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UCSD Neuroscience is my top choice. I have applied there last year and I thought applying to their Biomedical and Biological Sciences program would increase my chances of getting into the school. However, I was unsuccessful and the reply I got from them is that most applicants have higher GPA and GRE scores. My GPA is already about top 10-15% of my school (first class honours) but after conversion to a 4 point scale its about 3.64/4 which may not be impressive. My GRE score is a little low, I am working on that now. I may be able to publish a second author paper this year and have more than 2 years of working experience. If I were to apply to Biological sciences program as my first choice rather than neuroscience which is the hardest to get in, do you think it might increase my chances of getting in? Thanks in advance.

Thank you so much for your comments. I checked here: http://education.scripps.edu/graduate_programs/admissions/index.html where they mentioned that though the subject test is highly recommended, it is not required?

Hi, I am currently working in National University of Singapore (NUS). I have colleagues who are similar to your profile - with masters, >320 GRE scores , etc. and have been accepted into NUS PhD program. So, I think you should be fine. Though you should contact a prof who is working in your area of interests first, who will then endorse your application to NUS.

Undergrad Institution: Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), young university but rising fast in the ranksMajor(s): Biological SciencesMinor(s): - GPA in Major: -Overall GPA: 4.52/5, approx. 3.67/4Position in Class: First class honoursType of Student: International StudentGRE Scores (revised/old version): revised, I will be taking GRE againQ: 160V: 156W: 4.5B: -Research Experience: (At your school or elsewhere? What field? How much time? Any publications (Mth author out of N?) or conference talks etc...) About 6 months doing my final year project on a heart disease, learnt patch clamp through this experience. About 2.5 years working in a protein phosphatase lab, working on protein-protein interactions and Parkinson disease. Currently writing a paper, probably second author out of three or four authors. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: No awards related to biologyPertinent Activities or Jobs: Volunteer at Singapore science centre teaching science to kids. Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: I skipped a year in my undergraduate course because I also have a diploma in Biomedical Sciences. Special Bonus Points: Recommender is from U.S. has very wide connections in u.s.a. Working in a research lab that has connections to DUKE University.Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:Applying to Where: All neuroscience departments UCSD (Applied last year but was not successful) Cold Spring harbour Scripps Research Institute University of Queensland Are there any schools that I would have higher chance of getting in? I understand it is really difficult for international students to get in.