LoyalDobe-bbDD

Thank you both, that was very helpful and I will certainly follow that advice!

I hope some of you more experienced individuals out there can help me a bit. I am interested in genetics (evolutionary, population, breeding, disease (particularly cardiac diseases related to DCM, HCM) and genomics). My problem is, that I have done quite a bit of research but just keep getting lead back to the same two schools (UF and UGA). The research they are working on is fascinating to me and I can really see myself following that path. I will be applying to both; however I know I am not the strongest candidate (I graduated 2 years ago but have been kept busy with terminal illnesses in the family that I've had to deal with). I am finally getting back on track though. I don't have the necessary research experience and have been unable to find a way to get it. Other than that, I had a great GPA. I will be taking my GRE this next week. I am trying to find a few schools to apply to as a plan B. I have been reading relevant research papers but again keep getting lead back to the same schools (many of them overseas - not something I can do). I am looking in SC, GA, FL and nearby states (limited unfortunately to where I can move as my grandmother is in poor health and will have to come with). Do any of you have specific recommendations or a suggestion of a good site that will help me search? I did find that Clemson has a program but I am not sure my chances are much better there than the other two. I am also going to look at Georgia State University. I am also toying around with applying to masters programs instead of doctoral programs as well as applying to wildlife management programs (also interested in this field as well as I have started some of my own research in this area). It wouldn't be my dream program but it is something I plan on pursuing in the future anyway.