<p>I will be getting my Masters in Mechanical Engineering this May. I realized pretty late though that I want to get a PhD in Stats. However, though I might have enough coursework in Stats, I haven't done any research in Stats yet. If I want to take a break of one year and apply next year, won't my lack of research experiences in this area hurt how good my LOR's look? </p>
<p>I have time to find a research project before I graduate. Will one be enough? Are there things I can do during that year to improve my chances of getting into a Stats PhD program?</p>
<p>You need to look at program Web sites to determine what prerequisite courses are required for admissions to statistics Ph.D programs. Undergrad classes are not likely to be enough - it’s my understanding that most competitive math doctoral applicants have completed extensive graduate-level mathematics coursework. Talk to professors about what they’re looking for.</p>
<p>Yes. The admissions committee will wonder how you think you know you want to get a PhD in statistics if you haven’t done any research in statistics. They will also wonder if you are prepared for the kind of research statisticians do, given that you don’t have any experience in it. The course prerequisites alone are not enough to get you admitted to a doctoral program.</p>
<p>My advice is to take 2-3 years to get some statistics research experience.</p>