Undergrad Institution: University of California school, top 50 Major(s): Molecular, Cell Dev Biology Minor(s): N/A GPA in Major: 2.88 Overall GPA: 2.99 Position in Class: Not sure Type of Student: Domestic GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 159 V: 159 W: 3.5 (I'm really hoping my verbal score compensates for this score) B: N/A Research Experience: Will have about 2 years worth at various top institutions at the time of submitting applications. Currently doing a one year research position in bioinformatics at a top 10 university. Learned/implementing various programming and statistical methods in analyzing RNA-Sequencing data; comfortably I might add. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: N/A Pertinent Activities or Jobs: English tutor Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Second-author manuscript in the works, contributed to the construction of a widely used plant metabolics database (contributed to the paper as well). Special Bonus Points: Three recommenders are faculty/researchers at the places I have worked. My current PI is a frequent collaborator with the POI at one of the programs I applied to; I will be assisting with data analysis for the POI's lab in the next month or so. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Explained my reason for the low GPA (which was caused by low grades in two terms) thoroughly; have had an upward trend in GPA since then (above 3.1 for multiple terms). Explained that my GPA does not reflect my abilities to apply my knowledge in research, which I am certain my recommenders will attest to.
Already was accepted to Northeastern University's MS in Bioinformatics but I am trying for PhD programs because I know for sure (out of experience, especially during my current lab position) that I want to go into research and want to make a career out of it. Never felt so sure about anything else.
Applying to Where:
Dartmouth College - MCB
University of Connecticut - MCB, Genetics and Genomics concentration
University of Kentucky - Biology, tailored track (already spoke with the POI - he replied saying I was a good fit for his lab)
Seeing everyone elses profiles is definitely disheartening to me, given my low GPA. But I am being optomistic about my background in research, especially in the application of computational methods which I have had experience in. I believe I might have a shot at these programs. I spoke with POIs/directors at each of the programs and told them my situation and reasons for applying. If they expressed some sort of interest I submitted my application to that program.
Anyways, thoughts and comments are welcome.