Top Stats MS/MA Programs (Chances)

[miscapply23]

I was wondering if people on this forum had thoughts on my admissions chances to a top stats masters program? (Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley)

Current Role: Quantitative analyst in financial sector (1 year out of college)

Undergrad: Ivy 

GPA: 3.9+ , Math & CS

Math: Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Measure Theory, phd-level probability (all As)

GRE General: 170/170/5.5

LOR: Two work letters (strong)

          One undergrad prof letter (uncertain?)

SOP: Should be strong, I've done a lot of statistical analysis and machine learning at work and want to get a better theoretical understanding of these tools for my career

 

My main concern is that my undergrad professor letter may not be strong (unlikely to be negative but could be mediocre). I did not establish strong personal relationships with professors in college as I initially did not plan to go to graduate school. 

 

Do I still have a good chance even with a possibly lukewarm letter from a university professor? Or would it be worth trying to get a prof recommendation thru another means? (maybe working as a research assistant or taking a graduate level class as a non-degree student). 

[StatMaster2016]

You should be able to get into any master's program you want. I got into Stanford, U Chicago, Harvard, etc. with a much weaker profile than yours. The only thing I would say is that you might want to get two of your LORs from professors, even if they are lukewarm. I think the programs prefer to hear from people that can attest to your academic ability. Of course, you will probably hear multiple opinions on this matter. Good luck!

[another_time]

I would try for some choice PhD programs and see where it gets you.  Try emailing/skyping with some potential advisors, soon.

The glaring flaw in your profile is your lack of research experience, which is also linked to your lack of professor recs.  It may be a good idea to explore some alternative options, i.e., lab manager positions, post-bacc research programs, or a masters.  

You could also just lend a hand in a couple of labs for the time leading up to the Dec. deadline, since it seems most of your other application components seem to be in order. 

[miscapply23]

Thanks for your time and replies.

@another_time: do you think my lack of research experience will hurt my chances at masters programs (I just assumed I wouldn't have a good chance at phd programs due to lack of research)

[StatMaster2016]

For master's programs, research isn't that important I don't think. I did not do any statistical research as an undergrad. The only research I was a part of was in psychology lab and at market research firm.