Profile evaluation and program suggestions

[jdoe192]

Hi all, 

 

As the title suggests, I would love it if someone out there gives me an idea of my shots of getting into a good stats/ml (/cs?) program. 

 

I would be submitting my application this Dec. 

I- Background:

1- Graduated with a BS in Math and Economics (double major) and a GPA of 3.98 from the biggest state school in my state. 

2-Been working as a research assistant in a top research university for a year, in the process of submitting 6 papers and expecting at least a couple more before december. 2nd author on most but might be 1st author on one...New papers are mostly apply machine learning techniques to existing problems

 

3-specific classes I took, all A's unless otherwise noted. 

Calc 1-4 (vector calculus, the only class i ever took P/F), linear alg, intro to probabilities (only B+ ever), Computing for statistics, Regression models, intro to proofs, Intro to programming (Java), PhD level classes: advanced econometrics and advanced statistical methods. I feel like im forgetting a handful....

A bunch of econ classes (no game theory!) all A's. 

 

Real analysis (took this class in an ivy league school, not where i graduated) A- 

 

4- Programming languages: R, stata, python in that order. 

 

5- SUPER solid recommendation letters from pretty high up professors at Ivy league colleges (econ and biostats dept) . 

6-International student. 

7- I intend on taking the GRE, and the TOFEL and the GRE subject test (and acing all of them) 

 

II- Programs:

Sooo, now for the more important question. I fell in love with machine learning and data mining. I know this is what I really truly want to do. I do not, however, want to limit myself to one application, for example Biostats will limit me to only public health/epi stuff. I want to dabble with energy markets, fraud detection, public health, political sciences...the works. As I look more and more into programs I'm starting to realize that maybe my interests align better with CS but I dont know if they will take someone with minimal CS background. I would also prefer to find a program in Massachusetts. Here is what I was thinking so far, these are my pipe dreams obviously. Please tell me if you think that these programs wont be good for me/ are too unrealistic. 

 

 

1- MIT, OR

2-Harvard stats 

3-CMU ML/stats (this would have been my first pick if it wasnt for location) 

4-MIT CS 

5- Princeton stats

6- UW stats

7- Umass amherst stats and CS 

 

Also, I dont know of ANY safety schools so suggestions appreciated. 

Finally: Any advice/ suggestions on how to make my app more competitve would be greatly appreciated. 

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

 

[Stat Assistant Professor]

You seem like a very strong candidate, but your list of schools is a bit top-heavy. Keep in mind that even people with close to 4.0 GPAs get rejected from these places. I would apply to some schools ranked below that too to maximize your chances of getting in somewhere. Best of luck.

[jdoe192]

Thanks!

And yes I'm very aware of that. Do you have any suggestions for safety schools?

Edited May 20, 2014 by mbwh

[kewz]

princeton does not have a statistics department.

[jdoe192]

Ah Princeton OR not stats. 

[wine in coffee cups]

Not a safety school, but Berkeley stat/CS is a must-apply for you.

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Thanks!

And yes I'm very aware of that. Do you have any suggestions for safety schools?

I would ask your professors. It's likely that they have connections and collaborators at other universities, and having that "in" definitely helps when you apply. Given that you have a proven academic track record at a top undergrad institution and that you're now working at an elite one, I think you will likely get into at least some top programs. Good luck!

[cicada2014]

depends where your publications are i'd say.

if they are in top conferences for ML (NIPS/ICML), then I think you'd be golden for all schools, including the top 4. I would knock Harvard stats off your list since they don't seem to be doing too much in ML. Look into (all CS)

 

UCLA

Columbia

Georgia Tech

Michigan

USC

[statisticsfall2014]

Apply to NC State as a safety!

[jdoe192]

Ah. should have mentioned. Medical journals :/ 
The best nonetheless. 

[cicada2014]

Ok, make sure then your recommenders mention that the journals in which you published are tier 1. I still think you have a good shot at the top 4 (though not a sure thing of course). I think you would have a better shot at stats programs though. Look into schools that have faculty who are applying/researching ML in the context of biomedicine. Johns Hopkins, NYU, come to mind, but I'm sure there are more.