Is it Harder to be Accepted to a PhD Program Directly from Undergrad?

[envisciguy]

Hey everyone,

I am currently in the latter half of my time as an undergraduate student at my school, and I'm certain that I would like to perform original research in the realm of urbanization and its effects on the earth's climate via a PhD program. I've found a POI at Yale's school of Forestry and Environmental Studies and anticipate to apply to the PhD program during my last year of undergrad (among other programs, albeit this being my first choice). I am currently a research assistant in a relevant department within my school; particularly, my job consists mostly of literary searching rather than field studies. The professor under whom I work is well-known in his field, but I don't know how much merit that carries (chances are he knows the POI at Yale).

I have a 3.9 GPA between my two majors and anticipate, based on my history of standardized testing, to place in the 97th-99th percentiles on the GRE. Regardless of that, I was wondering if applying to PhD programs straight from my undergraduate school would put me at a disadvantage when in a pool with those who have work experience or a master's degree (or both). In terms of being competitive for admission, would it be wise to find a job as a researcher after undergrad before applying to the program? In all honestly, I would like to apply to the program directly, but I don't know if it is realistically worth it. Also to note, the POI at Yale does take on undergraduate interns in the summer, so that might be something to  investigate... not sure if that would increase my ultimate chances of admission, though.

Thanks!!