Undergrad Institution: top 10 public Major(s): microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics (this is a long name for one major)Minor(s): biomedical research GPA in Major: 3.6Overall GPA: 3.6Position in Class: not sure, maybe top 20%Type of Student: female, Asian, low economic background. GRE Scores (revised/old version):Q: 158V: 155W: 4B: not taking
Retaking in October Research Experience:
1.2 years undergrad research in HHMI lab with one of the world experts in alternative splicing. I found the functional relationship in a new complex. Worked under a post doc, lead to 5th level authorship in manuscript under review at a top journal. Manuscript will contain a couple of my figures.
Currently working as lab tech in cardiovascular lab at Ucsf under a new pi. Will be here for two years by application deadlines. Within a year, able to get 2nd author on manuscript under review in middle impact journal. Contributed about half of the critical experiments. Currently leading 2 independent projects.
Although my papers are not in immunology, that is my interest. I'm leading a project in my current lab dealing with T cell repertoire and next-gen sequencing. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: nsf scholarship and undergrad research scholarship funding for 3 years of undergrad. Deans list all years, though not all quarters. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Mentored new incoming women in stem from underprivileged backgrounds to help navigate school systems, classes, and plain old support. Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
3 Poster presentations at undergrad: school wide, within major, and within minor. Special Bonus Points:
i have 2 lors from my research and the third one from the director of my undergrad minor.
Although I'm not considered a minority in stem, I do come from an economically disadvantaged background. To pay for undergrad, I worked 3 jobs landed a few scholarships. I was able to graduate debt-free! Not sure if this is worth mentioning in sop as it is not related to research. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
i am a non traditional student. Following high school, had to leave university and attend community college so I could be the primary caretaker for a family member. As a result my grades suffered a few semesters in non-science related courses. In sop will explain how this experience led to my discovery and passion for science. (I was originally aiming for psychology ?) My grades and work I have done since my decision for a future in research should reflect this.
Even though I was able to recover my gpa, I'm still concerned about my bad marks in the first couple years. I really want to stay in the Bay Area so I'm trying to be as competitive as I can. Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially things to put in sop.
Applying to Where:Interested in immunology and bioinformatics and clinical applications in genetic screens.
I am applying to biomedical sciences umbrella programs for with emphasis in immunology and genetics.
UCSF- bms
Stanford- bms
UCLA- bioscience
Scripps
UCSD- bms
Cornell-bms
New York University (nyu)-bms
Caltech-bms
UC Berkeley-bms
Washington University in St. Louis(wustl)- bms
Any other suggestions? This list is contingent upon how much money I have