Expressing research interests in SOP for Stats / Biostats

[PsychStats]

Hi,

 

I plan to apply for Stats and Biostats programs. My understanding is that Stats research is generally more theoretical, and Biostats research is pretty applied. However, I am working on my SOP and looking through faculty interests, and I am having difficulty drawing the line of what would be considered theoretical vs applied, and how to express my research interests. My current thesis is on missing/longitudinal data, and I’m working with simulations. To me, this is theoretical, but it has application (in clinical trials, for instance). I would love to mention my current thesis/research in my SOP, but would this reflect a theoretical interest (Stats) or would this still be applicable to Biostats as well? In Biostats, is the expectation that research will be done on a specific field (like environment, cancer, etc.)?

 

Also, how many interests is it appropriate to mention in the SOP? Obviously missing data / longitudinal data is something that I enjoy researching. But I also like research in the healthcare field and in education/social science (I did internships in both settings). Mentioning this, would it make my SOP sound too much all over the place, or is it appropriate to mention it? I imagine that mentioning healthcare research in Biostats is appropriate, but what about in Stats?

 

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[StatsG0d]

Have you read They go pretty in depth about the SOP. In general, though, you shouldn't be too specific about your research interests. You don't want to come off as naive. I usually picked 2-3 subspecialties that seemed interesting to me and mentioned some faculty members in each area.

[PsychStats]

Thank you, footballman! Yes, I read the discussion. I think I am a bit overwhelmed about the SOP, but you are right, it am probably thinking too much of it and shouldn't try to narrow down my interests.