Whisky-with-a-Y

This is a very difficult question to answer. I understand you not wanting to mention your gpa, it is none of our buisness, but is it low enough to prevent you from getting into any school? Maybe consider a masters program in chemistry, then apply for a food sceince program after (A number of students pursue a masters first, takes a little longer but might be easier to get into). You listed two possible choices for your future, and they do not sound like choices that any users can give advice on. Rather, it seems like you should make the best choice for you and your family. If graduate school is your main goal than it sounds like #2 is best. You should take the GRE, and the Chem GRE if you feel confident. High scores on those two tests will only help you. Also, are there any "lower tier" schools that suit your interests? I dont know anything about food science, but does it matter that much if you went to a Harvard-like quality school or will a local state school be fine? Waiting a few years will drag on and might suck the motivation out of you. If it were me, I would find a school, a lower-ranked one, and a professor that interested me and apply. Personally, waiting a few years sounds dreadfull. Undergrad already takes 4, plus another 5-6 for grad. I would lose all motivation and probably quit, but that is just me. The rankings of schools are a little played out, if you ask me (but what do I know?). If your main goal is industry it is important to find advisors that have a good record of having students who leave with jobs. To me, that is the most important thing. The education is a small part of a long career, career being the main goal. Greater schools will lead to more oppurtunitys, but that doesnt mean lesser known schools provide none. As for possible schools, I do not know any. Also, if you go to a lower tier school why would you transfer?

Obviously you will only get opinions from this website so I will give you mine. I think its a great idea, maybe I am a little biased because analytical chemistry is my passion, but I agree with all your reasons. I think you resume is interesting and unique and will not hurt you. I would spend sometime discussing the reasons for changing your path and why analytical chemsitry is for you. You did 2.5 years with UPLC-MS/MS, that is great. I would say go for it, why spend time pursuing something you arent truly passionate about. The schools you listed seem the be about every decent analytical school out there (unfourtunatly there arent too many, not sure how Cleveland State fits in there). I would apply to the schools that have research that interests you. Vanderbilts research differs greatyl from Arizona for example, so I would narrow those choices down a bit. I dont think you need to apply to that many schools. I cant make an honest assessement about an admissions officer opinion on your situation, but I wouldnt worry too muc. Grad School isnt some ridiciculous oppurtunity that only a few get. You metnioned publications, and how you have none. I think pubs are a great "extra" for an app, but I dont think it will prevent you from getting in a university. There are a ton of students without publications that get into great colleges, situation dictates.

There is not very much a professor can say about someone after only 2 months

If you just listed that you have 9 patents, I really wouldn' worry about it. Im mean seriously, look at everything you just listed. Are you really worried about a mediocre verbal score? How does one get 9 patents in undergad anyway?

Jesus, this can not be starting again. A moderator recently closed a feed with the same postings about a month ago. There is no secret Chem GRE tests on the internet. There are 2-3 out there, somewhere you should be able to find by extensive internet searching. No one is going to give anyone anything, this is a competition, plus there is nothing to give. This isnt the general GRE, this is no study material, use your notes. This is supposed to be a forum devoted to questions pertaining to admissions, schools, and anything chemistry related. This same request has been made so many times. Study your notes, everyone is in the same boat.

There is really nothing to help study for this test other than your notes and books. There have been a number of posts about this. You can search the internet and find some practice tests, I believe there are 3 out there; all retired tests. The analytical material covered in the test is fairly basic. Some instrumental questions and some basic acid/base stuff. If you study your Quant notes and Instrumental notes you should be fine. I would worry about the other subjects covered, there isnt very much analytical on the test. The practice test that comes with the test cost is very similar, very similar in content and amounts.

