Undergrad Institution:
Local junior college
Major(s):
Arts and Humanities - AA; Teacher Education Preparation - AA; Mathematics and Science - AS
Overall GPA:
3.5
Undergrad Institution:
167 year-old private university mostly known for its dental, pharmaceutical, and international studies programs (university focus is not research-based)
Major(s):
Biology & Biochemistry - BS
Overall GPA:
3.4
Grad Institution:
Same private university as undergrad
Major:
Biology - MS
Overall GPA:
4.0
Position in Class:
Top 10%
Type of Student:
Domestic female
GRE Scores:
I took the exam as a formality three years ago (without having studied) when applying to my MS program and scored within the mid-50’s percentile across all three sections. I definitely plan on retaking the exam later this fall after having studied for it. Will update with actual results later.
Research Experience:
Biochemical research - one semester; Project focused on protein interactions and predictive models of protein folding. Not much came out of my time here other than some networking and a single conference presentation (no publications).
Biological research - 4 years; Project focused on morphological studies. Project approach was very integrative and resulted in two publications (first and second authorship), three published acknowledgements, and two more publications that are in preparation (first authorship).
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
Dean’s list
Awarded graduate fellowship (from attending university)
Active Phi Kappa Phi membership
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Graduate TA - human anatomy & human physiology
Substitute lecturer - human anatomy
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Resident presenter at annual research conference (four years running)
President of academic (non-greek) chemistry club (highly involved with local academical outreach)
President of several non-academic campus clubs (I’m hoping this shows interest diversity)
Special Bonus Points:
Female, first generation college student
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
I took 8 years getting my 5 undergraduate degrees and 3 ½ years earning my master’s degree. This was due to ongoing family issues (I was the primary caregiver of an elderly stroke survivor which required an immense time commitment), but I’m worried that the amount of time taken to complete my education will negatively impact my chances of entering a PhD program. In addition, the duration of time spent means I’m older than most candidates (late 20’s), and I’ve heard this can also reflect poorly on applicants.
Applying to Where:
University of Washington - BS
Oregon State University - IB
University of New Hampshire - I&OB
Clemson - OB
Purdue - EEB
Lehigh University - IB
Boise State University - EEB
AMNH - CB
I hope I did this correctly (first post and all), if not my apologies. Feedback would be appreciated because I'm uncertain as to how realistic my school choices are. I chose programs based on my interest in the works of specific PIs at each of the universities listed. I'd be open to school suggestions if anyone feels I missed something that might be a better match for me. I'm really interested in integrative biology with a particular focus on comparative vertebrate morphology, as well organismal biology.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!