UNC statistics department

[stats_monte]

I know it is a US news top-15 department, but does anyone have any insights about how good the department is? 

Is the department more focused on theory or application?

PS: I am a Ph.D applicant

[jaymeowmeow]

Not that rankings really matter, but look carefully. It's their biostats department that is top 15. Their stats and OR department is #20 in total, but probably in the top 15 amongst just stats departments. I sort of hate US News for lumping biostats and stats together, which is why schools may appear twice on the list! 

I applied there and haven't heard back yet (I assume I'm on some last resort waitlist or about to be rejected once their class is full), but I know someone who got in there and is strongly considering it. He told me it's more theory-based, but I would take that with a grain of salt. Departments that are more theory-based generally just tend to teach their classes in a way that is more theory oriented. I'm sure your research can be whatever you want if you find the right advisor, but my guess is that the classes will be taught more theoretically. 

Shared what little I know.... hope that helps a little! 

[rack_attack124]

I have contacts at UNC if you want to talk to them. I also went to undergrad there. UNC is a good school and a good program. I don't put too much stock into rankings. I know the reputation of UNC since I went there. I was mainly considering UNC because I'm a resident so that saves me so much on tuition. I would recommend emailing Eric Friedlander if you want more insight on the PhD program at UNC. He's a current student and was emailing me to answer all my questions. 

On March 23, 2016 at 8:35 AM, jaymeowmeow said:

Not that rankings really matter, but look carefully. It's their biostats department that is top 15. Their stats and OR department is #20 in total, but probably in the top 15 amongst just stats departments. I sort of hate US News for lumping biostats and stats together, which is why schools may appear twice on the list! 

I applied there and haven't heard back yet (I assume I'm on some last resort waitlist or about to be rejected once their class is full), but I know someone who got in there and is strongly considering it. He told me it's more theory-based, but I would take that with a grain of salt. Departments that are more theory-based generally just tend to teach their classes in a way that is more theory oriented. I'm sure your research can be whatever you want if you find the right advisor, but my guess is that the classes will be taught more theoretically. 

Shared what little I know.... hope that helps a little!