Tread1ight1y

Definitely! Thank you for your input.

To be sure, my bad gpa is a huge thorn and mainly because I lagged during junior year first semester- the shift towards very theoretical material & academic intensity in addition to the fact I was unfocused and in general, a little disenchanted with my own future direction at the time. It's not useful to talk about what went wrong- something did, but now I am more clear of what I want to do in graduate studies. I'm working better and smarter but this gpa business is difficult. I know I may not get into any great great programs, but decent programs with areas I am interested in studying are my goal.

I am currently an (international student), a senior Chem major at a top 30's university and I am hoping to continue getting into an MS-PhD program after graduation. I have already taken my GREs (score: 315, 158Q, 157V, and 4AWA). One very big worry for me right now is my low gpa (I'm really worried that I might not get accepted anywhere): Major GPA: 2.97 Cumulative GPA: 3.14 My chemistry gpa is dismal, though I hope to get it up to a 3.0 by this semester's end. I didn't do terribly hot in second semester organic chemistry (2.7), or either physical chemistry sections (around 2.5), though my research classes were decent (3.3). I am taking upper level courses in the classes I didn't do too well in hopes of redeeming my poor performance and to prove that I have the ability to do better. I have had 1 year's worth of research experience in a lab, have participated in a few regional/ acs poster sessions, and have been noted as a collaborator on a paper. I feel fairly safe about securing fairly solid LOR's (from my advisor and professors this term). I am looking at these graduate schools, in particular b/c I am interested in certain programs each school has to offer (I have included their *arbitrary* but respective Chemistry graduate school rankings according to US news, if that's any help): Wayne State University (#71) Brandeis University (#71) Clemson University (#84) University of Connecticut (#84) Tulane University (#96) Syracuse University (#92) Wake Forest University (#114) University of St. Louis (#131) One big concern for me is, how badly will the combined fact that I am international and have a less-than-stellar gpa affect my chances in grad school? Also, are my GRE scores fair enough to make me competitive for these schools? That's my schpeal. Thanks for reading through & Any feedback, advice or suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Anything to ease my overwhelming worry and anxiety!