MS Biostats Profile Eval & Prereq Question

[demrahc13]

I recently decided to apply to MS Biostats programs this fall, but my undergrad major was psychology, so I'm worried that I don't have enough background in math/stats for top programs, and I'm not really sure what schools I should be aiming for.  My stats:

 

Background/Demographics:  BA in psych, graduated in 2011 from a top 25 LAC, US citizen, white female.  

GPA:  3.98

Math/stats courses & grades:

-Multivariable Calc: A

-Differential Equations:  A

-Multivariate Stats:  A

-Discrete Math:  pass (took the class pass/fail)

-Probability:  A

GRE:  Haven't taken it yet, but on the practice test I took, I got 160 V, 162 Q.  I think I can probably bump the Q up to at least 165 with some prep.

LORs:  Should have 3 very strong recs.

Research experience:  No publications or anything, but I did conduct a research project in psych for my Capstone and participated in a poster session at an undergrad psych conference.

Programs:  I'm proficient in R and very experienced in SPSS.

 

I know I'm missing Linear Algebra as a prereq, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to take it.  One option is that I can take it as an online extension course from UC Riverside which would be a 6-week course, and the course would be completed by late Oct, so the schools I apply to would be able to see the grade I receive, but I'm not sure if schools would view an online extension course negatively.  I could also take a regular Linear Algebra course during the fall quarter at UCI, but the grades for the class wouldn't be posted until after apps are due.  I'm not sure if schools just want the Linear Algebra prereq completed before I would enter the program, or if they also need to see the grade.  (I mean, I'm sure they would prefer to see the grade, but I wasn't sure if it was required.)  The extension course is half as expensive as the regular class so I'd rather not spend the extra money if it's not necessary.

 

So, which programs should I be aiming for?  Do I have any chance at any top programs?  I'm going for the MS because I'm interested in going straight into industry, and I'm not sure if I will want to get a PhD in the future, but I also don't want to completely rule it out at this point.  Also, does anyone have any idea which Linear Algebra class would be the best option for me to take?  I really appreciate any advice you guys can give me! 

[cyberwulf]

You will be competitive for admission at all programs. I would just take the on-campus LA course in the fall, and send an updated transcript in December; most schools don't get around to Masters admissions until around February anyway, and I wouldn't be surprised if some places took you before seeing the grade.

[demrahc13]

Awesome, thank you so much!