Biology major--where should I apply for a Biostatistics MS?

[filovirus]

I am a junior currently attending a top 3 liberal arts college (Amherst/Williams/Swarthmore), majoring in Biology and minoring in Statistics.

Major GPA: ~3.5

Minor GPA: 3.3 now, might go up a bit but probably still less than 3.5

Relevant math/stat courses:

Linear algebra

Multivariable calculus

Applied univariate and multivariate statistics

Will take theoretical multivariate statistics, multivariate statistics II next year

-

I have also taken a few computer science courses, which I have As in:

Data Structures and Algorithms

Bioinformatics

Also considering taking theory of computation next year

Research experience:

1 summer in molecular biology at a research university

2 summers in quantitative genetics at a highly-ranked research university (though it leaned more towards the genetics rather than the quantitative)

One of my worries is that my rather low math/stat GPA combined with a light math courseload will keep me out of most programs. If an MS is my end goal, where are reasonable places for a student like me to apply?

Other questions:

-Should I take real analysis?

-Should I consider retaking multivariable calculus if I got a B in it? I did not find the material difficult, but I did not do well on the final exam.

-If I think there is some chance that I would later want to pursue a doctorate, should I apply to doctoral programs next year and then drop out? or wait until after the master's to decide?

-What should I do in the coming semesters to improve my application?

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

You're math/stat GPA is a little low, but not horrendous. I'm not an expert by any means, but I'm a Bio major as well currently applying, so I've done my fair of research into applications and requirements. I think If you do well on the Quant section of the GRE (ideally 160+) and with good LORs, then you'd probably get accepted to quite a few Masters programs. As for PhD programs, you probably have little to no chance at the top 3 Biostat programs (Hopkins, Harvard, UW), but your chances for PhD admission would probably start to increase as you move down the rankings into the teens... If you sent out 10ish applications, you'd likely get into a few.

Taking real analysis definitely would not hurt if you make an A, it may actually redeem you for the B in Multivariable..... However, with that said, Real Analysis is not a pre-requisite for most schools and if you can't fit it into your schedule, then don't stress about it.

If you know for certain your end-goal is a PhD, then it is in your best interest to apply directly to the Doctoral programs, mainly for funding reasons.

[cyberwulf]

One of my worries is that my rather low math/stat GPA combined with a light math courseload will keep me out of most programs. If an MS is my end goal, where are reasonable places for a student like me to apply?

I would recommend applying to all the top places, basically the top 8-12 biostat departments listed on U.S. News, minus the ones in locations you wouldn't consider living. You might (emphasis on might) not get into the very top places with small Masters programs (eg. Harvard, Hopkins, Washington) but I think you're in good shape for places like Michigan, UNC, Minnesota, Penn, Columbia, etc.

-Should I take real analysis?

Not much point if all you want to do is a Masters; it isn't even a required course in most (all?) biostat MS programs.

-Should I consider retaking multivariable calculus if I got a B in it? I did not find the material difficult, but I did not do well on the final exam.

No. What would be the point? You'd be seeing the material for the second time, so anything worse than an 'A' is going to hurt you.

-If I think there is some chance that I would later want to pursue a doctorate, should I apply to doctoral programs next year and then drop out? or wait until after the master's to decide?

If you're really unsure, you're probably best starting in the Masters. Most programs have a very smooth path to 'elevate' Masters students who would like to continue on into the PhD program. The path to 'downgrading' from a PhD to a Masters can be a lot bumpier, though some places handle it better than others.

-What should I do in the coming semesters to improve my application?

If you want to keep the PhD door open, you probably *should* take real analysis. Otherwise, the more advanced math courses you take and do well in, the better. Maybe look into abstract algebra, differential equations, numerical analysis, stochastic processes?

[filovirus]

Thank you so much for your help!

