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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for increasing the chances of admission into a Master's program in Applied Statistics at the University of Michigan, focusing on the experiences and advice of current and prospective students. It includes considerations of GPA, GRE scores, and research experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses concern about their GPA (3.5) and lack of GRE scores while seeking advice on improving their chances of admission.
  • Another participant suggests aiming for the highest GRE score possible, emphasizing the competitive nature of admissions.
  • One participant notes that being a Michigan resident may enhance admission chances, sharing their own experience of being accepted into a different program with a lower GPA and GRE score.
  • A follow-up question about the importance of undergraduate research is raised, with a participant sharing their experience of conducting research without publications and applying to a PhD program.
  • It is mentioned that Master's programs are generally less competitive than PhD programs, which could influence admission strategies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the competitiveness of the Applied Statistics program compared to other fields, such as Electrical Engineering, and there is no consensus on the specific GRE score needed for admission.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of being a resident versus non-resident and the potential impact of research experience on admissions, but these factors remain unresolved in terms of their specific influence on acceptance rates.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective graduate students considering applications to Master's programs in statistics or related fields, particularly those concerned about GPA and GRE scores.

SMA_01
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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.
 
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SMA_01 said:
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.
 
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.
 
Physics_UG said:
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?
 
SMA_01 said:
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.
 
Also, usually PhD programs are much more competitive than MS programs.
 

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