Biostatistic PhD Programs? The Transition from Molecular Biology to Biostats

[PotentialBiostat]

Undergrad Institution: University of Nevada, Reno
Major: Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

Minor: Mathematics and Chemistry
GPA: 3.9+ (overall)

Type of Student: White Male, First Generation College Student

Courses/ Background:

Quantitative Courses:

Multivariable Calc (A), Linear Algebra (A), Probability (A-), Mathematical Modeling (A), Stochastic Processes (A)

I'm proficient in R, Mathematica, and competent in Python.

 

 

Weaknesses: No proof based classes

GRE: 165 Q, 162 V, 4.0 A

Research Experience: 3 years in a diagnostics Lab, 1 REU in Statistics
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's List, McNair Scholar, Honors Student
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Research assistant

Letters of Recommendation:

-Department Chair in Mathematics

-Department Chair in Microbiology

-Math Professor I've taken many classes with and attended office hours regularly.

Thinking of applying to:

Biostatistics PhD:
Berkeley, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, Emory University
 

Do I honestly have a chance with these programs? I have a really strong basis in molecular biology techniques but I’m starting to lean toward more quantitative approaches. It seems rare for non-math majors to make the switch and be successful.

Edited November 7, 2016 by PotentialBiostat

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

You'll probably get an MS (fast-track PhD) offer from Michigan, potentially with funding. As for the other for, I'd venture to guess they are each toss-ups... I doubt you'll be an automatic reject from any of them, but I also wouldn't guess you to be a shoo-in. The most likely would probably be Emory or Penn, and if I had to venture to guess, you'll get admitted to at least one... but I'd also definitely recommend a few safety's you'd consider attending just in case. 

[GoPackGo89]

He has As in the required courses and a strong biology background, what would it take for him to be a lock? More math?

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

On 11/8/2016 at 2:27 PM, statbiostat2017 said:

He has As in the required courses and a strong biology background, what would it take for him to be a lock? More math?

Not a "top" undergrad school (although still good and this is not a deal breaker) and no proof based classes are really it. Also, he doesn't list calc 1 or 2 grades. Multivariable is easy at most places compared to calc II. If he made A's in those classes it'd look good. 

 

Id bet he'll get in to at least one of his choices, but biostats is getting more competitive every year. No one knows what the cohort he's going up against will look like. The list of schools is top heavy and "safety's" are never a bad idea