virus guy

Ya I've gotten those email's as well, just got one about 10 minutes ago actually. I don't think they've actually started looking at the home group (Immunity and Microbial Pathogenesis) yet. Also I've seen two interviews for UNC BBSP. I know a lot of people on here applied there but I haven't seen anyone claim the interview.

Got an Interview for UAB GBS- Microbiology theme. App was completed (all files matched to my application) on 11/26.

YES! Couldn't agree more. The admission people I have talked to have all singled out letters of recommendation being one of the most important aspect of your application. In addition research experience is just as important as your letters.

One of my professors taught at a top ten institution (scripps research) and she was on the admissions committee for a few years. She told me that there are three things the admission committee will look at to decide if an applicant should be invited to interview, GPA, Letters of rec, and GRE. 2 OUT OF 3 is what you need to get an interview. In addition research experience is a MASSIVE benefit. She also told me that GRE scores are one of the last components they look at.

Your overall is like mine (3.3 overall), and your last 60 is just like mine (3.6). Your GRE scores are very good, so you should get past the filters for GPA and GRE. What kind of research experience do you have? Do you have any posters or papers?

With the CV you want whoever is reading it to at least be intrigued by whatever research you were doing. It's a balance between too much and not enough. For my CV I put just enough to make it clear that I knew what I was doing.

I agree that as a science applicant the Q score looks very bad. I'm actually not that bad at math I just need to be in a class to learn the material better. I fully understand the need for good time management skills and I didn't mean for my research to sound like a cop out. In my opinion if the grad school is looking at how to evaluate my time management skills my letters will more clearly outline my skills.

I have contacted some of the schools I have applied to and they told me to just take the test and leave it behind. I agree with everyone's idea of re-taking the test. If I did this I would have to take a class for it, I would need the extra help. I asked my PI if I should mention the GRE in my personal statement and explain the scores and he said no. I really appreciate the feedback here.

They're not the best, Q=about 25 %, V=about 59%, A=about 56 %. The programs I'm applying to don't have the highest regard for the GRE.

Undergrad Institution: Small state school Major(s): Molec/Cell Bio Minor(s): None GPA in Major: 3.43 Upper div bio classes: 4.0 Overall GPA: 3.3 Last 60 GPA: 3.63 Position in Class: not listed GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 144 V: 153 W: 4.0 Research Experience: I have 2.5 years working in a molecular virology lab. 1 manuscript in prep in which I am first author. 1 presented poster at a symposium, another abstract submitted to another conference in summer (all first author). Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Deans list 3 semesters running, NSF travel grant Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA for molec cell lab, Student instructor for Molec Cell lecture, Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: My GRE scores are low, I wish they were higher but I put much more of my time into my research. My GPA have been on the rise for the past 2 years. My upper division bio classes have all gone very well. My letters of rec are very strong, a small school means all of the profs know you. I have what I think is a good SOP, good story and reasons for motivation. Applying to Where: Bio Grad Programs: ASU UCSF (reach) Stanford (reach) UNC OHSU UCI UCD Drexel UAB UCLA (reach)