[sherby77]

I have a question for cyberwulf:

I am applying for an MS in Biostatistics at pretty much the top 10 ranked schools in the country. In terms of the different schools that I am applying to, do some look more at certain Math/Stats courses than others? For example, does UW look more at linear algebra experience than let's say Columbia? Or does taking real analysis help my chances more at one school versus another? Thank you.

[cyberwulf]

I have a question for cyberwulf:

I am applying for an MS in Biostatistics at pretty much the top 10 ranked schools in the country. In terms of the different schools that I am applying to, do some look more at certain Math/Stats courses than others? For example, does UW look more at linear algebra experience than let's say Columbia? Or does taking real analysis help my chances more at one school versus another? Thank you.

This is basically impossible to know unless you are in direct contact with people making admissions decisions at each school. And it likely changes year to year along with the composition of the admissions committee.

[sherby77]

Thank you cyberwulf for the input. All your comments are very helpful.

I have another question if that is ok. I understand that Duke has a very new biostatistics program so it is not very well known. It is however through the School of Medicine which is very well known. Although Duke isn't ranked too high in biostatistics, would it be equivalent to the likes of Columbia, UCLA, and other schools ranked from about 4-10 (excluding Johns Hopkins, UW, and Harvard)? Thank you.

[cyberwulf]

Thank you cyberwulf for the input. All your comments are very helpful.

I have another question if that is ok. I understand that Duke has a very new biostatistics program so it is not very well known. It is however through the School of Medicine which is very well known. Although Duke isn't ranked too high in biostatistics, would it be equivalent to the likes of Columbia, UCLA, and other schools ranked from about 4-10 (excluding Johns Hopkins, UW, and Harvard)? Thank you.

At this point, I think Duke biostat would be ranked below UNC, Michigan, Minnesota, Berkeley, Emory, Penn, Brown, Columbia, and UCLA (plus, of course, Harvard/Hopkins/UW). It seems to be more on par with places outside the top 10 like Florida, Boston, Pittsburgh, Iowa, etc. Of course the stat department is ranked much higher, which when combined with the reputation of the med school may help biostat to rise in prominence over the next 10-20 years.

Edited November 27, 2012 by cyberwulf

[outliers1]

I was looking at the Duke admissions site and they explicitly say "Prior coursework or other relevant experience in the biological sciences beyond the basic undergraduate level will be advantageous and viewed favorably in admissions decisions."

I was actually quite surprised to see this because in Canada (where I am applying), there is absolutely no mention of that. As a biology grad, I am just wondering if that's a norm in US grad schools for Biostats, or is Duke an exception? If Duke's an exception, are there anymore exceptions out there?

[sherby77]

Cyberwulf, thank you once again for your input. It seems that Duke will gain the prominence of a top 10 biostatistics school rather soon. The fact that its statistics program and school of medicine are so strong will help its reputation in the near future.

Outliers1, of all the schools I have looked at, Duke is the only one that mention that they favor students with a background in biological science rather than statistics/mathematics. Of course, I've only looked at Washington, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, UCLA, Berkeley, UNC, Michigan, Minnesota, and Boston University. All of those programs more or less favor a computational background.

[cyberwulf]

Biology background is advantageous for all Biostat programs, but plays only a minor role in admissions. Even at Duke.

[Shostakovich]

Another thing is Duke only has a MS program in Biostatistics and I think it's very new, so probably will be awhile until they get a PhD program well organized and catch up with the top programs. I actually ended up doing sort of a "safety/realistic" app for that program as well.

cyberwulf, what are your opinions on the Midwest schools like Minnesota and Wisconsin for their PhD programs? Do they have a good future? And in your opinion, is potential future reputation of a school something to keep in mind when you choose a program?

[cyberwulf]

Thing change very slowly, so programs that are good today will be good for at least the next 10 years, probably longer. As a prospective graduate student, I wouldn't worry about a department's future trajectory at all.

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin have very good programs. I would rate Minnesota around #5-6 nationally and Wisconsin around #8-10.