Hi,
I'm a pre-med, but I've recently began to consider grad school. I have a summer of experience in organic synthesis and I have just started in a new lab that is also ochem based, but has much more biology collaborations. My dilemma is that I will be graduating in fall 17, but I feel like I still won't have enough research experience to be a strong candidate. I am willing to volunteer more in the lab, but since I won't be a full time student, financial issues come up. In case I do decide to pursue grad school, I do have some questions.
- If I only have an analytical/organic background, how much biology could I get into? Would it be possible to apply for a grad program that deals with genome modifications and/or single molecule imaging?
- I have 2 strong LOR's. One from my first PI, who is also a dean, and I took him for ochem. The second is from my current PI. For a 3rd LOR, I have the option of either a physicist or biophysicist. My physics prof is already established and has some major achievements, while my biochem teacher is an assistant prof who is on a strong rise.
- How necessary are publications? It would be awesome to apply for programs such as Caltech and Scripps, but I would like to remain realistic.
- I don't have any GRE scores yet, but if I begin to feel more strongly about grad school, I will get those asap.