<p>I am an upcoming senior majoring in BS Mathematics at University of Washington and want to enroll in a Master/PHD program in Statistics. I'm planning to apply fall 2014 for fall 2015 so that I can build my application as appealing as possible.</p>
<p>My current gpa is a 3.2 and my major gpa is around 3.35, which I hope I can raised it to a 3.25 overall 3.45 major when I graduate. I got a 3.0 gpa for my freshman year(not studying, slacking off), a 3.5 for my second year, then bomb my first quarter of my third year and drop it back to a 3.1. Now, I am slowly getting myself in gear and working my way back up(3.5s past 2 quarters). I am going to work my butt off in my senior year to show that my capability as grad school material.</p>
<p>My concern is, I do not have any research experience and limited internship(Doing pair-trading analysis in a stock firm in China). Also, my GRE is 51% verbal, 90% quant(I'm thinking of retaking) and I'm aiming for tier2 schools with good Stats program such as Iowa State, Purdue, Virg Tech. I'm not very confident with myself right now and is fearing for the worst constantly that I might not getting in anywhere. What are my chances? Is funding possible? Should I apply straight for PHD or Masters first?</p>
<p>Talk to your professors for guidance, but start getting that research experience. Find someone to work with during the school year or independent study class if possible. Line up something for next summer.</p>
<p>If you don’t have any research experience and you are going to be a senior, chances are not good. Even by the time you apply in 2014 for 2015, you will only have one year under your belt of research. Even at mid-ranked programs applicants typically have 2-3 years.</p>
<p>I agree - get hooked up with research experience immediately and try to find a summer research program that accepts recent graduates. I would also retake the GRE and aim for 95th percentile in the Q section or higher (and maybe try to get the verbal up, too, but that’s not as important). You’re not totally out of the running especially for mid-ranked programs - students sometimes get in with less research experience if they have extraordinary focus and good grades.</p>
<p>During your planned gap year, take 1-2 graduate level courses as a non-degree student. Also remember that most MA in stats programs are 1, sometimes 1.5 year programs full-time, so you could complete one quickly and move into a PhD program if necessary. Next year I would apply to the PhD programs you want but also a few MA programs just in case.</p>