Taking a Year Off. Where To Apply? Narrowing/Expanding list.

[cip315]

Okay, I'm a recent graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden. There I received a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Mathematics. My cumulative was 3.46, my comp sci 3.58 and my math 3.48. I'm less than pleased with this but that's all I could have done with no buffer classes, working towards a double major and working 35-55 hours a week to pay my tuition. My GRE scores were good I received a 770 on the quantitative section, a 520 on the verbal and maybe a 5 on the writing. My resume is really good. I've interned several places including a fortune 500 company. My letters of recommendation are strong from school and the business world. I've also been told I can interview quite well, so I will set those up.

Last admission season I got into Clemson and WPI. I decided to take a year off to take a job that didn't end up going through and didn't let me know until, unfortunately, it was too late.

I'm interested in getting my PhD in Mathematics or statistics with a computer science concentration. What I mean by that is I like working with large data sets and extracting information through regressions etc. My senior project was forecasting the stock market using artificial neural networks.

CMU has an incredible program, that I can only dream of getting into, a joint PhD in statistics and machine learning. I will apply there but with my attributes and no research background I doubt I would gain admission.

I have formulated a list of schools in the northeast region, except Clemson, that may be a good fit and have listed them below. I'm somewhat strapped for cash so I'll probably only apply to three or four more schools outside of CMU. If anyone could help me by offering their opinion of the schools or their thoughts on my likelihood of admission I'd be very grateful. I am also open to suggestions of schools anyone thinks I should look into.

WPI

Clemson

CMU

Stonybrook

Temple

UMass Amherst

Binghamton

Boston University

Cheers.

[geekman]

Hey there - I'm in a similar situation as you. I graduated with a BA in Mathematics, and recently got a Masters in Statistics. I'm taking this year off to work and make some money. I plan on applying to PHD programs in Statistics for Fall 2012. Just to give you an idea of my background - Undergrad I have a 3.5 GPA, my Masters GPA is 3.4. GRE scores are 800 Quant, 520 Verbal, 4.5 Analytical Writing. Normal recommendation letters - nothing stellar.

Anyway, please don't base your decision entirely on this, but here is a list of some of the schools that I'll be looking at / possibly applying to:

SUNY Stony Brook

SUNY Buffalo

University of Pittsburgh

SUNY Binghamton

Florida State University

University of Florida (These are two different universities)

University of Connecticut

UMass Amherst

These are all schools that I feel comfortable applying to. I'll probably apply to one or two reach schools just for the heck of it. My advice to you is take your time, get to know the programs and make sure you'd be a good fit within the department. I'm going to be sending out some emails in the next few weeks to try to speak with the program directors. Also, the one thing that is totally in your control is your Statement of Purpose. Make sure it's clear, gives examples of why you'd be a good candidate (research, teaching experience, etc.). I'm pretty sure the last thing admission committees want to see is something like, "I've loved math since I was 5, so this is why I want a PHD in Math".

Please, if anyone else has any advice or comments, send them our way!!