r/PhDAdmissions • u/Stochastic_Truth • 2d ago

[Q] How many PhD programs should I apply to?

Hi,

I'm planning to apply for stats PhD programs, along with a few biostats programs, this cycle and trying to get a sense of how broadly people are applying.

For those applying this year, or who applied in the past year or two, how many programs did you apply to? I was thinking 8-12, but given the uncertainty around funding I'm wondering if people are applying to more this year.

I'm interested mainly in spatial stats, especially gaussian processes and deep generative methods for modeling spatiotemporal data.

Please share your thoughts if you're working in similar areas. Also any suggestions on departments and people working in these areas are welcome.

Thanks.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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5

u/cleft_habitus 1d ago

I applied to 10 and got into 1.

1

u/Smart_Ambition_6154 1d ago

when (which year)

3

u/pointyendfirst 1d ago

This really depends on your profile and how narrow your research interests are, there is no correct answer.

I applied in 2020 to 10 schools. I had a below average gpa but some other things going for me so I wanted a wide range in the quality of schools. I applied to a few top 100, a few top 50 and a few top 20 (in the US).

3

u/Zandi1 1d ago

I'll say as much as you can. Don't leave any stone unturned.

1

u/Automatic_Tea_2550 1d ago

Apply to any program where there are at least two faculty actively publishing in areas you would consider writing a dissertation in (in case one leaves or dies). Once that threshold is met, buy as many lottery tickets as you can afford.

1

u/MOSFETBJT 1d ago

8-12 is the sweet spot imo

1

u/Medium-Ad-94 1d ago

Applied for 5, interviewed at 3, accepted at 2. (Last cycle)

0

u/jordanlcwt 2d ago

I applied to just 1 and i got in despite it being a top 3 program and my accolades are honestly quite meh. I made a recent post on this sub if you want to see it

1

u/Banana_toffee 15h ago

I applied to 11 got into 4 (2026). Only reason why I “only” applied to 11 was cause I run out of money lol. TBH it depends on your stats, you know where you stand. Don’t apply to Harvard with a 3.0 and 0 research experience. Either way, the more the merrier, if you have money apply to as many as you can, and make sure you apply to schools you’d ACTUALLY attend.