coffeebeforebed_

Trying to get some inspiration. I work at one of the largest biotech companies now as a research scientist and I am applying to PhD programs this cycle. Academically, my profile is not the best. But research-wise, I've done well. For those of you who were in industry before PhD studies, what kind of industry job did you hold? What was your academic profile like? Do you think your industry experience made up for your academic performance?

So my community college GPA is higher than my university GPA (I struggled quite a bit with working a few jobs while studying). Many institutions say that they require a minimum of a 3.0 from the institution where you have earned or will earn your bachelor's degree. What if the GPA from the degree-granting institution was a 2.9 and the GPA from the community college was a 3.7? Do they not count that at all? And what if you have done a master's and you are applying to PhD programs. Will programs take that to account or just throw away your application immediately since you have a 2.9 from your degree-branding institution?

I'm hella nervous y'all! I am a terrible test taker (I'm dyslexic) but my research experience is good (undergrad, grad, and full-time industry). I'm applying to immunology and molecular bio programs. I hope that at least one school says, "hey! she sucks at taking tests so her grades suck but she's proven her research ability!" Undergrad Institution: UCMajor(s): NeuroscienceGPA in Major: 3.0Overall GPA: 3.0Position in Class: don't knowType of Student: Female, African, low income, U.S.-based Graduate Institution: State schoolMajor(s): BiochemistryGPA in Major: 3.5Overall GPA: 3.5 GRE ScoresQ: 157V: 161W: 3.5Research Experience: (At your school or elsewhere? What field? How much time? Any publications (Mth author out of N?) or conference talks etc...) 3 years in undergraduate (1 pub with a well-known PI) Presented work at national conference 3 years of graduate research with published M.S. thesis. Presented thesis work orally at ASBMB and other regional conferences. 2 years as a research scientist at Amgen specializing in immuno-oncology drugs (current role). Promoted to position that Ph.D.-holders typically have. Two pending pubs from this role. Presented work at national conferences. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (Within your school or outside?) Two research scholarships in undergrad Two academic scholarships in undergrad One research scholarship in master's program One academic scholarship in master's program Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, SPS officer etc...) TA for general chemistry for 3 years Taught 3rd grade for 1 year during gap year Research scientist at Amgen Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...) Female minority, M.S. degree, promoted within industry research science role. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: ummmm..... Do admission committees ding you for saying you have dyslexia? Applying to Where: UCSF Stanford UCLA UCI UC Davis USC Boston U NYU Sackler City of Hope OHSU UC Berkeley U of Rochester

Hey folks, Not sure if I’m posting in the correct place for this. Basically, I’m worried about my chances of getting to a PhD program in immunology. Here’s my background: 3 years of undergraduate research experience at a major research university with 1 publication and several research scholarships 3 years of graduate research experience at a public university with a masters thesis (publication under review). 2 years of research experience at one of the largest biotech companies in the world. I did well at this position so much so that they promoted me within 7 months to a position that usually requires a lot more experience than I had. I got 1 pub out of this (not 1st author) and I am writing a 1st author pub. Most of the work I am engaged in this position is in immunology. I have had several research fellowships and have presented (1 talk, 3 posters) at a few national conferences. The thing is, I had terrible grades in college (mostly B’s some A’s, a couple C’s GPA: 3.0 ) and had mediocre grades during my masters program (A’s and B’s GPA: 3.5). I’m a shitty test taker yet I’ve always had a good grasp on research. I’m applying to molecular bio and immunology PhD programs this cycle but I’m worried that since my grades are subpar, I wouldn’t get in. Do grades really matter if you have a lot of research experience and industry experience? And does anyone know of immunology programs that weigh research heavier than grades?