Looking for some feedback on my application as a whole! I'll be applying this coming cycle with a significant amount of hands-on experience to hopefully offset my lower GPA and presumably not-stellar GRE scores. I am scheduled to take the GRE in the next month, and my three practice tests have hovered at Q: 155, V: 160 so I am assuming they'll stay within that range.
I'm looking to apply to some competitive Structural Biology/Biophysics programs.
Undergrad Institution: Top-3 Univ. o. Calif.Major(s): Biology - Emphasis in Cell/Molec. BioGPA in Major: 3.35Overall GPA: 3.24 (Last 60 units: 3.6)Position in Class: Unsure, definite upward trend through last two years. Poor Start Freshman year due to medical issues with family.Type of Student: DomesticGRE Scores (revised/):Q: 155 (Practice Test)V: 160 (Practice Test)W: -B: N/A, not planning to takeResearch Experience:
2 years undergrad research lab experience (Genotyping Facility/Primate Research Facility)
4 years post-undergrad Industry research experience in Biophysics/Protein Biochemistry group.Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's list last year at undergrad.Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I've worked at two large well-known biotech companies (one for 1 year, the other for 3+ years) in protein biochemistry/structural biology/biophysics labs as an RA. Learned a significant amount of biophysical techniques and had great exposure to running my own research projects (have put together internal posters on my findings). No publications as a result of the IP issues surrounding the drugs we develop (unfortunately), but I can talk extensively about the experience I've gained in my SOP relating to the novel techniques I've developed for my projects.Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:Special Bonus Points: LOR writers have some ideal connections at schools I'm applying to (as in, they're former colleagues with the professors I intend to reach out to soon, so hopefully that bodes well on the impact of their recommendation).Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: The only other thing worth pointing out is that my LORs will be coming only from industry directors. All are PhD-level (and also are alumni of the schools to which I am most interested in applying). My managers/PIs from undergrad wont be able to write nearly as strong a recommendation for me as those who have seen the research I've done over the last 4 years in industry.Applying to Where:
Harvard - BCSB (super longshot)
Columbia - Biochem/Molec. Biophys.
Stanford - Biophysics
UCSF - Biophysics
UC Berkeley - Biophysics
UCLA - BIochem/Molec./Structural Bio program
Univ. of Washington
Thanks for any and all feedback!