<p>To cut things short, here's my situation: I'm trying to decide whether to reject a job offer for a chance at a good MS program.</p>
<p>I'm a senior at a top undergrad (ivy) with spotty grades. I got A's and A-'s in Masters Level Analysis, undergrad Algebra (very rigorous Prof), Mathematical Finance, Mathematical Statistics, Probability, Econometrics.</p>
<p>Problem is that I had a horrible Junior Fall semester - I missed a math final completely, and barely made it back to school for two others (family emergency). It destroyed my GPA. In addition, my grades prior to Junior year were not consistent - a lot of it was because I felt unmotivated and unfocused (I never "got" statistics/math until I reached the higher level classes); the consequence was that I crashed a couple of lower level math classes :/. However, I've straightened up the last two semesters and received mostly A's and A-'s in upper level math/statistics courses. Cum GPA: 3.43.</p>
<p>I have solid rec's from known professors.</p>
<p>I just want to know whether I have a shot at getting into good statistics masters programs (i.e. Chicago). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Many PhD programs take students with research experience right after undergrad. In fact, those interested in earning a PhD don't always get a masters.</p>
<p>I'm under the impression that research in quant subjects (like Stat) does not carry much weight. This according to my professor. </p>
<p>I want a MS because I'm not a strong applicant for top programs, though I do have good grades in the "important" math classes. The degree will hopefully boost my prospective future phD app. </p>
<p>Plus, I'm not so sure about my commitment to a phD in statistics since I'm unsure of my abilities at graduate level stat (haven't taken measure theory @_@). I think that something like Chicago's Stat program will give me the proper exposure/preparation for further study (whether or not I'll choose to pursue it is another story).</p>
<p>I'm very unsure of whether I'm even a qualified masters candidate at this point :(.</p>
<p>You know, you just need more confidence. Always tell yourself that you can succeed in whatever you want. The most important thing is to understand what it is. After that just go for it.</p>
<p>As about your competiveness for PhD, there are so many tricks that can be used to increase your chance of acceptance, that I would not be nerveous about early grades.</p>
<p>Take the job, apply to graduate schools...work for 4 months or so then quit and go to school when school starts.
At least you would have a few months making good money. You will never regret getting a Master's degree.</p>