Statistics

Your application should include completed and scanned transcripts of all previous college and university work, including any work done at Cornell. 

Applicants should scan their transcripts and upload the documents into the online application system themselves as part of the submission process. All transcripts or academic records must be official documents provided in the original language. If that language is not English, they must be accompanied by certified translations into English. 

Your application must include two letters of recommendation. The letters should be from professors or supervisors who are familiar with your academic or professional work and who can testify to your potential in Statistics. 

These letters are a very important part of your application, and you should ensure that they are submitted into the electronic application system by the appropriate deadline. We will not accept paper copies of letters of recommendation.

Your statement of purpose  should include a description of your background, your motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. and any particular research focus that you have. You may also use it to highlight particular qualifications or experience that you have and you may include a CV in this document.

International students must submit an Official Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The English language proficiency requirement may be waived if the applicant meets a Standing Exemption outlined by the graduate school. 

Further information on the TOEFL exams is available from ETS: Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. For reference, the proper Graduate School code number is 2098.

Send your scores to Cornell

The Statistics Ph.D. program uses holistic review, an evidence-based approach to identifying applicants with the preparation, potential, and motivation to succeed in graduate study and statistical research, while recognizing that applicants come from diverse educational and personal backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to address the following criteria in their statements:

• Academic preparedness. Applicant demonstrates the academic and quantitative preparation needed for graduate coursework and research in statistics, including relevant preparation in statistics, mathematics, probability, computing, or related fields.
• Creativity and innovation. Applicant demonstrates intellectual curiosity and creativity in approaching statistical, mathematical, computational, or scientific problems.
• Research experience and potential. Applicant has taken advantage of relevant research opportunities available to them and demonstrates independence, problem-solving ability, persistence, and potential for statistical research.
• Long-term goals and commitment. Applicant demonstrates sustained interest in statistics and motivation to pursue doctoral study and long-term research or professional goals.
• Resilience and adaptability. Applicant demonstrates the ability to learn from challenges, incorporate feedback, adapt to new information, and persist through the uncertainty and iteration inherent in research.
• Communication and collaboration. Applicant demonstrates the ability to communicate quantitative ideas clearly and work effectively with others, including through research, teaching, interdisciplinary projects, or other collaborative experiences.
• Leadership and work experience. Applicant demonstrates maturity, responsibility, organization, and the ability to manage multiple commitments through research, employment, teaching, mentoring, or other experiences.
• Broadening participation and inclusion. Applicant demonstrates experiences, perspectives, or ideas that can contribute to broadening participation in statistics and making statistical education and research more accessible and inclusive.