[NSERC PGSD 2018-2019]

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. 

[2018 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results]

@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.  

[2018 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results]

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:  3.3/4.0
Overall GPA: 2.8/4.0
Position in Class: We don't do position, but on deans donor list in 4th year
Type 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!