Hi all,
Panicking a bit as I'm doing submissions and just hoping for some feedback on my profile. I'm applying to primarily umbrella programs with hopes of going into cell cycle regulation/cancer research or structural biology. Any input is appreciated!
Programs:
Michigan -PIBS
Wisconsin Madison -CMB
UNC -BBSP
Vanderbilt - IGP
Michigan State - Biomolecular gateway
Northwestern -DGP
Notre Dame - Integrated biomedical science
UVA - BIMS
Purdue - biological sciences
Profile:
Undergrad school: large state
UG GPA: 3.52
Major: cell and molecular biology
Minor: chemistry
Honors College Student
GRE: 159Q, 160V, 4.5W
Currently also working on my masters at the same school (combined degree program)
Masters Major: CMB, biotech emphasis
Masters GPA 4.0
Research Experience: 2.5 years in cell cycle regulation lab, 2 summers of full time NSF funded work there. 5 poster presentations at regional conferences. Oral presentation at departmental senior symposium where I won best presentation. No publications sadly.
Internship at a pharma company in technical operations- not directly related to field of interest but lots of analytical chem and stats work.
Not research but other experience: analytical chem lab tech for 8mo at a oral healthcare company.
Teaching experience: Tutor at acenter for high schoolers for a year, TA in a cell bio lab, currently scientific writing consultant for the department.
LoRs: one from my PI who I am really close with, one from my advisor that I had for several lab based courses, and one from a prof who oversaw my TA and who I had several literature review type courses with.
Any thoughts would be great. Am I being too ambitious in my choices? Also, for those that did not get accepted on your first application cycle - what did you do in your off year to strengthen your profile?
Thanks!