Undergrad Institution: University of Southern Maine Major(s): Biochemistry Minor(s): Biology GPA in Major: 3.4 in Biology and Chemistry, 3.7 in overall sciences (Physics helps me there a lot) Overall GPA: 3.6 Position in Class: Not sure Type of Student: domestic, white female GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 156 (64%) V: 156 (71%) W: 4.5 (80%) Biochem: Taking 9/27, hoping to redeem myself with this. General GRE wasn't too hot. Research Experience: From undergraduate I have a cumulative of 2 years experience in 3 different labs (6mo, 3mo, and 15mo) in mol bio/biochem/biotech labs. From the 15mo research I recently had a paper accepted to Chembiochem (I think its like a 3 on impact scale). I did summer (3mo) research in a biochem lab with a focus on cancer. I just started a year long research job at UC Denver. By the time grad school starts (fingers crossed) - 3.25 years experience, all in academic settings.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Scholarship from my first college (I transferred after 2 years), Dean's list scattered here and there, best undergrad/overall poster at a regional conference, life science award from cardno entrix, chemistry community award from my undergrad institution for my work in clubs spreading chemistry knowledge/love. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Chemistry Club (secretary), Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Student club VP, Regional chapter board member), Tutor in chemistry (general, analytical, biochemistry), TA of organic lab (1 semester), biochem lab (1 semester), general chemistry recitation (2 semesters). Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: One of my recommenders went to grad school at Rockefeller, and did his postdoc at Harvard. Not sure how much this will help, but I am looking to go into the same field as he is in so maybe I'll end up interviewing with someone who knows him . Regardless, all of my LOR are strong. Special Bonus Points: I've presented 8 posters, one oral, at two national conferences, several other regional. My lab experience covers mol bio/biochem well - I have experience in cloning (in every lab I've worked in), loads of mol bio techniques, EM/DIC/Fluorescence microscopy, etc etc. Applying to Where:
All Ph.D programs
MIT - Biology
Harvard - MCB
UPenn - Biochemistry & Biophysics
Rockefeller - Chemical Biology
UC Denver - Biomedical Science Program
Berkeley - Chemical Biology
Uni Washington - MCB
I realized I'm shooting high, but I decided to say the hell with safeties.. I don't want to settle. If I don't get in, my plan is to move back to the east coast, get a research job in Boston, and try again next year. Hoping to destroy the biochem gre next weekend !
