Looking for input on applying to a non top 50 PhD program

[ovaltine_jenkins]

I am planning on applying to a PhD program that is outside of the top 50 programs, doing research in machine learning. There is a professor in the department whose interest match up almost exactly with mine and I don't have the option of moving cities. While it may not be glamorous, I'm really excited at the possibility of doing research with this professor. I would consider my background a little atypical:

• I've been working for the past 5 years (3.5 as an actuary, 1.5 as a software engineer)
• BS math, BS physics, MS applied math (undergrad GPA 3.46, grad 3.75 from decent schools. Grad school was top 30)

What kinds of things should I be considering to strengthen my profile? I really have no idea how competitive programs are at this range in terms of being admitted. My current plan is:

• Taking some courses to fill in required undergrad coursework I never took (algorithms, computer design, etc.) - my hope is I can use some of these to get letter of rec.
• Trying to do some smaller research projects with the professor I want to work with and hopefully get a letter of rec. out of that as well

Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[rising_star]

Your plan sounds like a good one to me. Is there any particular reason why you want to go straight to the PhD rather than doing a related master's?

[ovaltine_jenkins]

8 hours ago, rising_star said:

Your plan sounds like a good one to me. Is there any particular reason why you want to go straight to the PhD rather than doing a related master's?

I am pursuing the PhD because I want to do research (just not within academia). I would not be opposed to starting in the MS program and segueing that into the PhD program, if that's what you are implying. I would not want to just get a MS as that wouldn't really change anything career-wise for me and my interest is in doing research, not collecting a degree.

[rising_star]

You do realize that people do research as part of a master's right? What I was really asking was why you wanted to pursue a PhD when you don't have a clear background in the field and, as you already know, will need to complete additional undergraduate coursework to be competitive? I'm just wondering if there might be another way to get where you want to be without spending another 5-7 years in school. It's worth thinking about and possibly doing informational interviews to help you figure out. 

[ovaltine_jenkins]

For the sake of argument, assume I've given enough thought to my motivations for wanting to get a PhD. What I'm really getting at is whether or not my profile is severely lacking for a program that is not a top 50 program. On the surface, my intuition is that even without the core CS courses I'd still be competitive but I'd just have to make up those courses once I start (this happened to a few people when I was in grad school for math). Is this a long shot or does it seem reasonable that I'd be admitted?

[emmm]

It's hard to know whether you will be admitted or not. It is not always the strongest applicants on paper who get accepted. I applied from a non-traditional background and I am doing some "catch up" coursework now. What I had in my favor was some unusual experiences in my background that people thought could contribute to the overall program, a clearly articulated plan for why I wanted to join the program, AND a professor in the program who was willing to work with me. Because of factors like these, admissions predictions are really tricky, and I would guess more so for those of us who don't fit the typical profile.