Operations Research Profile Evaluation

[G.H.]

Hey,

So I will be applying to Phd programs in Operations Research next fall and was hoping to get some advice on where to apply given my profile. I've had discussions with two professors, but could use all the advice I can get! Here's my profile:

 

School: average state university (decent industrial engineering program)

Major: Math

GPA: 3.93

GRE: Q:170 V:150 W:4

GRE Math: Haven't gotten my scores yet.

 

Relevant Coursework (all A's): Calc 1-2, Honors Vector Calc, Honors Diff eq, Linear Algebra 1-2, Numerical Linear Algebra and Optimization, Numerical Solutions to Diff eq, Intro Real Analysis 1-2, Abstract Algebra, Operations Research 1-2, Data Structures/Algorithms 1-2, Financial Engineering, Intermediate Microeconomics, Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Stochastic Processes (grad), Advanced Linear Algebra (grad) 

 

I'm planning on taking graduate level Measure Theory next fall since I'm interested in applied probability/stochastic analysis as well. This will show up on the application along with a couple other math/computer science courses.

 

Research Experience: Not much. Did an independent study with a math professor last semester and will attend an REU this summer in 'Industrial Mathematics'.

 

LOR's: One strong one from math professor who taught Real Analysis and directed my independent study. Another strong one (I hope) from IE professor who taught Operations Research (I was the top student in both OR classes). Hopefully I can get one from the REU advisor, but if not I can get definitely get a decent one from a statistics professor who taught the graduate level Stochastic Processes course I took.

 

Research Interests: Broadly, I'm interested in Applied Probability/Stochastic Analysis.

 

Ideally I would like to go to a top school (Cornell, Columbia, etc...), but I don't know how realistic this is given my lack of research experience and having gone to the school I did. Are there any schools I should consider? What type of schools do you think are realistic for a student in my position?

Thanks!

 

[G.H.]

Also, should I consider doing a masters degree first? I've thought about this, and it seems as though a good masters program could remedy the two biggest deficiencies in my application: school name and research experience.

[G.H.]

Bump

[ORPhDFall16]

Bump

I am in the same boat G.H. 

[history_geek]

From what I was told, apply to PhD schools first since they have early deadline dates. However, have a handful of MA schools ready in case you get denied or you get the feeling that you will be denied to your PhD schools. Depending on the deadline dates, your MA applications might have to be sent before you get a response from all of your PhD schools. Essentially, have a back up plan for the worst case scenario.