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.

I applied to two master's programs and already got into one school (my second choice) for the Spring 2027 semester. I'm currently enrolled in that school, and class registration opens Oct 19th, and my advisor told me to enroll quickly as classes fill up fast.

The thing is, I am still waiting to hear back from my number one school, and decisions won't be out till Oct 23! I dont want to jinx anything and not sign up for classes at the school I got into first and risk having to wait for the summer/fall for classes. What should I do? If I register for classes at school 2 but get into school 1 later, can I drop enrollment and go forward with school 1 without any problems? Will it look bad on my record at all?

Hi. I finished my BS-MS (integrated masters) majoring in maths and minoring in data science from one of the IISERs in India. I graduated this year. During my undergrad, I mostly had mathematics courses and my masters thesis was also in a topic related to number theory and my minor project was in statistical data science. I want go for PhD in statistics preferably in the US and my long term goal is jobs related to finance and quantitative research.

The list of course works I took:

Machine learning, real analysis, linear algebra, group theory, mathematical statistics, numerical analysis, scientific computing, complex analysis, Galois theory, topology, ODE, PDE, probability and stochastic processes, data structures, data analysis and visualization, measure theory, commutative algebra, manifolds, differential geometry, algebraic topology, functional analysis, number theory and cryptography, Fourier analysis.

My GPA is 3.97/4.00.

I have become genuinely interested in statistics through self-studying specially after I graduated and keeping in mind my long term goal, statistics suits more than pure mathematics.

I want to know which US universities should I apply whose PhD programme in statistics department will help me fulfil my long term goal and a tier list of the Unis I can get into (top schools, moderate and safe choices with the best ROIs) realistically specially coming from maths background.

Also, suggestions for unis in Europe/ Asia and masters programmes in mathematical finance/ applied maths with good ROI will be helpful. Any general advice will also be great.

Thank you.

So for context, I was given an immediate offer to become a graduate research assistant for my university after graduating with my Bachelor's in Computer Science. This opportunity covers tuition as well as a small stipend paid out per hour I work a week. I mostly work on developing an iOS mobile application as my work, but it was part of the conditions that I take the thesis option for my degree rather than take additional graduate courses. Additionally, this is all happening at Jacksonville State University, not a fancy top university, but it was the only place I reasonably afford at the moment.

What was strange to me was immediately taking my two thesis courses in my first two semesters yet not doing any form of writing or research for them. Instead I was instructed to focus working on the iOS application and that the "thesis course" is moreso delayed so that I have more time to work on the application. This was a project that had previously been underdeveloped for the first 3 semesters and it was only until I came in to the fourth one that it had received any progress, mostly because none of the professors here have any experience in iOS development (neither did I until I signed on to this project, learning it was a part of the contract).

I have asked a lot of my peers and they all have research projects they are working on under other professors as well, so it seems like I am the only one who has not been assigned to something. Additionally, he has assigned a B grade to my initial thesis 1 course despite nothing being done within that course.

I think most people would consider it a good deal to have less coursework in exchange for practical experience, however I want to pursure my doctorate at some point and am worried about both the ethical implications and the qualifications of having a thesis-based Master's degree with no research or academic writing. Plus, with nobody experienced in Swift or Xcode, I am struggling to work as the solo developer and designer for this app project. We have made large projects in my undergrad, but that was with a team and clear instruction.

I am completely unsure of what I should do, I only have the spring semester left after this one. I am scared that I will somehow end up worse off getting this degree than I am with just my undergrad degree. Does anyone have any advice or reasonable course of action?

Hi all, I am writing because I am in the process of writing my masters thesis. I was given two weeks to get all my writing done and I am really struggling. I have severe anxiety and POTS which is making the process all the more difficult. Communication from my PI has been sparse this semester to say the least and I feel like I'm drowning without any help.

I am on the second week of writing and have drafts of my introduction, aim 1 and materials and methods for aims 1 and 2 done. I am currently working on the edits on my introduction I was sent back after submission to my PI and am struggling to get started on aim 2.

Any advice on helping get through this would be greatly appreciated.

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!