thelastminute

Undergrad Institution: The Evergreen State CollegeMajor(s): Chemistry(ish)Minor(s):GPA in Major: n/a (if I had to guess, ~3.7-3.9)Overall GPA:Position in Class: Near top?Type of Student: male/whiteGRE Scores (revised/old version): revisedQ: 162V: 167W: 4.5Research Experience: Summer undergraduate research fellowship conducting ecological stream surveys/ assessing outgassing of CO2 from streams, followed up this research with independent research into inland aquatic carbon cycle throughout senior year of undergradPertinent Activities or Jobs: Worked as a lab tech at UW Oceanography lab from June - December, now an academic tutorAny Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: One of my letters of rec is from my undergrad advisor who worked with me through the fellowship, my independent research, and with whom I spent part of my winter break helping compete lab work for her own research project. I'm betting that letter is gold.Applying to Where: Oregon State University - MS/PhD in Oceanography (Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry) Accepted with full funding University of Hawaii - MS/PhD in Oceanography (air-sea interaction), Accepted with full funding (RA) University of Washington - PhD in Oceanography (general carbon cycle), University of Washington - MS in Forestry (terrestrial-aquatic interface)

Thanks kaykaykay, I think you're right. I was looking at it with too narrow of a perspective. I'm applying to both the college AND the university as a whole so it should be okay to take courses outside of the college I'm directly applying to.

I'm debating whether or not I should mention my plans to take some courses from another college within the university. This lab is pretty different from all of the other ones within the college and so the major I will be applying for (forest ecology) almost doesn't even seem to fit the research very well. The college offers some pertinent coursework for my research topic, but it would likely be beneficial for me to take a few supplemental courses from another college. I have put a lot of thought into this despite the professor I hope to work with not getting back to me in time (application is due tomorrow). But my question is, do you think it would help or hurt my chances of admission if it looks like I would only fit into their school if I am taking supplemental courses? Does my initiative and foresight make up for what might make me look like a bad fit?