Choosing safeties (statistics)

[stat_fiend]

I've posted before but I wanted an update

Major: Applied Math

GPA: 3.81 overall, 3.84 math, 3.89 statistics

Research Experience: 2 Applied Math Summer REU's, both relevant to statistics (1 publication, 1 poster presentation)

Course Experience: Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Probability Theory, Stochastic Processes, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Statistics, Linear Models, Programming in C++ and R, Statistical Computing, Monte Carlo Methods, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Set Theory, Topology,

GRE: 170/170/4, November Math Subject Test not yet available

Where I'm applying

UCLA

UC Berkeley

Stanford

UW

Chicago

Princeton (ORFE)

Penn

Carnegie Mellon

Ohio St

Michigan

Johns Hopkins

Purdue

UCI

UC Santa Cruz

Italicized schools are maybes. I'm not really sure how many I should include. Also, is UCSC at all reputable? It doesn't appear in the rankings at phds.org

[cyberwulf]

Would be easier to advise if we knew something about the strength of your undergrad school.

[stat_fiend]

it's a top 5 public school

[cyberwulf]

Ok, then I would say there's no need to add more than a couple more schools; maybe Michigan and Purdue? I don't think you'll need them though.

[stat_fiend]

Sweet, thanks.

[stat_fiend]

I got 760 (74%) on the Math Subject Test. Is this a plus for most schools?

[cyberwulf]

A good fraction of applicants to stat programs don't even take the math GRE. I guess it's a minor plus, but your score is totally consistent with the rest of your record so it doesn't change your profile much.