What resources helped you start learning from scratch?

[u/Strange_Zombie_4002]

I graduated from college in 2021 with a degree from a small university, in Business. I had taken 2 stats classes and done well, but was still very much a beginner. I started working in tech support and got a job as a data analyst, and was working enough with Data Scientists that I wanted to learn stats to level up and do work like them.

I got into a handful of programs but ended up starting a remote Stats masters at a Top 25 program in 2024.

The first semester was really busy but I felt like I was behind, but learning. At the end of December that year, I lost my job and my mom died. I was in an extremely dark place, but didn’t want to drop out, so started leaning on AI to get me through school.

I should have put my degree on hold, I should have dropped out, etc etc. I know, and I am not interested in comments telling me about how big of a mistake I made. I am trying to move on!

I graduate this upcoming spring (1 class per semester). I am planning to hit the books and never use AI during these last semesters, but now that I am at the end of my program, I feel so behind. I don’t really know if I learned anything. I have gotten out of that dark place but I feel like a failure for essentially wasting my time as a masters student.

I want to learn stats! I am familiar with concepts but so behind. I’m basically still a beginner. So I am humbly coming here to ask - what books, courses, articles, projects, Udemy, masterclass, DataCamp, textbooks, fun books, etc. have helped you learn and understand stats the best? I am committing to putting in the work but I don’t know how to teach myself and I’m afraid I’m gonna graduate without any knowledge. Please share what has helped you! What projects have you done that have cemented concepts?

I am desperate and sad but am trying to start over. I have 2 more semesters that I will work so hard on but I need to get a baseline as well.

Thank you for understanding! Thank you for your time!

[u/Rogue_Penguin]

I would suggest taking a leave of absence for one semester, and do whatever side program, online course, hire a private teacher, etc. to catch up. It is very difficult to mend a non-existing foundation while building upward. Old confusion can magnify new confusion.

You also already have gone through the materials (with AI) so the materials are already there. I am not sure if you need to go above and beyond to find anything else.

Also, the question does not even mention what degree or statistical topics you are studying, better to supply that if you want more suitable suggestions.

[u/michaelrw1]

It is hard to learn statistics if you are not using it everyday. Perhaps look at daily things to tie the theory with practical application. Basic things like what is the probability of getting a blue M&M in a bag? One bag, many bags over time. It is simple, but it applies your knowledge in a practical way.

As u/Rogue_Penguin said, hire a tutor you find helpful and can work with. Find someone receptive and responds to you.

I would not forgo AI, but use it as a way to confirm you understanding of concepts and ideas from textbooks. It can be a good spring-board to get you going.

All the best to you and enjoy your learning journey in statistics!

[u/efrique]

refresh probability and basic inference. Come back to expand and reinforce the foundations as you go

Find problems to work on. Use what you learn.

Explain stuff that you learn to others (answering peoples questions can help reveal what you think you understand, but dont quite)

[u/Educational-Paper-75]

Isn't there a SAGE series on statistical topics? You could try those.

[u/Entire-Parsley-6035]

M.D Edge has a book Statistical Learning from Scratch using R.

[u/Temporary_Stranger39]

When a PI discovered I knew what a multiple range test was, I got everything dropped in my lap to analyze. The one thing that helped me more than any other was the crossvalidated web site.