StringTheory

Cheme145, This probably isn't the answer you want to hear, but I think it's important. When looking for your potential schools, select based on who's working there and what they're doing. When you attend a grad program, you'll be working with these people, so it's really important to establish that you're interested in what these people are doing, and also that you like the area the school is located in. Once you have a nice list of places with people who interest you, take a look at how these schools are ranked. This will give you a feel for which are safeties, reaches, etc. Alternatively you could post your list here and people will give you their opinions. In my opinion, you seem experienced and have strong academics. Take a lot of time to write an awesome statement, get some good LORs, and you'll do great!

Undergrad Institution: University of Washington (Seattle) Major(s): Biochemistry Minor(s): none GPA in Major: 3.3 (science courses only) Overall GPA: 3.46 Position in Class: Probably the top 30% Type of Student: Domestic white male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 157 V: 162 W: 4.5 B: Not taken Research Experience: Two years in a biochemistry lab under a prominent PI. In addition to my work, which has been focused on structural biology, I have independently written literature reviews on topics in the RNA field and presented them to my lab group as well as groups at UCSC and UCI. I also have a bit of research proposal writing experience from an honors biochemistry class I took. Lots of presenting and public speaking experience. My name will be on a publication, which is currently in drafting. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: University Dean's List for 4 quarters. Received a research scholarship from the Mary Gates Foundation. Pertinent Activities or Jobs Undergraduate researcher Special Bonus Points: Four letters of rec, my PI who is well known, my project mentor, and two well known professors I have taken classes with. I also have a bit of community experience doing science demos for kids from underrepresented backgrounds and mentoring a post-bac student in research techniques. Applying to Where: UCSC (top choice, have been in touch with a PI and a grad student for a while, visited 3 PIs at the school, gave presentation on my research to one) UCSD UCI (visited one PI at the school, gave presentation on my research to one) UCSF (reach) University of Colorado Boulder