I applied for a Phd in statistics this year but was unable to land a spot. I just wanted to know what sort of requirements universities are looking for in accepting students since I want to try applying again next year. My graduate (ie. masters) GPA was high (3.8), but my undergraduate GPA is quite low (3.1). I felt my research proposal was clear but it could have been fleshed out more.
I feel that my math background may be lacking as I have not taken either analysis (2nd year) or real analysis (3rd year). Also, I have not had the opportunity to do any sort of research with another professor.
Any help/opinions would be appreciated!
Thanks.
well, there could be many factors because of which you were not able to land a spot. If you could share your profile elaborately..may be something may be suggested.Still i have few points for you to ponder
- Your selection of university. May be you targeted only the high profile ones! Whenever applying for any graduate/post graduate, it is essential that you do your research. You should certainly apply to those which you feel are out of reach but you have an outside chance, then those where you have good chances and the last set of decent universities you may think of going if any other option does not work out. For this, you should definitely consult your professors who would be willing to help you to create that list of universities and your own research/interactions with students in those programs
- Secondly, as you pointed out..low gpa could be one of the reasons. This is one the prime factors that reflects a student seriousness about the subject and study in general. To improve upon this, you may just repeat few courses and/or somehow highlight your graduate gpa in your application (through SOP may be). Another thing you could do it give GRE Math subject test (not sure if this is relevant to your applications)
- Good recommendations carry a lot of weightage. So ask professors under whom you have very good grades and/or with whom you have done considerable project/research work
- You can work an research assistant with any willing professors. This will serve two purpose- one that you will have some research experience and secondly you may get a solid recommendation if the prof is happy with your work.