slfkx Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 I am thinking about applying for a PhD biostat/stat program in the US. I got both my bachelor and PhD degrees in Physics from one of the top universities in China, and now am working in computational biophysics/biology in the US. Here is my background. Undergraduate (physics) GPA: 3.65 Graduate (computational physics, MS) GPA: 3.9 Graduate (computational physics, PhD) GPA: 4.0 Graduate (computational physics,MS+PhD) GPA: 4.0 A number of publications in computational physics and bio-related fields. My question is whether my PhD background will be a plus or minus to my application. Will the programs consider someone like me who already have a PhD and quite a research background? If yes, what should I pay attention to and do in my application? and which ranking of universities should I shoot for my application? Thank you very much for your help!
cyberwulf Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 With a PhD in physics, there probably won't be too many concerns about your ability to do math. So I think the main question adcoms will want an answer to is "why (bio)statistics"? Maybe it's because you can't get a job; maybe it's because you've lost interest in hardcore physics. Whatever the case, I think it's important that you address your motivation for switching fields (and be honest), and what you envision your career path to be.
slfkx Posted October 30, 2012 Author Posted October 30, 2012 (edited) With a PhD in physics, there probably won't be too many concerns about your ability to do math. So I think the main question adcoms will want an answer to is "why (bio)statistics"? Maybe it's because you can't get a job; maybe it's because you've lost interest in hardcore physics. Whatever the case, I think it's important that you address your motivation for switching fields (and be honest), and what you envision your career path to be. cyberwulf, thanks for your comments. In addition to the movtivation for switching fields, could you comment how my background will affect my application and what levels of programs I should shoot from your perspective? Edited October 30, 2012 by slfkx
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