Hey. So, I'm new here, but it seems like the best place to gather some advice from those who actually have some experience with the application process (and the panicking)
I'm about to enter my senior year, and begin applications for a PhD in Chemistry (sub-discipline: Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics). I was a pre-med student, absolutely hated everything about it, but I have been doing research in a physical chemistry lab since the end of my freshman year and absolutely loved it!
Now, here are my problems:
Overall GPA: 3.31; Chemistry GPA: 3.8; Math/Sci GPA: 3.27
In my second and third semester of undergrad, I encountered several personal issues (recently migrated to the U.S., death of close relative, and just stopped caring for a while), and that resulted in C's in calculus 2, organic 1, physics 1&2, and 2 W's for withdrawing from classes. That period basically tanked my GPA.
Thanks to research and sorting out my life, I have gotten A's and a few B+'s since then. I'm going into my third year of doing research, I have presented at national and regional ACS meetings, will have 2 first author publications in a month or two, and very strong letters of recommendation.
I am planning to apply to places like UPenn, MSU, MIT, Princeton, and a couple others (still narrowing down my list). I haven't taken the GRE as yet (will do in mid September), but practices have shown I'm very prepared for the quantitative, but may have to put in more effort for the verbal.
Now although I have turned around my undergrad life and made significant progress, the damage to my GPA has already been done. The best I can manage this year is a 3.45 overall, math/sci of 3.3-.
My main questions are:
1) Should I try to explain the poor performance of that year in my personal statement? I have read several guides saying not to, but others in support of the mention. Even my PI says I should try to include it, especially since it includes physics. If so, how do I mention this without trying to sound as though I am making an excuse? I fully accept my immaturity at the time already,
2) In your opinion/experience, what would you say my chances are for places like UPenn, MIT, MSU; given that I am interested in physical chemistry?
Thanks for the time taken to read this and the advice!