Improving my Profile for MS - 1 Year

Graduate School
1

Hey everyone,

I recently decided that I will take off another year to save some more money for MS Statistics programs. I was wondering if my plans to improve my profile in the next year would be worthwhile. My profile is summarized as below:

School: UCLA

Student: Domestic Male

Degree: Applied Mathematics B.S.

GPA: 3.67/4.00; College Honors + Phi Beta Kappa

Math Courses: Single Variable Calculus (AP, AP), Multivariable Calculus (B-,B+), Intro Linear Algebra (B+), Intro Differential Equations (A-), Linear Algebra I (B-), Ordinary Differential Equations (C+), Real Analysis I (B+), Real Analysis II ©, Applied Complex Analysis (B), Mathematical Modeling (B+), Systems of Differential Equations (A-), Varied Mathematics (A+)

Statistics Courses: Intro Statistics (A), Statistical Programming (A-), Mathematical Statistics (B), Probability Theory (A+), Regression Analysis (A-), Experiment Design (A-), Intro Computational Statistics (A), Optimization Statistics (A), Statistical Research (A+), Machine Learning (A+)

GRE: 170Q/169V/5.5AWA

Additional Coursework:

School: Harvard Extension

Math courses: Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Real Analysis (A) (Math E-23a) (taken after graduating)

Letters: 3 strong letters (1 tenured, 2 lecturers)

Some questions concerning my plans:

  1. Is there any benefit to continue taking extension courses to rectify past coursework performance? I can't find any program that offers RA II or ODEs through extension and I'm working,so I won't be able to go back for undergrad classes.
  2. Is taking, and doing well, on the Math GRE Subject test something to consider, even though Stats MS programs don't require it?
  3. Are authorships in industry-oriented statistical publications worthwhile to pursue? My job might allow me to pursue publications with applied researchers in my company within the next year if I stay, despite the low pay.
  4. Will my personal statement quality have any impact on my admissions results (excluding the case where it is terribly written)?
  5. Any other suggestions?

Dream Programs (though happy with other Top 10, or other suggestions):
Stanford
UWashington
UChicago (preferred for PhD prep)

Thanks for all your help!