M.Sc by research vs PhD and others

[tejtgckal]

Hello!

I wish to research in Statistics but looking at my profile, I am confused regarding which of M.Sc by research or PhD would be a wiser program to apply to.

I completed my B.Sc. in Statistics from the University of Mumbai, India in India with an aggregate percentage of 83 (3rd in college). I then did my M.Sc. in Applied Statistics from the University of Oxford which I completed in 2011 with a score of 65%. I am currently working at a astrophysics research institute in India (named IUCAA). My work involves development of a statistical software for astronomers which mostly entails coding in R and Java. Also, I have to do a lot of reading to include the relevant and best tests required by the target audience. My GRE General test score is V-156, Q-161 and A-4.5. I will be appearing for the GRE Math subject test in November and am thinking about re-appearing for the general GRE as well.

The biggest deficiency in my application, I believe, is the lack of research experience. I did a three month dissertation during my M.Sc. but scored a low 51/100 in it which clearly depreciates my appeal as a research student. Trying too many things when there wasn't enough data available for it and not giving myself enough time to write the dissertation report resulted in the low score.

My research interest lies in the area of statistical data mining and machine learning. I just studied one module on it during my M.Sc. but that was enough to peak my interest in it. While researching about programs on various universities, I do find researchers working in my area of interest but am unsure about how to approach them. For two whom I contacted, I read 2-3 of their papers and wrote about which parts of the paper I liked and which parts I am trying to understand (as I don't completely understand the paper due to my lack of enough knowledge of the subject).

Regarding references, I have three positive references behind me, first from the Statistics department head of my undergraduate institute, second from my M.Sc. advisor, and third from the project head at IUCAA I am working under who is also the Director of the institute.

I am planning to apply to US, UK, Canadian and some European universities. Thinking realistically, I am not going to apply to the top institutes. So, hoping that I have provided enough information, I would really appreciate some help on the following questions:-

• Considering my background, would you advice me to apply for a M.Sc. by research or a PhD program? Are applicants for M.Sc. by research programs required previous research experience?
  
• Is my way of contacting pontential supervisors correct? Is there something I could add to make my candidature more strong?
  
• I am going to be frank in my SoP regarding the reson behind the low score in my Masters' dissertation. I am trying to do some independent research with a PhD student and a professor in the research institute I am working at but am not sure whether I will have anything tangible to show from it by the time applications are due. So is there anything I should do to improve the standing of my application?
  

Thanks for your help

[lonelymonk]

US schools require minimum of three recommendations.

Your GRE scores a bit low. Try to do well in Sub GRE.

It seems that you already have more than an inkling about what you will eventually do. That should reflect in your SOP.

Professors get tons of e-mails from prospective students during admission season. So do not get overly worried if you don't get a reply in time.

Now, if you wish to apply for a masters again in USA, it is highly unlikely that you will get a scholarship. You will have to spend from your own pocket.

It is better to apply for Phd. If the reason for you wanting to do a masters once again is to get a better shot at top schools the next time, then that is not really necessary. I myself did not have *any* research experience when I applied to grad schools.

Try and get better GRE scores. And your current stint at IUCAA will definitely help your chances.

[tejtgckal]

@lonelymonk, thanks for the help. I can only improve my chances by reappearing for the general GRE and trying to score better, so shall do so.