Hello everyone,
I’m interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Statistics. I was thinking about working as a statistician or data scientist, and I expect I’m going to need a graduate degree for either job. Can anyone tell me their stats to be admitted in the graduate program? I’m looking for advice.
I know I should aim for the highest undergraduate grades possible but I’m wondering if there’s anything else.
I’m new to the university culture so any help is great.
PhD admissions come down to grades, GRE scores, letters of recommendation from professors, and any research you’re able to do as an undergrad. It’s very simple, not at all like undergrad. I doubt many PhD statisticians are here to tell you their stats, but as you get to know professors, they can help by steering you to appropriate opportunities. They’ll know the lay of the land better than anyone here.
Also, FWIW, I understand that statistics majors on the BA/BS level are fairly in demand, so if your goal is to work in industry you should be able to find employment in between graduation and graduate school.
PhD statistician here, but my stats mattered 35 years ago. Not now. To enter a funded PhD program you want to ensure you have as much math as you can stand and a fair amount of CS classes. Taking things which prepare you for an environment of life or social sciences is a good idea. Biology, psychology, sociology, political science, and marketing science. Statisticians always work inside some specific discipline. Get exposed to the basics in a few of the likely places you would work.
Statisticians are basically investigators where stats is their tool. Be curious.