Hi all. New here.
So, I am a non-trad student at a small, private liberal arts college. I am currently a chemistry-health sciences major heading into what will technically be my junior year (despite actually having some 130 undergraduate college credits).
I love chemistry, but our department is tiny. The only chemistry classes I'll be able to take are:
2 semesters gen chem
2 semesters org chem
1 sem analytical chem
1 sem inorganic chem
1 sem biochem
Plus of course I'll take calculus and physics, required by major. And molecular modeling.
No P-chem offered.
Essentially, I am also taking enough biology classes (back-up plan?) that theoretically I could major in biology instead, though I'm less interested in pursuing it in grad school, I think. School won't allow a double major, so it'll be considered a minor. So, I've taken intro bio, physiology, and genetics already and will have several more to come (micro, advanced micro, ecology, evo/devo, molecular techniques, etc).
My current school GPA is a 3.96 (science GPA = 4.0), though I've only been taking 12-13 credits per semester as I have two kids. Anticipating grad school apps, I'm taking 17 credits next semester, and will beef up spring as well. I transferred in a 3.6 GPA.
I've won the only two science department awards offered. Though while that may possibly sound impressive, it's not like I was up against 300 other students. I was also elected chapter president of Tri-Beta for next year.
I'm blessed I guess that being in such a small school I have good relationships with my profs. They run our labs and can testify to my work. The downside? A weak chem program and NO ACTUAL RESEARCH. Well, not on paper anyway, where it counts - I know in both ecology and advanced micro I'll do some minor, 'independent' research, though it's extremely unlikely to get published... it's just practice.
Due to my two kids, I can't take a summer program (husband won't allow it as childcare will cost far more than I'll earn, and let's face it - I'm a college student and money is tight). I've applied to the one area school for a semester-long research program, but it requires 10 hours per week, and I'll be taking 17 credits ... and I haven't heard anything yet ... and it's biology, not chemistry. One LOR for the program was great, one was so-so (was given a copy AFTER it was sent in).
So, am I going to end up screwed for grad schools here? I am contemplating switching my major to bio, though I'll lose a scholarship in doing so (that was one of my awards). Should I consider switching schools? I am terrified to, though. I am in my very early 30s, and have already attended two previous schools (one was a community college - I hadn't taken my ACTs, and the other was a business school). I worry that switching again will look even worse. And I do love our department profs.
Feeling frustrated here. I feeling like I am running out of time/options here and could use some advice.