ThinkA

Congrats @simulatedReality! What a good feeling! I was also on the short list for 187 (cellular and molecular biology) and received notice of a PGS-D offer by email on June 5th.

@Bioenchilada @whybanana Thanks for the advice, I will take it into consideration while deciding to write my GRE! I am only interested in attending US schools if they are in the top-tier, because Canadian PhD programs are of similar value for my future.

I am an international student with lots of research potential but poor grades. Would like some input on my competitiveness before taking the GRE. Trying to decide is I should apply to US schools or focus on Canadian. Undergrad Institution: University of Western Ontario (Pretty good Canadian research University)Major(s): Biology with a specialization in Genetics Minor(s): Immunology and Microbiology GPA in Major: 3.3/4.0Overall GPA: 2.8/4.0Position in Class: We don't do position, but on deans donor list in 4th yearType of Student: International, Female GRE Scores (revised/old version): Haven't taken yet Q:V:W:B:Research Experience: Current Masters student in Biology, co-supervised in Medical Biophysics. - Medical Biophysics Lab Assistant (September 2015 – August 2016) - Honours Thesis Project in biology (September 2015 – May 2016) - NSERC – USRA (paid research grant in Biology) (May 2015 – August 2015) - Animal Physiology Lab Assistant (June 2014 – April 2015) - Immunology Lab Assistant (May 2013 – April 2014) Publications: - 1 first author published, 1 first author in review, 1 first author in progress Conferences: - 3 International (poster), 3 National (1 poster with award, 2 oral), 1 Provincia (oral) l and 2 local (oral, both with awards)Awards/Honors/Recognitions: - None Pertinent Activities or Jobs: - TA in 2 courses (both Biology) - Lots of volunteer work in mental health and crisis intervention - On undergraduate education committee for our society of Graduate students Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...) - Grad courses: Introduction to Medical Biophysics (3.9/4.0) and Developmental Biology Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:Applying to Where: Hoping to continue a joint biology/medical biophysics type program. I am interested in using imaging to detect fetal fat development, but flexible with research interests. Harvard - BBS Columbia - Joint Biology and biophysics Johns Hopkins - BCMB and CMDP Any input would be great!