Since this seems to be fair game for everyone else to ask about, I'm about to enter my 3rd year, but want to be as ready as possible, as early as possible.
Current GPA: Overall 3.60, Chem 3.76, Math 3.91, Physics 3.58
Current GPA if we pretend my first semester didn't happen: Overall 3.83, Chem 4.0, others don't change
Max possible by application season: Overall 3.80, Chem 3.91, Math 3.95, Physics 3.95
I didn't have stable housing my first semester, moved 3 times and had some family issues, got straight Bs.
Will have BS in chem with ACS cert (and a handful of graduate courses in OChem and materials chem), BA in physics, and a minor in math, but the BA will need an extra semester.
Research: started summer 2012 in genetics as a volunteer left on good terms in December 2012, started physical organic lab this January under a highly selective PI. Was part of a poster at a regional ACS conference, will get first publication after summer (not first or second author).
Going to try to get REU the next 2 summers, one as part of an NSF exchange to France, the second preferably to one of my dream schools.
Awards: HHMI research award for chemistry and an award from my school's Chemistry Department for outstanding research potential.
Applying for Goldwater this term, PI said he'll support it if I keep up the good work, in the past 4 years he has written LoR for 3 undergrads who have been part of his group, 2 won, one got honorable mention. Now retired OChem professor is establishing a chemistry undergraduate scholarship in his name, implied I'm who he has in mind for the first award.
EC: Head of neuroscience club's journal club fall 2012- spring 2013, Chem outreach volunteer, student ACS fundraising chair fall 2012- spring 2013, student ACS president spring 2013-spring 2014, TA Enhanced (honor's) OChem Fall 2013-spring 2014.
School is an R1 university, ranked among top 40 in chemistry.
Is GPA still a liability if I have upward trend?
