Undergrad Institution (approx. rank/reputation in STEM): Top 5 institution in the country. Probably for the world, too.
Major(s): A somewhat unique engineering major. Similar to chemical engineering with elective focus on biological engineering topics. Minor(s): German GPA in Major: x.xx/4.00 Will be ~3.30/4.00 when applying Overall GPA: x.xx/4.00 3.18/4.00, should be ~3.25/4.00 when applying. I had a very rough first two years and have a very strong upward trend Demographics/Background: White female. First generation college student and international adoptee, if that counts for anything.
GRE Scores: Q: xxx (xx%) V: xxx (xx%) W: x.x (xx%)
Will be taking in a few weeks. Predicting 160V/165Q based on recent practice tests. LOR: Should be strong. One from my PI (also took one of his graduate level courses and did well), one from the head of my major's undergraduate department (has witnessed my strong upward academic trend), and then one from a very influential professor who has taught multiple graduate level courses in my field of interest (also did very well) Research Experience: 1.5 years in a somewhat well-known microfluidics/systems biology PI's lab. Not quite my field of interest.
Publications/Abstracts/Presentations: No publications. Have presented at undergraduate research conference at my university a couple of times, but that probably doesn't mean much...
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Was awarded a $4k grant by my undergraduate institution to do my research this summer.
Fellowships/Funding: Might apply to P.D. Soros Fellowship for New Americans. But honestly I don't think I have a chance of receiving any awards.
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I worked in the R&D department at a chemical plant the summer after my first year.
Other Miscellaneous Accomplishments:
Anything else in your application that might matter (faculty connections, etc.): I know I can write a strong SOP.
Research Interests: Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. I enjoy topics regarding spinal cord and musculoskeletal repair.
Institutions/Programs: Applying to biomedical engineering programs only.
University of Washington*
Columbia*
Rice
Washington University in St. Louis*
Northwestern*
UCSD
Duke
UC Davis
UCLA
Still thinking of a few others like University of Pittsburgh and University of Utah. Yes, I know I am aiming too high. * are my favorites.
Comments:
My institution is infamous for grade deflation (this may already give my school away, but whatever), but I know this is no excuse for my terrible GPA. I know that it closes a lot of doors for me. I had personal issues going on my first two years, but I don't think it is anything significant enough to mention in my SOP because I wasn't diagnosed with cancer or something like that. However, I do have a strong upward trend -- my GPA for my final 1.5 years will be ~3.40. The head of my department has told me I shouldn't worry as much as I am as long as I'm not aiming for top 5 programs, but I feel like a mess. I am desperate for just one interview at one of the schools listed. I really, really, really don't want to work instead of continuing school after I graduate. I also don't think I can afford to do an unfunded master's program instead, but I may apply to some with later deadlines if (more like when) I get absolutely nothing. Sorry this turned into a bit of a rant.
@gummybear9 I feel like we are slightly similar applicants. In which area of tissue engineering/biomaterials are you interested? I am also itching to get out to the west coast but feel mediocre. I am honestly afraid of not even getting an interview anywhere. The head of my department insists that I should not be as hung up on my GPA as I currently am, but that sounds fake, hahaha