Master's Program ways to increase my chances of getting in?

[SMA_01]

I'm a senior undergrad at the University of Michigan- Dearborn. I am a math major with a minor in applied statistics. Now that I'm near graduation (Fall 2013), I am considering my grad school options. I really want to get into the University Of Michigan's (Ann Arbor) Applied Statistics program for my Masters, but I am not sure how likely it is that I will be accepted. My GPA isn't very high, it's 3.5 and I haven't taken my GRE yet, but plan to take it soon.
What are ways I can increase my chances of getting accepted? I've heard people talk about research, can I do that if my school doesn't have a Stats major (only a minor)?
Also, what score should I aim for on the GRE?

Thanks.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Also, what score should I aim for on the GRE?

As high as you can. There are no prizes for being the last student admitted.

 

[Physics_UG]

Are you a Michigan resident? If so, your chance of admission is quite high. I got into Michigan's masters in EE program with a 3.45 and a very low GRE score.

 

[SMA_01]

Are you a Michigan resident? If so, your chance of admission is quite high. I got into Michigan's masters in EE program with a 3.45 and a very low GRE score.

Really? Yes, I am. I was reading information on their Applied Statistics program and was feeling very discouraged. Did you do any undergrad research?

 

[Physics_UG]

Really? Yes, I am. I was reading information on their Applied Statistics program and was feeling very discouraged. Did you do any undergrad research?

I did do undergrad research. No publications though. I applied for the PhD program but only got into the MS program. I ended up going to a different school.

Stats might be more competitive than EE though.

 

[Physics_UG]

Also, usually PhD programs are much more competitive than MS programs.