to wait to submit until Fall 2022? The reason I ask is I have more specific interests in TDA and statistical genetics, so I thought maybe having more pure mathematics courses would give me an edge there. I guess I’m just stressed out about whether I should apply broadly this fall or take more courses and solidify my application for next fall. Lastly, given my research interests what are some schools that do TDA and statistical genetics very well? Obviously, there’s CMU, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin for TDA and University of Michigan for statistical genetics. Beyond that I’m in the dark. Any suggestions on schools or my general application would be appreciated. I know I have a strange situation. Thanks for your time everyone!

Edit: I wanted to add my dream job would be working as a staff scientist (statistician) at Broad Institute, Fred Hutch, or some similar type of research center.

 

Edited June 23, 2021 by zen_musashi
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[Casorati]

If you are interested in statistical genetics, generally it would be your best interests to apply for biostatistics PhD programs. Your math background is a bit thin for top schools, especially for statistics PhD programs. So it would be good if you can beef up your math background. This will make you much more competitive for top PhD programs, and also you will have an easier time when you take PhD level courses, which are very intense. If you can get strong grades in future courses you listed, I think schools in the range of 10-30 would be good targets. 

Edited June 23, 2021 by Casorati

[zen_musashi]

@Casorati Thanks for the suggestions! I honestly figured as much. I might just take another year or two to complete a masters in mathematics before applying. If anyone else has thoughts just let me know. Cheers!