duplicate degree problem

[Convergensir]

Hi everyone!

 

I have a question about duplicate degree and profile evaluation.

 

I am an international student. I have obtained my MS degree in a decent Biostat program (I guess top 30) in US.

I am preparing for applying PhD program in Biostat or MS program in Stat since I'm really interested in Statistics stuff.

 

Here's a brief background of myself:

Undergraduate: Biology major (this may be a weakness) in a large, but may not well-known foreign school.

                         GPA: 3.5+ GRE:570+800, 4 analytic writing (old score, still valid within 5 years)

Graduate (MS): Biostat major in a decent private school in US.

                         GPA: 3.95  GRE Math sub: taken, possibly over 85%.

Courses taken: Caculus, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis, Stochastic Processes, Genetics

However, not take Real Analysis which is very important in PhD application, I guess.

Research experience: possibly one paper in application area submitted(first author), one collaborative paper submitted.

 

I am wondering is there any chance I can get into some top schools for PhD program in Biostat, like UNC, UW? Also I will apply to some tier2 schools, such as UIowa, UPitt, Emory etc.

 

Also I am considering apply for some MS program in Stat, like UW. I am wondering whether it count as duplicate degree (two same MS degree)? Or should I consider some program(stat concentration) under Math Department? How big is my chance for MS programs in top schools? If I am admitted in MS program, I will take some theoretical courses for future PhD study.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

 

 

[Convergensir]

Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks in advance!

[bedmas]

I'm definitely no expert but I can't imagine you'd be able to be admitted into a MS in biostats when you already have one...

[Convergensir]

I'm definitely no expert but I can't imagine you'd be able to be admitted into a MS in biostats when you already have one...

Thanks for reply. Actually I mean a MS degree in Stat (possibly a MA degree) when I already have one...

[cyberwulf]

Given your record/background, and as an international student, I think you face long odds of admission to a top biostat PhD program like UNC or UW. However, you may be able to get into some lower-ranked programs. I don't think that getting a Masters in Stat (if a place will take you; some departments may refuse on the logic that a Biostat MS is too similar to what they offer) is a good plan.

[Convergensir]

Given your record/background, and as an international student, I think you face long odds of admission to a top biostat PhD program like UNC or UW. However, you may be able to get into some lower-ranked programs. I don't think that getting a Masters in Stat (if a place will take you; some departments may refuse on the logic that a Biostat MS is too similar to what they offer) is a good plan.

Thanks for your reply, cyberwulf. Do you think biostat in UIowa or Boston within the reach?

Thank you very much!