I wouldnt go the pharmacy route anymore. Even becoming a tech and trying again. If you were expelled from a pharmacy school I doubt anyone would take you back and obviously it isnt worth it. I actually got into chemistry with a desire to do pharmacy but after gen-chem I decided to stay. For my SOP's I really didnt focus solely on research and technical stuff (for the lack of a better term). Of course I discussed my research and why I enjoyed it, its challenges and yadda yadda. I wrote about my enjoyement and the need to continue my education. Nothing needs to be backed up with hard evidence. If you have done some research, which I hope you have, write about that and then move on. Side Note: If you havent started yet, get in a lab. Write about the passion, why you love it, why you feel graduate school is the write choice and why their school is the best option. Talk about prior issues, like I said, and all the reasons. This is your chance to let them know the true story, not just read an application that said you were expelled from pharmacy school, let them know the circumstances. I would apply to a few schools, maybe 5-6. Pick the ones with research that interests you and stay away from rankings. However, because of your past, I wouldnt aim for too high (sorry if that is rude, those schools just have very credible, smart students applying to them with outstanding resumes). I am confused about your "range" you speak of. I am assuming you are a chemistry student so you should have completed the same classes as everyone else has. If you would like, feel free to Private Message me. I dont understand why you cant write 2-3 pages highlighting your love for chemistry. You dont need to spend 2.5 out of the 3 on research or background or concrete evidence. You are trying to persuade them into thinking you are a great student. Why anecdotes? Just write from the heart. I have seen posts of people reading long research texts about how to write the proper SOP. That is crazy to me.

First off, relax. Life is short and there is no point losing your mind over the past. There are a number of horrible things happpening to great people everyday. Why lose your mind on something so small as school. For the SOP I would focus on the future.. I would spend a little bit discussing any circumstances and exactly what happened, the reasons why and how you have changed/imporved/matured. Focus on the future and how you want to excel and succeed. Also, is chemistry really what you want to do, or just a fall back plan because pharmacy school didnt work out? 5-6 years is a huge commitment, make sure you are actually ready for the step that you are planning on making. If I was reading an SOP with a situation like this I would worry about the seriousness of the student. Also, apply to schools within your reach. Not everyone needs to go to a top tier school, and I think you credentials have disqualified you from them anyway, no offense. But with your situation the SOP will be important, it is your chance to use your own words and let the school know everything. If you are looking for sympathy I cant help, and I dont believe anyone can here either. We all have our own situations to deal with. Let me give you a small heads up. Things can get very bad in life, much worse than a situation that will arise in school. Enjoy life, relax, dust your shirt off and stop with the pity party.

Lord, I didnt know you could get that high on the Quant portion. What schools, or levels of schools are you applying to? If it were me, I would not take it again. That quant is so high and I think the writing is decent enough to offset the verbal. Also, the verbal isnt too horrible. I think it is more important to show you can write, which a 4.5 means you did better than around 80% of the other test takers. I think if you wanted to attend the top schools it might matter a little; a very little. I think GRE scores are some of the least important aspects of an application and yours are pretty great even with the 59%. I wouldnt take it again.

Now that was advice

Hahahaha. Let's rename this forum: upperclassman complaints. Great advice all. Jeez

I, at least at this time, have no desire to try and complete a post doc. I have no desire to teach. I know that most students who plan on teaching are basically "required" to. I was curious how competative it is to get one. I asked my advisor and he said it was the best time he has had in his career, just pure research without any stress from school. I have seen positions open in the government, I imagine there arent many at a typical university due to funding. Is it a "who do ya know" thing?

If you have a pub that is being written and published as you say, annotate it in your CV. Write "Manuscript in Preperation" with the actual name of the article being published. Much better than nothing.

Also, I had a friend do horrible on the verbal and decent on the quant, not 164, and still get into a number of schools, including Columbia.

