rec0030

I'm ending my junior year, and I'm estimating that my GPA is about to go from a 3.7 to a 3.6. This is due to having some mental health issues (including a week in the hospital), and I'm afraid that I won't be as competitive when I start applying in the fall. I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I plan to take it this summer. I also plan to shadow in some hospitals since my interest is in swallowing. I'm also starting a research project this summer studying why CFY students aren't accepted into acute care positions, and I'm considering doing a PhD. I will at least do a master's thesis. So far, I have these schools on my list: Auburn University (where I currently attend) University of South Alabama University of Memphis University of Central Florida University of Tennessee Florida State University of Florida. Is that a good number? I'm hoping that my interest in research will help me to stand out, and I know some of these schools have combined MS/PhD programs. I'm just worried that my GPA puts me at a disadvantage, even if I bring it up some in the fall. Thoughts?