Hello, I have a few questions/concerns about chemistry graduate school and was wondering if anyone has advice for me. Here is my situation:
I am currently a junior undergrad at Grand Valley State University and am majoring in chemistry. I want to attend graduate school and earn my PhD, but I am worried about my grades and was wondering about my chances of admission. (I know I won't make it into a top tier program, but I'm not concerned about that.)
I just had finals and don't have all my grades in yet, but based on what I do know my GPA is probably going to be about a 3.45-3.48. My major GPA will be between about a 3.20-3.24. I really struggled in calculus physics this semester and got my first ever C+. I also took an upper level biochem course this semester and I know I'll end up with either a B- or C+ (not good but my professor was god awful). Besides these classes my grades have for the most part been very solid - not always all As but almost never anything worse than a B. I've also been doing research for one of my professors since the summer and will continue through the next semester at least. I will also be presenting the research at Pittcon in March. I know I will get a very strong letter of recommendation from this professor. I haven't had any internships or other relevant work experience but I'm actively looking and will hopefully find something for the summer. I haven't taken the GRE yet but I am planning on it.
I am interested in applying to Michigan State University's analytical chemistry program. If I can keep my GPA at about a 3.5 it seems like I have a good chance of admission, but to be honest I really don't know, and I know they look at more than just GPA. It's probably hard to say what my chances of admission are since I haven't taken the GRE yet, but does it sound like I at least have a chance at this point? I'm afraid I won't get in anywhere because of my GPA. To me, a 3.48 sounds really low. I had a 4.2 in high school and even my college GPA was much better before this semester (3.62). The last few months have been really rough for me for a lot of reasons, and I think it has affected my GPA. I had a tough course load on top of everything else, but my courses next semester should be a bit easier and I do think I'll be able to raise my GPA back above a 3.5. Should I retake the biochem with a different professor and try to get a better grade?
My other concern is this: If I do make it into grad school, I am worried that I won't be able to get the grades I need to pass. To be honest I get more Bs than As in my chemistry courses, but besides the biochem I've been very solid (nothing worse than a B). I'm afraid that if I can't get all/mostly As in undergraduate chemistry courses, there's no way I'll be able to handle the graduate courses. Any advice?