Admissions Q: MS in Statistics @ OSU

[BoundByAxioms]

I originally posted this at testmagic.com's forum, but NO ONE seems to respond to anything at that forum. So here it goes:

I'm interested in applying for an MS in Statistics from Oregon State University (there are other schools, too but OSU is my top choice). I'm a math and biology double major, my GPA is 3.72 and I have two summers of research under my belt (one in molecular biology at my school, and another (currently in progress) in computational biology at a very prestigious medical school). In my math classes specifically, I have gotten mostly A's (Abstract algebra, differential equations, linear algebra, mathematical physics), mostly A's in my biology, chemistry and physics classes, and a few B+'s (multivariable calculus, introduction to mathematical proofs) but there is one big exception: I got a B- in Real Analysis 1 (We only offer one semester of it at my school). While I don't think this greatly impacts my chances of admission at OSU (real analysis is not mentioned as a prerequisite for their MA admissions), I am concerned as to whether or not this will impede my ability to receive financial assistance (specifically in the form of an assistantship). Does anyone have familiarity with OSU's program, and does anyone think that I have a chance of receiving an assistantship? Thank you.

 

[SpaceCowboy57]

I am not familiar with that school, however there is more than one way to skin a cat. there tends to be a lot less "financial aid" for grad schools then for undergrad schools. For most people, the best way to get cash for grad school is by doing research and being a TA. If you already have some prestigious research accomplishments, this could be your ticket. The only downside is that you may have to stretch out the time you spend at grad school in order to have time to handle everything.