[waiting it out... IMMUNOLOGY programs]

On 1/25/2020 at 11:17 PM, REGGAE said:

So sorry about the rejections, I believe you will get good news soon. I also applied to  Dartmouth MCB as an international applicant but I have not heard back from them. Please did you contact them?

Contacted MCB administration assistant on Jan. 6th, and she told me the department sent out all onsite interview invitations. Maybe they will contact a few international students for Skype interview? Good luck!

[waiting it out... IMMUNOLOGY programs]

Rejections from Duke IMM, Yale BBS, and Dartmouth MCB....

[waiting it out... IMMUNOLOGY programs]

I guess it's extremely hard for international students...from the info of result session, it seems like only the perfect candidates got interviews (GPA3.9 V170/Q170 w/publications and research experience).

[Advice for Applying PhD Programs in Immunology/Cancer Biology with a low GPA?]

Hi everyone, this is my first-time post on GradCafe. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations/comments on my application case.

My Background

• international student
• graduated from a state-university with a bachelor degree in biology in 3 years, GPA 3.17
• did 1-year research (without an independent projects) in neuroscience, did not like it
• graduated from an ivy-league with a master degree in biotechnology, GPA 3.24 (btw, didn’t worth to do a master in biotech)
• did 1-year research with an individual project in developmental biology during the graduate study, loved it
• working in an immunology based biotech company for almost two years, loved this field

My Prep

• personal statement: done, very research-dense with a clear career goal, did not explain why my gpa is low
• recommendation letter: I can guarantee one of them will be strong with a big name, one will be generic with a big name
• GRE: the program doesn’t require GRE anymore, I did mine 5 years ago, and it’s 170/170, 154/170, happy to retake it if it’s really important.
• school choices: 4 tops ranking from 5-15, 4 safe schools ranking from 30-80

I decided to pursue a PhD degree in immunology at the beginning of this year because I’d like to learn more in this fascinating field and eventually lead my own projects in either academia or industry. I think immunology is a field that combines basic research and a lot of clinical applications, which is very promising.

My questions are: Should I aim lower? Any chances for a fellowship offer? What can i do to build a stronger case before application?

Thanks in advance for your help!