Profile Evalutation + School Recommendations

[Almost_grad1230]

Hello! I'm hoping to apply in the near future to Statistics / Biostatistics PhD programs though I don't know what my emphasis will be. I am however leaning strongly to Biostatistics. Here is my profile:

 

* I rushed to finish this major and minor in my final two years, so unlike other potential applicants I haven't had much time to do anything research related / get the strongest letters of recommendation.

 

Undergraduate: UCLA

Major: Applied Mathematics

Minor: Statistics

 

Overall GPA: 3.89

Major + Minor GPA: 3.87

Upper-Division Coursework: 4.0

 

Relevant Coursework (Quarter system, so each grade was for a different quarter where multiple grades indicated a series taken):

 

Mathematical Coursework:

Single variable Calculus (AP, AP)

Multivariable Calculus (B-, B+)

Linear Algebra (B+, A)

Discrete Structures (Pass)

Differential Equations (A-)

Analysis (A, A)
Mathematical Modeling (A)

Applied Numerical Methods (Numerical Analysis) (A, A)

Probability Theory (A, A)

Stochastic Processes (A)

 

Statistics Coursework:

Introductory Statistics (A)

Introduction to Statistics with R (A)

Introduction to Statistical Probability (Applied) (A)

Linear Models (A)

Data Analysis and Regression (A)

Design of Experiment (A)

Statistical Models and Data Minig (A)

Computational Statistics with R (A)

Computational and Optimization Statistics (A)

Monte Carlo Methods (A)

 

Test Scores:

GRE Quant: 169

GRE Verbal: 169

 

Recommendations (I don't know how strong) = 2 math professors (tenured), 1 statistics professor (tenured) = generally describing my intellectual curiosity, performance in class, general mathematical success and potential ability to do research.

 

Research: essentially none (didn't have the time since i loaded up on majority of these classes in my last 2 years).

 

My main questions are:

1. What ranges of schools to apply to? I'm assuming a broad range in the top 40 based on my profile I hope? For both Statistics and Biostatistics departments.

2. Would there be a benefit for me to complete a Masters in Statistics / Biostatistics before I do a PhD program? Assuming that I don't have to take out much debt. I was also thinking of taking a gap year just to try to get some research experience before applying. Would this be worthwhile? Or would it be just marginally beneficial?

3. I had a terrible quarter at the end of my Sophomore year due to health reasons (hence the P in the Discrete Structures class + other unfortunate academic performance). Since my grades have definitely showed a positive trend after that quarter, is it even worth mentioning in my statement?

 

Thanks!

Edited November 13, 2014 by Almost_grad1230

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

1) Apply to all the top places... For Biostats, send apps to Harvard, Hopkins, and Washington, and I'll be surprised if you don't get into one of them. I think you could even bank on getting into Michigan, UNC or Minnesota. Safetys for you would be places like Berkeley, Brown, Columbia, or Emory

2) I don't think you need a research year. Most students don't have relevant statistics research before applying anyway. You're already a good candidate for PhD programs, so go ahead and apply directly to them.

3) Probably not

Edited November 14, 2014 by Biostat_student_22

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Your profile looks very strong and your grades show a definite upward trend, so I wouldn't worry too much about the P in Discrete Structures. The A's in Analysis should signify you have the chops to do proof-based math. In fact, in a lot of grad applications, you are asked to specify your GPA in your last two years separately from your overall GPA, and it is my impression that the performance your junior and senior year carry more weight

 

If you are a domestic applicant, I think you have a very good shot at most top 40 programs... especially given that UCLA also has a great reputation. I would focus on making sure you get three very strong letters of recommendation... that should give you a very good shot at top 10-20 places, IMHO.

[cyberwulf]

1) Apply to all the top places... For Biostats, send apps to Harvard, Hopkins, and Washington, and I'll be surprised if you don't get into one of them. I think you could even bank on getting into Michigan, UNC or Minnesota. Safetys for you would be places like Berkeley, Brown, Columbia, or Emory

2) I don't think you need a research year. Most students don't have relevant statistics research before applying anyway. You're already a good candidate for PhD programs, so go ahead and apply directly to them.

3) Probably not

 

I think this advice is spot on.

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Also agreed with Biostat_student_22 that previous research experience and work experience are not that crucial for stats/biostat PhD applications. It seems like the most important things are grades (esp. in upper division math/stat), coursework, letters of recommendation, and reputation of undergrad institution.

[sild]

You've gotten some great advice so far.  I don't think you need to apply to all that many programs with your credentials, to be honest (I'd just apply to Latte's first 5, but I only applied to 2 schools, probably not the safest strategy).  If you know you want the PhD, don't bother applying to MS programs.  Many schools with strong MS programs would automatically consider you for them if they felt you were not yet ready for the PhD.

 

Given your lack of research experience I would be sure on the application to make your motivation for biostats (as opposed to pure stats) clear. 

 

If you did do a gap year, there are a lot of great opportunities in NIH labs for postbaccalaureate training that would shore up biostats credentials.

[Almost_grad1230]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! If I were to decide instead to apply to Pure Stats programs, would my profile also be competitive at the top 15 schools?

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Yes, you would be a competitive candidate for pure stats programs. If your letters are all really strong, I could see you getting in some top 10 places.