considering MS in Statistics

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello world.</p>

<p>My first post here, though not really since I posted here about 5 years ago to get help with undergrad admissions, and it helped immensely!</p>

<p>So. I'm looking to get an MS in Statistics. Primarily because I'm very interested in the field and I want to pursue a career in the field (in government or private sector, not academic research which would require a PhD). Or at the very least have a job where I'm doing data analysis and working with data structures.</p>

<p>So my current situation. I'm 23 and graduated a year and a half ago. I've been working in an office for a large company since that, doing mostly customer service work (not stats related). The job market is tough for someone with just a BA, and the more I'm looking into an MS Stats the more I like it.</p>

<p>So my stats. I graduated in May 2010 from Rice University with honors with a 3.79 overall gpa, 3.83 + 3.83 majors. I double majored in political science and psychology, which is what got me interested in statistics in the first place. So, I've only taken 2 formal stats classes, but there have been many upper level classes in both majors that have had strong applied statistics and statistical analysis components. However, I certainly have a strong knack for stats and math. As for math, I've taken multivariable calculus and differential equations (aced them, near top of class). In high school I got a 36 math ACT, 750 math SAT, and 800 math SAT II, as well a a 5 in BC Calc. I also succeeded in math competitions (passed AMC 12 every year if you remember that).</p>

<p>Potential problems:</p>

<ol>
<li>no research experience (though may not be necessary for an MS - especially a non-thesis one).</li>
<li>not a strong stats or math background - despite the things I mentioned, the typical applicant will probably have an undergrad in math or stats, so I'm not sure if my majors will count against me.</li>
<li><p>iffy recommendations -- I have two undergrad profs that have written me recs before. however, by the time I ask them come Jan or Feb, it'll be 1.5-2 years since I set foot in their classrooms at the end of senior year. I'm not sure how much they will be able to speak on my statistical aptitude either (one will [stats project] but the other won't be able to). The third rec is a toss up. My current boss is in no means involved in statistics or academics. I'm thinking maybe I should desperately try getting a research assistant job at a local school (im in Chicago, so Northwestern, UChicago, Loyola, tons of options).</p></li>
<li><p>I have not yet taken the GRE. Again, I usually own standardized tests and I definitely think I can get there, to the point I need to be. I can schedule a test for mid January or mid February and study my butt off.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>So, those are my current concerns. Also, I'm very interested in the MS in Statistics at University of Illinois - Urbana. It has a great stats department and the in-state tuition will probably be unrivaled anywhere. Though I'm open minded and am looking at other schools (U-Wisconsin, Purdue, Loyola, Illinois State). I'm very interested in trying to make a run at the admissions cycle for Fall 2012, however. Illinois has an application deadline of April 1st, making getting all the materials and tests done by that date VERY possible.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any thoughts on all this? I know I threw a lot out there.</p>

2

<p>Have you thought about biostatistics as an option? You’ll probably be going up against a slightly less “mathy” applicant pool, and if you’re looking for a job an MS in biostat isn’t a bad play.</p>

<p>If you’re set on stats: Of the places you listed, Wisconsin and Purdue have the best reputations. Illinois is OK, and Loyola and IL State don’t really register (at least at the national level). Other local-ish options you might want to investigate are UChicago (which is pretty theory-oriented), Minnesota, and Iowa State. Of these, Chicago is probably the toughest to get into, particularly for someone with less math.</p>

<p>I would advise that you get your apps in as soon as possible, but don’t worry too much about the deadlines. Most pre-April deadlines are “priority application” dates, which means that if you have your materials in by that date, you will receive full consideration for the first round of admissions offers. But most places go through several rounds of offers, so rest assured that your application will be reviewed.</p>

3

<p>I’d probably prefer pure stat to be honest. It appears more versatile although I know specialization is better for getting jobs.</p>

<p>I don’t really see any compelling reason to do biostat with my background and interests. It sounds like something to do if you are specifically interested in disease or healthcare, right?</p>

<p>Can you expound on any of your points though?</p>

<p>Yes, I noticed that U-Wisconsin and Purdue have better reputations than Illinois. I’m sure employers will notice a bit as well. However, this time around I’m focusing on the content and skills of my courses moreso than the name brand of the school (okay, Rice doesn’t exactly attract gasps in Chicago, but you get the idea). I’m especially interested in programming and computer science aspects of potential stats programs as well.</p>

<p>Second, Wisconsin has an admission deadline of Dec 1st. Not very feasible. Purdue’s is January 15th. Also not the most feasible. Although Purdue has a spring intake with everything due October. </p>

<p>Do you have any other recommendations for schools?</p>

<p>UChicago also has a December deadline.</p>

<p>But in all honesty, even if I have to wait for the next admission cycle, what are my CHANCES at these schools? I frankly don’t think I’d have much of a shot at UChicago Master’s in Statistics.</p>

<p>Would the University of Illinois - Urbana for a Ms in Stat be a reach for me, or about my level, or what? I know that depends on my GRE score, but I think I can get the necessary score there.</p>

<p>Plus, even if I could get accepted at Wisconsin, Purdue, or UChicago, the tuition looks like it’s TRIPLE the amount. In undergrad I didn’t care about the sticker price, because I got financial aid. Master’s programs aren’t funded so a year at 12,000 is a lot better than UChicago’s TWO years at 30,000 each or whatever ridiculous sum.</p>

<p>Any advice or exposition would be much appreciated! Thanks!</p>