Hey guys, this is my first time posting here at thegradcafe and I am in dire need of advice. I currently attend UC San Diego and am in my 4th and final year in the Bioengineering: Bioengineering program but my cumulative GPA is seriously lacking at around a 2.9-3.0. My GRE scores are not finalized yet since I took the new GRE but the ranges for my scores were Q:750-800, V: 600-700. Should I even be considering graduate school, and if so, what sort of recommendations do you guys have for schools that I should be aiming for.
The only thing I may have going for me is my research experience and letters of recommendation. I have been working actively for more than a year now at the UCSD Microhemodynamics Lab although I have not been part of any publications. In terms of letters, I have 2 very strong letters and 1 average letter from different faculty members of the Bioengineering Department.
Do you guys think I should be reconsidering my goals? Should I maybe try and apply next year instead for Fall 2013 after trying my best to increase my GPA? Or do you guys think I should start considering going straight into industry? Are the schools in the top 20 completely out of reach for me realistically? I know I shouldn't give up hope, but I am in serious need of some advice.
Thanks for your time!