Cain and Able

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. As a clarification point, the point about the "recommended GPAs" comes from how I cannot find much information on several (not all) of the programs average GPA. I should have been clearer. This makes it difficult to determine if I would be an appropriate candidate. I greatly appreciate the list of recommended schools. My GPA being low is due to Calc I & II along with Physics I & II. Most of the other courses I have taken I got A or A- in for Biochemistry (2 semesters of bioc, 1 course of lab bioc, 1 course in technical communication bioc). I have also taken several upper division science electives (Immunology, biostatistics, genetics, strategy statistics). I was hoping my analytical economics coursework would compensate for my poor marks in calculus. Perhaps I was mistaken. Either way, your comment was very helpful.

Undergrad Institution: University of Iowa Major(s): Biochemistry (BS), Economics (BS - Analytical) Minor(s): None GPA in Major: 3.1 Overall GPA: 3.5 Position in Class: Unknown Type of Student: Domestic, Male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 165 V: 165 W: 5.0 B: N/A Research Experience: 2 paper co-authored, 2 presentations given, 3 years of lab experience in a cancer biology/biochemistry lab Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Honors Program, Multiple minor scholarships Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA for 1 semester Biochemistry Survey Course (upper level), Chapter Treasurer for Professional Chemistry Fraternity for two years Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Strong letters of rec from the PI of my lab, my Organic I professor, and Biochemistry professor Special Bonus Points: I plan on taking 6 credits of grad classes (Biophysical Chemistry I and II) and I have taken a great deal of statistics (biostatics and normal) Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Applying to Where: Dartmouth College - Biochemistry or Experimental Medicine Vanderbilt - Biochemistry University of Iowa - Biochemistry WUSTL - Biochemistry University of Chicago - Biochemistry Norte Dame - Biochemistry I don't know where to apply. I am not sure where to check rankings for grad programs. My GPA is low, but I believe my upper-level coursework in Biophysical Chemistry will demonstrate that I am proficient in the necessary areas. Most programs I have seen only recommend a GPA of 3.0+ to be competitive. Any feedback or advice is helpful. Thanks!