Hey Andyyy. I am currently applying as well, so I can only give you my opinion; which is probably just as good as anyone elses. It is a weird situation, but not one that would hurt you too badly, I think. Not every student has the oppurtunity to just go to school and complete research. I am thankful everyday that I have a wife that works hard enough so I can devote the time in the lab and our relationship and financial status wont suffer. I think your situation can help and hurt at the same time. First off, was your job chemistry related at all? Just curious, if it was that would be great. The time missed out of the lab will be a factor, but your work ethic, in my mind, should make up for it. I cant imagine completing this degree and working 40 hour weeks, for that you have my respect. I would put that maturity and mind-set well above the majority of my peers, THE MAJORITY. I think it is super important you do some serious research this year, as much as you can get done, which you have stated you have already started. I would follow your steps if I was in the same position. Discuss a little bit in the LOR, dont make excuses, and discuss your new current research. You technically dont need to put how long you have been in the lab unless they ask. Some might require a CV, then it would be neccessary. But sometimes ambiguity can be a good thing. I wouldnt worry about it too much. Your chances for a top ten might be shot, but there are a ton of other great schools out there. Everyone thinks this top 10 thing is the only acceptable way to go and have a great career and they fail to look at any other schools. There are so many students starting to apply that it will only get harder and more competative. I would also choose, maybe a few 20-30 and 1 or 2 schools that are 30-50, but only if the research is inspiring. Organic is everywhere, so it shouldnt be too hard. Best of luck and congrats on those grades while working that much.............P.S Do well on the GRE. If you do poorly on the Chem GRE dont send it, i.e unless you are certain you will do great, do not immeadiatley report your scores. That hurts so many students, especially in the October test where all they want to do is complete their apps. Get the score, it will take an extra day and some more cash, but you can be certain if it is a good idea or not. Also, dont worry about not having any pubs. Many students dont have any and complete great research. I have friends that have done nothing but pressed go on the IR and recieved a 2nd author position. NOT all journals are created equally. Not saying there arent students who do great work, there are so many, I am just saying. If the school doesnt want you because of that, is it really a school you want to go to?

Sorry, I should have been a little more straightfoward. I only mentioned the tax breaks because it was the only example I knew of a benefit for schools. I didnt mean that that specific break would have any influence on a departments decision, and in reality, I agree that it wouldnt at all.

Hey all, Just curious if anyone with any military background is applying to, or already in, a graduate program? I spent 4 years in the military and am curious if potential schools value this. I know they get tax breaks for taking veterans and what not, just curious of your experiences. I discussed it in my SOP's, in a small amount, and my history is listed in my CV. It seemse that some applications ask whether of not you have any experience and others dont. Just curious of anyones thoughts?

Hey guys. I used to live in Charlotte for a while so I feel it is my responsibility to shed some light on the area for those who are planning on moving. Charlotte is a beautiful city with many things to do. The city itself is clean and kinda boring, the only thing to do is eat. There is panther NFl football and a new AAA baseball team with beautiful stadium. The college itself is under construction building a transit metro train to take students from the college to the city, an awesome idea and prevents drinking and driving. There are a ton of places to live ranging in all sorts of prices. I recommend getting out of the immediate university area. That is where I lived and it is over populated and there is nothing to do. There are a wealth of two homes but they are starting to turn to crap and you might live next to people you'd rather not. For instance, my neighbor is an excellent drug dealer, but the neighborhood is still nice.lol. I recommend going south if you can afford it and pay gas. Also, west is nice. Areas to avoid is anything of 74 which can be rough and super busy. If you are the hippie type check out plaza mid wood or NODA area which all have cool fancy lofts. If you want a nice apartment in a fun neighboorhood anything around the immediate city if fun, but be carefull, some can be rough. If I had to do it again I'd live outside the city limits to avoid the high taxes and live in mint hill or Matthews. Also, if you move here, you have to eat at Cabo Fish Taco in NODA. You will thank me. The best fish tacos you will ever eat, we're on food network. Get the BBQ Mahi Mahi, classic. Hope this helps

Purdue is about the only school that doesn't, always wondered why? I am applying there and still took it. I also imagine everyone else applying there will have also taken it, just due to the fact they are applying elsewhere. If I were you, I would invest a week of intense studying and take it, it will only help. You would hate to not get in there just because you didn't take a standardized test that others did. Purdue seems to take a different approach to acceptance, from what I've seen anyway. They seem to value LORs, particularly from people who attended their school, and valuable research experience.

