Advice for Biostats (what does it take to get in?)

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

I started undergraduate as a Bio Major. I'm set to graduate with my BS in Biology spring of 2013... However, I really enjoy statistics and I enjoyed my Biostat class more than any other I've taken ( I got an A in it)... My GPA is currently 3.4 and rising (I'm recovering from one bad 2.6 semester my freshman year). I have yet to take the GRE, but plan to do so of course.

I'd really like to pursue a career in Biostatistics, unfortunately I've only taken Calc I... Next year I plan on taking Calc II and Linear Algebra (Which seem to be the minimum math requirements for most programs). I'm also currently taking (and enjoying) a class in Computer applications of Statistics in which I'm learning SAS and R.

Here are my questions (Sorry if they're obvious, but I cant seem to find much info about Biostat programs in general):

What else can I do enhance my resume for Biostat Grad Program? Where can I find research/work opportunities that are relevant to the field of Biostats?

I'd prefer to work in industry, specifically in clinical trials. Would a MS be sufficient, or should I look to pursue a PhD?

How competitive is Grad School for Biostat programs in terms of GPA, GRE, experience, etc. (for both MS and PhD)?

Thanks in advance for any advice, I appreciate it!

[mathgirl28]

I started undergraduate as a Bio Major. I'm set to graduate with my BS in Biology spring of 2013... However, I really enjoy statistics and I enjoyed my Biostat class more than any other I've taken ( I got an A in it)... My GPA is currently 3.4 and rising (I'm recovering from one bad 2.6 semester my freshman year). I have yet to take the GRE, but plan to do so of course.

I'd really like to pursue a career in Biostatistics, unfortunately I've only taken Calc I... Next year I plan on taking Calc II and Linear Algebra (Which seem to be the minimum math requirements for most programs). I'm also currently taking (and enjoying) a class in Computer applications of Statistics in which I'm learning SAS and R.

Here are my questions (Sorry if they're obvious, but I cant seem to find much info about Biostat programs in general):

What else can I do enhance my resume for Biostat Grad Program? Where can I find research/work opportunities that are relevant to the field of Biostats?

I'd prefer to work in industry, specifically in clinical trials. Would a MS be sufficient, or should I look to pursue a PhD?

yes, but phD's i hear get paid more... you could always do the MS first and then go back for the phD if you dont mind paying the money

How competitive is Grad School for Biostat programs in terms of GPA, GRE, experience, etc. (for both MS and PhD)?

Depends on the caliber of school you are shooting for.

Competitive Biostats programs (Harvard, Washington, Hopkins...) will want to see more math background. You might want to do a postback in mathematics of find someway to get mat courses under your belt. They want to see high math GPA's and good GRE's in the quantitative section (800-790).

That is for top tier, lower tier will still probably want to see more mathematics background (esp more statistics courses) and a good GRE. Even still you are pushing it with the lack of mathematics classes. Is there anyway you can get more under your belt. That would be my biggest advice. If you can do more mathematics classes (3 years of calc at least), and do well, you will be well on your way to be a competitive applicant. Hope that helps!

[cyberwulf]

What else can I do enhance my resume for Biostat Grad Program? Where can I find research/work opportunities that are relevant to the field of Biostats?

Many schools require three semesters of calculus (including multivariable, often called Calc 3). I would suggest that you try to squeeze that into your schedule, along with an undergraduate mathematical statistics course or two (covering distribution theory, etc.) Don't worry about getting research or work opportunities in biostats. They're hard to come by, and grad schools are mainly looking at pre-reqs, grades, letters, and test scores.

I'd prefer to work in industry, specifically in clinical trials. Would a MS be sufficient, or should I look to pursue a PhD?

There is certainly demand in industry for MS biostatisticians working as statistical analysts and programmers. The PhD would position you to do a bit of research and take charge of the design and analysis of trials.

How competitive is Grad School for Biostat programs in terms of GPA, GRE, experience, etc. (for both MS and PhD)?

Somewhat competitive, but not insanely so. Some schools have mean/median GPA and GRE scores posted on their website. In general, you'll probably want a ~3.4+ GPA for admission to a solid MS program, and ~3.7+ for admission to good PhD programs. GRE quant is the only portion which really matters among the three; you'll want to aim for 155+ for MS, closer to 160+ for PhD programs.

