CoffeeFueledAnxiety

Hi everyone! I have undergraduate degree from an International university that is let's just say pretty much unknown in the US even though it is a top one in my country. Even though I have decent application materials, I am not really confident with my chances in scoring any of the PhD slots since the international competition is really tight and all the other international students have superb stats and research experience. Now I am thinking about getting a master first to increase my research experience and chances of PhD enrollment next time. I am quite confident with my stats when it comes to master degree. However funding is an issue and I have been struggling to find master programs in the US with aid. Does anyone knows master with either guaranteed assistantship or at least high percentage of funding for their enrolled master students? Keep in mind, too, that I am international student. My research interest is in molecular biology, specifically leaning towards molecular cancer biology. I also considers general biology programs with broad subject coverage since I have seen that usually there are still few professors who are leaning towards molecular cancer research everywhere. Thank you in advance!

Finally done with the GRE and can give my two cents Manhattan 1: 160V 159Q Manhattan 2: 160V 160Q Manhattan 3: 161V 160Q Manhattan 4: 162V 160Q Manhattan 5: 160V 161Q Manhattan 6: 160V 162Q PowerPrep I 161V 166Q PowerPrep II 161Q 164Q Real GRE: 159V 163Q Obviously, both Manhattan and PowerPrep were quite accurate in predicting my score. I am a bit disappointed that my verbal score is lower than any of my practice test and that my quant is lower than both PowerPrep. They are still in my target score range, though. English is also not my first language, so I think they are still decent score.

Hi everyone! Please look at my profile and tell me your thoughts and feedback. As an International student from quite un-kown university and no MS degree, I am still pretty much on the fence about the whole applying to PhD thing. Do you guys think I have a chance at all on this or am I really just delusional? Should I just go find a master degree first from a reputable US or at least top European schools then come back later? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Undergrad Institution: Non Popular International University (Though top research one in my country)Major(s): Pharmaceutical ScienceMinor(s): -GPA in Major: 3.60Overall GPA: 3.60Position in Class: Most likely near topType of Student: International Female, First gen college gradGRE Scores (revised):Q: 163 (85%ile)V: 159 (82%ile)W: still waiting for official scoreTOEFL Total: 119/120Research Experience: 2 years (started as senior thesis and now still working on it as research assistant) - the use of protein cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell (including nanoparticle formulation, antibody conjugation, cell cultures, electrophoresis, etc) 1 summer internship in Serbia - examining substance's anti-genotoxic effect on damaged cells (comet assay) 1 short (5 months) independent group research project on in-vivo test of plant extracts One publication under review on international journal (middle author) and one paper still on writing stage (probably won't help any)Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Government research grant - for the group project Uni merit-based scholarship for one academic year Finalist on International chemical product design competitionPertinent Activities or Jobs: 1 Semester TA in lab 1 month RnD Intern at pharmaceutical company Currently research assistant in my undergrad uniAny Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: - Special Bonus Points: -Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: First generation college grad I expect the three LoR to be great, however I realize that they are not well-known for US adcom Applying to Where:PennState University - Molecular and Cell Biology University of Maryland, College Park - Biological Science Georgetown University - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Florida State University - Cell, Molecular Biology University of Delaware - Biological Science Let me know what you think, thanks!