Suggestions for Biostatistics PhD

[lost518]

I had a BS in Biology. My GPA is 3.56 (All A's for Calculus I, II, Intro to statistics, and two semesters of physics. It was the Biology courses that dragged my GPA down.). I was planning to do a PhD in Biology, so I had two summer research experience and a senior research experience. My GRE was 590(Verbal) and 800(Math).

Right now I am in a master program for statistics. My first semester GPA was 3.89 and I will try my best to hold or increase my GPA this semester. I have learned various statistical methods and some programming skills (R and SAS).

I'm thinking of applying for Biostatistics PhD for Fall 2013 after I get my master degree, but I am not sure how competitive I am and which schoosl I should apply for that I am mostly likely to get into. Ironically, because I did not take linear algebra in college, I am worried about failing to meet the basic requirements listed in Biostatistics programs for most of schools. I am looking for any kinds of suggestions.

Thank you!!!

[cyberwulf]

You should probably try and take linear algebra and Calc III (multivariable) before you apply. I wouldn't worry about taking real analysis.

Your grades and test scores seem solid; how competitive you will be for admission will depend on the strength of your undergraduate and graduate institutions along with your letters of recommendation. Your chances are also somewhat improved if you're a citizen or permanent resident.

As far as where to apply, it's hard to say without more information, but:

- Harvard and Hopkins are probably longshots

- Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, and UNC are realistic possibilities (further details of your application will determine which of these you get into)

- UCLA, Emory, Columbia, Boston U are good bets

- Most other places I would treat as "safety" schools; apply to a handful in case everything blows up.

Edited March 1, 2012 by cyberwulf

[lost518]

You should probably try and take linear algebra and Calc III (multivariable) before you apply. I wouldn't worry about taking real analysis.

Your grades and test scores seem solid; how competitive you will be for admission will depend on the strength of your undergraduate and graduate institutions along with your letters of recommendation. Your chances are also somewhat improved if you're a citizen or permanent resident.

As far as where to apply, it's hard to say without more information, but:

- Harvard and Hopkins are probably longshots

- Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, and UNC are realistic possibilities (further details of your application will determine which of these you get into)

- UCLA, Emory, Columbia, Boston U are good bets

- Most other places I would treat as "safety" schools; apply to a handful in case everything blows up.

Thank you for your reply. I am really appreciated it.

I am going to take these two course this summer. I think they will help build my resume a lot.

There are some information I want to add. I will ask two stats professors from my current program and one biology professor who I have done research with to write me letters. I don't think the letters they write will be terrible. In addition, I am interested in going to industry (such as pharmacy or clinic companies) after finish PhD program (definitely not academia), do you have any suggestions of which schools I should definitely apply?

At last, since my GPA in undergraduate school is not high (although I do have good scores for math and math related courses) and I was Biology major, I am wondering how much the admission committee will take my master grades into account. Will getting a master degree help me a lot compared to students who are math majors coming from undergraduate school directly with high GPAs (such as 3.85+)?

Thank you in advance!!!

[ANDS!]

I would ask these professors after the spring semester, especially if you will have them again.