PhD statistics profile evaluation

[windwhispered]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm interested in a PhD program in statistics and/or machine learning. I am a junior as of fall 2016 but think I should give myself a head start. Any feedbacks will be much appreciated!

 

Undergrad Institution: Carnegie Mellon

Major: Statistics and Machine Learning, Math

GPA: 3.95

Type of Student: International (Chinese)

Courses and Background:

• Undergrad level: Calculus 1-3, Differential Equation, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis 1,2, Discrete Math, Combinatorics, Stochastic Calculus, Discrete-Time and Continuous-Time Finance, Mathematical Statistics and Inference, Modern Regression, Advanced Statistical Methods, Data Mining
• Graduate level: Machine Learning (PhD), Graphical Models, Statistical Computing (All A's)

 

GRE Score: V - 165 Q - 170

GRE Math: Haven't Taken

Computing: R, Python, C, Matlab; Scripting: Latex

 

Research Experience: I don't have any REU's due to my nationality

• Research Assistant for a project in operations research and statistics.
• (Probably) research assistant for modeling infectious disease
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in statistics and algorithmic trading
• Will be working on a senior thesis based on my summer research

 

Other Relevant Experience

• Teaching Assistant for Intro to Computer Science
• Grader for Statistical Inference and Proof-based math
• Math Tutor

 

Honor: same old, same old...dean's list

 

Letter of Recommendation: I'm still working on this part

• My boss (my SURF and thesis advisor)
• TBD
• TBD

 

Thinking about applying for:

• Stanford (...dream?)
• Berkeley (reach)
• Chicago (reach)
• Princeton ORFE ( unorthodox, but I'm interested in statistical methods in finance )
• Duke
• UMich
• NC State
• Columbia
• and of course, CMU

 

I'm afraid that this list is too front-heavy, and I'm really looking forward to any advice and suggestions!

Edited October 25, 2016 by windwhispered

[abstract_art]

I'm just a current applicant, but it seems as though you'll be very competitive pretty much everywhere. You have all the relevant classes, high grades, high gre, research experience, etc. Plus you're coming from CMU. If your rec letters are pretty good you should be golden. The only thing that might set you back slightly is being an international student. I'd recommend talking to your professors, since they'll be able to guide you better than posters on this forum.

[windwhispered]

marmle: it's really reassuring to hear these words from a current applicant. Thanks, and also good luck to you on your applications!

Edited October 25, 2016 by windwhispered