Chances for Masters in Statistics

[vieuttan]

Hey all!

I've recently decided that I want to take a masters in statistics, part-time. The only school I really want to attend in Columbia, so I'm primarily asking what you guys think my chances are? I'm also looking into CUNY Baruch. Those two are the only feasible ones for me.

Major: Mathematics

Overall GPA: 3.583

Major GPA: 3.649

GRE: 160V 161Q (waiting on my writing score, I just took it yesterday)

Recommendations: Three tenured mathematics professors.

Related Work Experience: I've been working as a software developer for the past 2.5 years, I plan on continuing working as one while I do my masters.

Other Related Experience: Passed Exam P and Exam FM. Member of Pi Mu Epsilon.

Comments/Concerns: My quant GRE score should most likely be a little bit higher. I planned on retaking it, but if I was competitive anyway, I wouldn't! Does the essay part of the GRE affect admissions? I believe I did pretty well on it, have to wait 10 - 15 days to find out for sure though!

 

[vieuttan]

Update: Received a 4.0 on the writing portion.

Thinking about taking it again because I'm 100% sure I can get my quant score up. But I'm not sure if it's better to apply now with those grades, or apply in 1.5 months with another GRE score.

If anybody could give me some advice, I would definitely appreciate it!

 

 

[statfan]

Your math background and grades? This is important cuz it is much more relevant than your overall gpa. If you have courses through multivariable calculus, linear algebra and a few statistics courses with decent grades in general, you should be competitive in most masters programs, including Columbia. Masters in the States are unfunded so the bar tends to be much lower, with Columbia's extremely low as they admit tons of students into masters. However, 161 Q is a bit low even for masters, I advise you to boost it to at least 166. 

Edited November 1, 2017 by statfan