M.S. Statistics Admission Question

[AndrewC]

I am interested in going to grad school for Statistics but I am

concerned that I would not be accepted. I am interested in a Phd

because I would ideally want to teach and do research, but my

statistics experience is minimal so I think getting an MS first is a

better option for me. I am wondering however if I could even get

accepted to a MS Statistics program. Here is why.

I graduated from a tier 2 state university in 2009 with a degree in

Economics, minor in Finance, GPA of 3.64. Throughout college I was

sure I wanted to go into the private sector in finance thus I didn’t

take too many advanced statistics or math courses, focusing rather on

accounting, finance, and economics courses. My final semester I took

undergraduate econometrics and a intermediate statistics course both

of which I excelled in both (A’s) and found them very interesting. Up

until this point however I found most of my other coursework rather

boring and thought that other than maybe an MBA I never wanted to

return to school. Because of this I did not obtain any letters of

recommendation nor did I complete any research.

Since graduation 2.5 years ago I have worked in both supply chain

roles and finance roles and been fairly miserable. I am working on

taking advanced calc and linear algebra online to bring my math

requirements up and I believe I can do well on my GRE. I can get LOR

from bosses and maybe some from my old professors but my concern is

that poor recommendations/non academic recommendations in addition to

no research experience may make my admittance to a mid tier MS program

(Ohio State) impossible. Should I be concerned? Any thoughts on what

I should do. Also if I get into an MS Stat program, will I be able to

gain the proper requirements to get into a Phd program?

[rockrs]

Well, without any stats/maths recommendations, given that you did not have many math classes, it would be almost impossible. Just try to do a Master's first, which then you could use for a jump.. Moreover, it would really show you whether or not you like statistics

[cyberwulf]

Well, without any stats/maths recommendations, given that you did not have many math classes, it would be almost impossible.

I think this is a little too pessimistic. With the record as stated (plus the math courses currently being taken, assuming they are accredited and you do well), I suspect you would be borderline for a stats PhD program in the 10-20 range. And you would likely be a solid MS admit at most programs.

But, as suggested above, even though you might get into a PhD program somewhere, you may want to do an MS first to see whether graduate study in stats is for you.

Edited November 23, 2011 by cyberwulf

[Takoyaki7]

I suspect you would be borderline for a stats PhD program in the 10-20 range.

As someone who was admitted to a few 10-20 range programs and nothing higher, I totally disagree. I think the OP is correct in looking at MS programs. I have no idea what MS admissions is like, but I suggest you apply to a bunch of state schools. These programs are most likely up-ing the number of MS students they're accepting to off-set budget cuts.

[Agradatudent]

You really do not have enough experience for a statistic PHD. You should if anything enroll in classes at a local university as a non-degree seeking. You have alot to take before you'll be ready for a masters program.