Hey everybody,
I have searched through the threads for a while and could not find anything similar to my situation, so I figured I would ask for any insight.
I am going to be applying to graduate schools this year (for Fall 2015) and have been worrying a lot about my lack of research experience. I am a non-traditional student and have been working 40+ hours a week since starting college. Unfortunately, this did not allow me the time to pursue research opportunities thus far. I have started working on a research project with a professor at my school over the summer and plan to continue until I graduate (Spring 2015) but I am worried it is too little too late. Just for background, it is an organic synthesis project and I wish to attend graduate school for organic chemistry.
I explained my situation in my SOP, and I am getting LOR from my research advisor, the head of the chemistry department, another organic professor, and the assistant manager at my job (I've been there 11 years and known the manager for 9). They all know me very well and I believe will write great letters.
I am taking the general GRE this weekend and the chemistry GRE in october. I have been studying all summer, and I believe I will do well. My overall/major GPA is 4.0.
If I do well on the GRE's, is there any chance I could get into a good school? I would really like to go to UCI, and was also going to pick one from top 10, one from top 20, etc... If anybody has any advice I would be so grateful. I just do not want to waste the time preparing applications if it is not practical. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.