Tidus

Biomed isn't my field so can't really comment upon the differences between UK programs and yours in terms of content, but UK undergrad degrees are generally more specialised than US ones. They also work on a system where 70% is considered as ~4.0 in the US system, with a 65 being a decent mark (enough to be considered for most graduate degrees). So I'm therefore kinda surprised you singled out the UK as being the most different. If 6.5 is considered quite reasonable I'd wonder if you could maybe use a different conversion? http://www.foreigncredits.com/Resources/GPA-Calculator/Netherlands, first link I found, gives 3.0 by just plugging your 6.5 into it.

I'd spent some time looking at his group and you're not the first person to suggest him as a good person to work with, so I've just sent off an e-mail to get in touch and ask a few questions about the potential direction of future research projects he might work on. I'd been previously looking at the Polar Climate group there but agree that Zappa's group could be a good fit too. Thanks.

Undergrad Institution: UK, Top 20 globally for Earth science Major: Earth Science Overall GPA: 1st Class Honours (~3.5-4ish? depends how it's interpreted) Position in Class: Near top Type of Student: International, male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Revised Q: 168 V: 165 W: 4.5 Research Experience: Dissertations on flood modelling and wind regimes/geology of Mars. Co-author on paper related to Mars project. Summer volunteer research assistant on meteorological/geophysical hazard assessments Two years employment in UK maths department (top 3 globally) researching polar oceanography. One additional paper submitted, two more in progress, several reports written. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: N/A Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Maths tutor, several years Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Masters in Earth science, same institution as undergrad. Special Bonus Points: Well known first recommender, significant field-work experience in area of application. Applying to Where: University of Washington – Atmospheric Sciences (maybe others) – Polar oceanography UC-Boulder – Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences – Polar oceanography Scripps, UCSD – Oceanography – Polar oceanography Columbia – Earth and Environmental Sciences – Polar oceanography Possibly 1-2 more ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Looking to do something polar ocean/atmosphere/sea ice related incorporating some modelling, remote sensing or field measurements. Any comments/questions welcome, still not totally decided on which schools/departments I'll be applying to. I’m in touch with faculty at each of the ones mentioned.