Applying for Biostatistics PhD

[tugboat]

Hi, I am a senior hoping to apply for the fall 2013 term. My educational background is:

Major: BS mathematics, BA phystics and astronomy

overall GPA: 3.71/4.00

Relevent math courses:

Calculus I (A), Cal II (A-), Linear algebra (A-), Multivariable calculus (A), Real analysis (A), Topology (A-), Abstract algebra (B+), Fourier Series and applied boundary problems (A)

I'm currently a TA in the linear algebra course, and also currently taking introductory probability and numerical analysis, and expecting to earn an A in both as I've been keeping up the material well so far. I have also signed up to take an introductory biostatistics and an intro to math modeling in life sciences classes for next semester.

My research past, however, pertains to astrophysical research and computational astrophysics. My interest in biostats came only recently this summer. I like the mathy nature of the subject and I've always been interested in biomedical research (cancer, drug efficacy, probability of test accuracy, etc but I've never actually pursued it, more of a pastime reading thing), but I'm not sure how to express this into a good SOP.

Another low point is my mediocre GRE scores: 154 V, 161 Q, 3.0 AW.....

So far, I'm looking at the following for sure:

University of Washington

Boston U

Brown

University of Michigan

UNC-Chapel Hill

and the following as possibilies: Vanderbilt and University of Florida

Any suggestions on how i can effectively write a good SOP and my chances? Especially UW since the program is so top-notched.

Thanks!

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

Others can correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I gather, if your quant score is >160, then you're fine and shouldn't be excluded because of it. The rest of your application will determine your applications success. The verbal score is not important, and your 154v may actually be higher than that of the average biostat applicant.... So regarding GRE, I don't think you should worry.

Other than that, you may want to hurry. UWs application deadline is Saturday, and most other schools a December 15th

[cyberwulf]

I've said this many times before, but again: you shouldn't spend much time worrying about your SOP. Your grades, letters, and test scores are what's really important. The fact that you don't have biostat research experience isn't a major issue, either.

As far as your GRE scores go, they're fine.

[tugboat]

Thanks for your inputs, I feel less nervous about getting the SOP done. I have most aspects of my apps done: letters sent in, transcripts and test scores, etc.