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

Well, Instead of cramming a few classes into next year to graduate by spring 2013. I could space it out a little more and go into a 5th year of undergrad... I've considered doing this anyway, as it would give me more time to focus on each class as well as an extra year of research. If I was to do this, I would take Calc 2 and 3, Linear Algebra, and a course in Probability.... So this would seem like a better route to take

[crimsonbear]

Take Real Analysis.

[cyberwulf]

Take Real Analysis.

In an ideal world with infinite time to take courses, I would agree. But a good fraction of PhD students entering without a Masters degree don't have it, and take it in their first semester of grad school. And from a purely cynical application perspective, a weak-ish grade in an undergrad Real Analysis course might worry an admissions committee more than not having taken it at all (assuming performance in the other math pre-reqs is solid). That being said, if you can fit it into your schedule and do well, a good performance in Real Analysis would certainly be a notable strength of your application.

Edited February 17, 2012 by cyberwulf

[Eleanore]

Hi, I am currently studying Economics in a UK university with GPA 3.97 and GRE 1520 (quant: 800/800). In addition, I have got 4 internships and 2 research projects all related to statistics. However, my big disadvantage is that my degree does not involve that many maths subjects but I am really keen on Harvard M.A. Statistics. Is there any chance for me to get in?

[cyberwulf]

Hi, I am currently studying Economics in a UK university with GPA 3.97 and GRE 1520 (quant: 800/800). In addition, I have got 4 internships and 2 research projects all related to statistics. However, my big disadvantage is that my degree does not involve that many maths subjects but I am really keen on Harvard M.A. Statistics. Is there any chance for me to get in?

Suggest you start a new thread with this question. You might want to provide some more details about the quality/reputation of your current university, and exactly how much math you have (eg. have you taken multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis?).

Edited February 23, 2012 by cyberwulf

[Eleanore]

Suggest you start a new thread with this question. You might want to provide some more details about the quality/reputation of your current university, and exactly how much math you have (eg. have you taken multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis?).

Hi cyberwulf, thanks for your reply. Basically, I have already received the offers from LSE and Imperial College for Master of Finance. I dont know how well you know about these two uni in the UK, but it is pretty hard to get in. So I guess you can judge my undergraduate uni from this fact.

In terms of my maths modules:

1st year:

advanced quantitative economic methods (2 semesters) -97

applied economics (namely econometrics) (2 semesters) -98

2nd year:

Optimization ( 1 semester)-94

Game theory (1 semester)-87

Introductory Econometrics (2 semesters)-96

Econometrics Methods-95

3rd year:

Econometric theory (1 semester)

Game theory (1 semester)

For UK uni, normally undergraduate study lasts 3 years. The marking system is different from the U.S. one. A 70 in the UK is equivalent to GPA 3.7 in the U.S.

Btw, one of my research projects is associated with the Weighted Markov Chain Forcast Model and Bayesian time series. And I have mentioned in my SOP that I would like to specialise in MCMC and Bayesian time series.

Comparing to others maths background, mine is really weak......

[ANDS!]

I started undergraduate as a Bio Major. I'm set to graduate with my BS in Biology spring of 2013... However, I really enjoy statistics and I enjoyed my Biostat class more than any other I've taken ( I got an A in it)... My GPA is currently 3.4 and rising (I'm recovering from one bad 2.6 semester my freshman year). I have yet to take the GRE, but plan to do so of course.

I'd really like to pursue a career in Biostatistics, unfortunately I've only taken Calc I... Next year I plan on taking Calc II and Linear Algebra (Which seem to be the minimum math requirements for most programs). I'm also currently taking (and enjoying) a class in Computer applications of Statistics in which I'm learning SAS and R.

Here are my questions (Sorry if they're obvious, but I cant seem to find much info about Biostat programs in general):

What else can I do enhance my resume for Biostat Grad Program? Where can I find research/work opportunities that are relevant to the field of Biostats?

I'd prefer to work in industry, specifically in clinical trials. Would a MS be sufficient, or should I look to pursue a PhD?

How competitive is Grad School for Biostat programs in terms of GPA, GRE, experience, etc. (for both MS and PhD)?

Thanks in advance for any advice, I appreciate it!

You need some math, especially coming in as an undergrad. Three years calculus, upper division linear (the more matrices the better) and real analysis (at least first semester) would be about right. I would say at minimum if you wanted to be really competitive with your Bio background to take those courses.