Thought I'd put this here as a reference (especially for international students)
Undergrad Institution: Private top 10 universityMajor(s): BiologyMinor(s): Chemistry, evolutionary anthropologyGPA in Major: 4.0Overall GPA: 3.8Position in Class: n/aType of Student: International FemaleGRE Scores:Q: 166 (91%)V: 167 (98%)W: 4.5 (82%)Research Experience:
Undergraduate research since second semester sophomore year in plant phenology lab, with second research position in entomology lab started summer of sophomore year.
Two summer programs on big data research.
Currently working on senior thesis in entomology lab.Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
Dean's list, dean's list with honors every semester but one.Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Exec board member of Bio Majors union.Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Teaching experience, both in tutoring and teaching classes locally and overseas.
Some experience in Python and Java programming, good background in mathematics.
4 presentations and 2 poster sessions with summer research.
Special Bonus Points:
Both PIs that I work with are well known in their fields. All three of my letters are from academic faculty and as far as I know are fairly strong.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
Contacted all POI's through email and phone/skype before the writing process.
Fairly confident in SOP writing in general - not that it matters but fun fact: third place in national creative writing competition back home once
Areas of interest:
Biogeography, big data, effects of anthropogenic change on plant and/or insect interactions and evolution.
Applying for PhD programs in (updating with results when I remember):
U Minnesota EEB (Interviewed, received offer letter - Feb)
UC Irvine EEB (Interviewed, received offer letter - Feb)
U of Florida Biology (Interviewed)
UW - Madison Entomology/Integrative Biology (Interviewed)
Harvard OEB (Interviewed)
Stanford Biology (Rejected)