Holy mackeral pv1993.....Im just kidding. You are in a unique situation, and I guess all we can do as forum-ers is give you our opinion. I was kind of in your situation, just not to the degree you are. I was also in a lab where all I did was shake, mix, heat and weigh. Unfortunately, it took me over a year of being unhappy to finally find the courage to get the hell out. I received no pubs (unfortunately, when I entered I didnt realize how important that was), and all I will get out of it is an LOR, and Im only using it because I was in there for over a year and it will look fishy if I dont. I would just worry about relaying the reasons why you left each lab in your SOP. But I also wouldnt spend multiple paragraphs on it waisting time. You have a 4.0 at A&M, a pretty outstanding chemistry school, so there is no hiding that you are a great student. A lot of us can get away with good GPA's because our undergrad institution wasnt a great chemistry school so our classes were a bit easier. I would spend just a little time stating why you left, reasons like it wasnt were you felt you needed to be. I would focus more on your current lab, why you feel that is it for you and how you want to take the skills you learned from that lab and apply it to grad-school and the future. Dont let them question your integrity or the fluctuations you have made in the past. Sound certain of yourself and your choices. You will not be the first candidate who has been in different labs. Also, you could play them out as if you were only in there for specific projects that would not take very long. So once the project was finished, so was your obligation to the lab itself. Like students who do summer research programs, they only have 2 months at the school and then are done. Also, as I always add, have fun and goodluck. 4.0 at A&M is great. P.S I hope Johnny Manziel has a horrible year -A concerned football fan

Seriously, Im with Vene above. A score in the 88th percentile is freakin awesome. The math on the GRE, as you know, isnt even close to the type of math that you, or anyone is chemistry really, has been studying. It is a logic test, and the math is almost entirely logic based, with some basic algebra. If I receieved an 88 I would literally do a high kick out of sheer joy in the class room. This isnt a test that determines if you are good at math or not (and everyone knows it), it just interpets (I use that work very loosely) the way you think about things. If you think that an 88 will keep you out of a top program, well then what the hell will get in you; a 95, something almost unattainable. Save your money and go buy yourself a nice bottle of liquor, you deserve it. If I could add one more thing, I wouldnt focus on the GRE anymore. I would focus on my LOR's and my SOP. Sound like a human, not like a perfect robot. Display your passion for chemistry and make yourself come across as down to earth and eager. You might get to these schools and realize everyone is a tool and focus on things like the difference between an 88 or a 95. Have fun with it, you live once. The difference in a #6 school and a #26 is all relative, and if anyone says different they can shove it. In 40 years you wont care where you went, you will just have the memorys from it. As students we spend so much time waiting for this period in our life that we forget to have fun and enjoy it.

Ok, awesome. I just wanted to make sure you didnt have a year off or something where you weren't involved in any chemistry. That would be bad. Good luck!

Will you be done with school during the application season? Not sure if that question is clear; have you graduated and you are waiting around to apply again?

I agree with Alkyholic. Lets say you do spend a lot time buckling down and studying for either one of the tests; I cant imagine the score will improve drastically enough to warrant that time spent. Upenn, Princeton and UNC are all very good schools, and maybe the Chem GRE score is actually hurting you there. NYU isnt the best chem program, however the name is pretty well known. If I was in this situation I would not retake either of the tests, your general GRE scores are failrly good and the Chem GRE probably wont improve that much. I would focus on writing some very strong SOP's, getting quality LOR's, submitting that pub and I would look at more schools. Fortunatly P.Chem is offered at every school for PhD programs (unlike somethings like analytical) and there are a wealth of other great programs that will have an easier time looking past a 51 on the Chem GRE. If you want to study P.Chem I wouldnt apply to NYU. The program isnt that great and you have a better chance at getting in at other larger public universities. I always think: "If they wont accept me because I got a lower score on some standardized test that in no way shows my abilities as a chemist, I personally dont want to go there".

What schools are you planning on applying for?