Hey, So its my turn to apply this year and I suppose Im just wanting to get external input from the community. I had transferred from a small community college to a decent research university and have been doing wonderful I feel. However I want to make sure im level headed and not being too ambitious for what I have; Im hoping for a reality check in case im out of line…anyways here we go-
Undergrad Institution: Big Undergraduate Research University in Florida (Came from community College after two years) Major(s): Cell & Molecular Biology GPA in Major: 3.83 Overall GPA: 3.93 Position in Class: Top 7%
Type of Student: Domestic White GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 160 V: 156 Research Experience:
Neuro Research (My primary lab)
-(1 Year Now, 2 years by Graduation: Started immediately after transfer to the university): Focus on neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimers/Parkinson’s) with a focus on mechanism & preventative drug design. One poster presentation – Started writing my undergraduate research thesis on this material. We are expecting to publish early spring and I have been invited to present at a conference early January.
(Something of significance I believe is that when I joined this lab I worked directly with the PI in creating and testing a new preliminary study of interest; Today I am now running it mostly independently except for when my PI is either needed for approval or intervention.)
Cancer Research (Side Lab)
- (Spring 2018 Only): Designed and tested preliminary rounds looking at the dietary effects on cancer cells. (This lab was real offered as a one semester experience for a select 30 students).
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (Within your school or outside?)
Honor/Academic Societies:
Phi Theta Kappa
Golden Key Society
Phi Kappa Phi
Chemistry Society
Office of Undergraduate Research
Universities Honor College
Awards (Really only one of significance):
Academia Excellence: Chemistry (Only one awarded per year)
Recognitions
Deans List every semester except last – got my first B
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, SPS officer etc...)
Tutored General Biology, General Chemistry, and Calculus (Freshman & Sophmore year) Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...)
-My current PI is relatively big in the alpha syn world and with a few large publications, however he has not had too many in the past 4 years do to some of the large projects he has taken on. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
-Ive taken plenty of great upper level courses (4000 Level); Immunology, developmental biology, Molec bio of cell/gene. Finished all with A's. Will be taking Biochem and Exp. Genetics this fall.
-I have for sure two very good recommenders. My current PI, and a well-recognized immunologist from Duke Im close with.
-I will also certainly mention that as I have gone through my undergrad I have consistently worked a retail Job for 20hr/week. It was just something that has provided to be only a minor hinderence, but I believe I have still managed quite a bit of success.
Applying to Where : (1) Duke – Stem Cell/Developmental Bio
(2) Wisconsin State - Stem Cell
(3) Weill Cornell - Developmental Bio
(4) University of Utah – Regenerative Medicine/Stem Cell
(5) Yale – Developmental Bio
Each school calls it something different, but the focus is on regenerative medicines
Many of these schools have great funding and collaborative opportunities of my interest. I plan to add/remove a couple of these but before that I think I may want some input. Are some of these schools far too ambitious for myself though? I mean looking at everyone elses so far I don’t seem to compare too well. I know my letters and a fantastic SOP can do wonders but I suppose I would like anyone’s opinion. Do I need to dial down or am I competitive as a undergrad who will be graduating spring of 2019?