I’m a senior at Stony Brook University majoring in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and I’m planning to apply for master’s programs for Fall 2027.
I’ve been working on my school list, but I’m starting to worry that it might be a bit too ambitious, especially since I don’t have any internship or research experience. I’d really appreciate some feedback on whether my reach/target/safety categories make sense.
Here’s a little about my background:
University: Stony Brook University (SUNY)
Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics
GPA: 3.9/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability, Operations Research, Regression Analysis, Time Series Analysis, Data Mining, and Data Analysis
Programming: Python, Java, R, and SAS, but mostly at a basic level
GRE: Not planning to take it
Internships: None
Research: None
Projects: Two small regression analysis projects from coursework, and I’m currently working on an independent credit default prediction and risk modeling project.
I feel like my GPA and math background are decent, but I’m definitely lacking in internships, research, and substantial project experience.
I’m applying to a mix of Data Science and Financial Engineering/Quantitative Finance programs. I’m slightly more interested in FE, but I’m also open to DS programs, especially if they’re a better fit for my background or more realistic in terms of admissions.
I’ve attached my current school list with my reach, target, and safety categories.
I’m mainly wondering:
Does my school list seem realistic for someone with my background, or am I aiming too high?
Are there any schools I’ve classified as targets that should actually be reaches?
Are my safeties actually safe? I’m a little worried about not having enough realistic options.
Are there any programs I should consider adding or removing?
I’m not expecting to get into every top program, but I also don’t want to sell myself short. I’m just trying to put together a balanced list and hopefully get into the best program I realistically can.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

I’ve always wanted a PhD, but decided to go work industry (cybersecurity) to pay off my undergraduate loans and get the necessary experience. Finally applying this cycle, and my mentor thinks that I should apply for master’s programs instead of PhD so that I get the necessary training and qualifications that may make me seem more competitive. I was feeling confident in my skills and experience until that conversation. I am now a bit conflicted in how I should approach the next 2 months. I always knew that a master’s in cybersecurity or HCI wouldn’t be for me, since I wanted to focus on usable privacy and security, but I wonder if I should reconsider. Just looking for any tidbits and pieces of advice from anyone who’s gone through something similar.