judowrestler1

I was wondering what my chances would be to get into grad school for statistics. I'll be graduating a year early(end of next year) and wanted to see what you guys thought.

College: Campbell University
Major: Math
GPA: 3.4 total , 3.9 Major
Courses:
Calc I-III all As
Linear Algebra A
Differential Equations A
Probability and Statistics I
Probability and Statistics II Not sure yet but, more than likely a B+

Next year I'll be taking
Advanced Stats( Basically all nonlinear regression and multiple linear regression)
Abstract Algebra
Real Analysis
Discrete
Non-Euclidean Geometry

GRE Scores
Quantitative: 163 (88th percentile)
Verbal: 159 (84th percentile)
Writing 4.0 (48th percentile)

I was thinking of applying to
NC State
Duke
Florida State
University of South Carolina(My adviser graduated from there)
University of Arkansas
UNC Chapel Hill
Virginia State

Thoughts? Also, when should I start applying and getting my letters of recommendation in order?

broken_symlink

Are you thinking about going for a phd or masters?

judowrestler1

PHD, I also work as a tutor for the school but, I forgot to put that down there.

judowrestler1

bumpity bump

juillet

Graduate school doesn't work on "chances". Chancing is even dubious for undergraduate schools but it's all but meaningless for graduate schools - it really depends on the applicant pool.

From what I can see, your quant percentile is kind of low (for math oriented programs, committees usually look for scores in the 95th+ percentile). And for a PhD program, you didn't mention any research experience. That's going to be the most important factor in your admissions. A PhD is a research degree and committees are going to want to see that you have some previous experience (usually about 2 years' worth at least) in statistical research.

Being a tutor is okay but it's not as important or impressive as research experience. The other thing that you didn't mention, but is probably second-most important, is who you will be getting letters of recommendation from and how strong they will be. I think tied with the letters is your statement of purpose. You see why it's nearly impossible to "chance" graduate students on an anonymous board? Just apply and see what happens. (Unless you don't have any research experience, in which case you should get some first, and then apply later.)

broken_symlink

I know of one person who got into phd programs for stats without research experience. He didn't apply to any phd programs though, at every school he applied to he only applied for a masters. I guess they liked him so much that they decided to admit him to the phd program instead.

cyberwulf

Your biggest issue is that Campbell U is not a well-known institution, so it will be difficult for admissions committees to assess what those 'A's really mean. If possible, try to get letter writers who have held positions at better-known institutions and encourage them to comment on how you stack up against students at those places (assuming it's favorably). Previous posters' advice to the contrary, don't worry too much about your GRE scores (they're fine) or statement of purpose (it won't make or break your application).

I think you're facing an uphill battle for PhD admission at NC State, UNC, and Duke. I don't have as much of a feel for where you'd stand at those other places, but apart from South Carolina none of them has much of a reputation in statistics. If your eventual aim is a PhD at a top-tier school (like the Big Three NC schools), you might be well-served to apply to some good Masters programs, and build your profile from there. Masters programs are a lot easier to get into, and strong performance in one that's well-regarded will be a major asset when applying to a PhD program.