[Please Assess My Chances]

23 hours ago, StringTheory said:

Cheme145,

This probably isn't the answer you want to hear, but I think it's important. When looking for your potential schools, select based on who's working there and what they're doing. When you attend a grad program, you'll be working with these people, so it's really important to establish that you're interested in what these people are doing, and also that you like the area the school is located in.

Once you have a nice list of places with people who interest you, take a look at how these schools are ranked. This will give you a feel for which are safeties, reaches, etc. Alternatively you could post your list here and people will give you their opinions.

In my opinion, you seem experienced and have strong academics. Take a lot of time to write an awesome statement, get some good LORs, and you'll do great!

StringTheory, thanks for the feedback and compliments. 

I've been told before that finding the right lab and advisor are crucial to grad school success. In all honesty, I'm just trying to get a rough fit as to where people with similar backgrounds were accepted. I got a lot of research and emails to write; thats for sure. Tricky part is looking for chemEs that transitioned to a biochem or biotech grad program. 

[Please Assess My Chances]

Hi,

Just wondering if you guys can tell me what you think would be realistic options, "safe" options, and reach schools for a PhD in biochem (biofuel or protein emphasis).

Undergrad Institution: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT, transfer from JC)
Major(s):  Chemical Engineering (possible a double with chemistry, undecided... it would limit the amount of research I'd be doing in the upcoming semesters).
Minor(s):  Chemistry
GPA in Major:  3.7-3.8
Overall GPA:  3.7-3.8 (at NMT, had a 3.4 at my junior college; overall from both 3.5 on 190 semester units)
Position in Class: ??
Type of Student: hispanic, non-traditional student, first generation

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: TBD
V:  TBD
W:  TBD
B:  Not taken
Research Experience:

Summer internship with chem-startup. By this time next year, I'll have ~16 months in the same research lab. Currently working with algae for biofuel production. Professor is confident that the lab should be publishing within 6 months. 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 

None at NMT
Pertinent Activities or Jobs

Undergraduate researcher
Four semester as a chemistry lab TA

Tutored for 2 years
Special Bonus Points: 

I really like teaching, passionate about it. 
Applying to Where: 

This is where i'm looking for help. Not sure what is realistic and how high I should aim (without just throwing money away in applications and transcripts). 

Any suggestions as to if I should bear down and go for the double major (16-20 units per semester) or should I supplement chemE with other chem/bio courses (~14 units per semester) while putting more time towards research? Biggest difference between double majoring is the amount of time spent in labs and the additional senior research project.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.