my undergrad gpa was ~2.4, and major gpa was even worse. However in the last ~1.5 years of my undergrad, I did some heavy research in an organic chemistry lab. I could not get into any phd programs, however I managed to get a job at a large pharmaceutical company doing exactly what most PhD organic chemists do out of graduate school, just with half the pay. I'd like to be able to get into top programs in my field. I'm wondering what are my chances, and how should I approach this?
current profile:
2.4 gpa
2 publications (1 co author, 1 first author)
3 presentations
1.5 years research experience academic
1.5 years research experience industry
good recommendations
gre (~70% percentile)
industry experience
I am currently taking graduate chemistry courses at the state university to improve my gpa. so far I've gotten one A. I plan to reapply to graduate school in 1-2 years
future profile:
2.4 gpa undergrad
2 publications from undergrad
potentially 1 more publication or patent from industry
3 presentations
maybe 1 presentation from industry
good recommendations
1.5 years research experience academic
3-4 years research experience industry
improved gre score
good subject gre score
3.0-4.0 gpa from graduate courses
I am also wondering if I should complete a non-thesis masters at the university? Due to my work schedule and the lack of night classes, I can only take 1-2 classes per semester. If I wanted to finish my masters, I'd finish at 30 years old, which puts me too old for many of the top schools. Does building an alternative transcript of good grades + high subject gre test score help?
also, with my current path, what are my chances of getting into top 30? top 20? 10? will I be too old by then?
I am aiming to apply for 2018 or '19 fall starts.