Considering applying to graduate school

[sedagrig]

Hello everyone!

I am new to this board and I am looking for some information on graduate school application. I'm a senior, biology major at Georgia Institute of Technology and my current GPA is a 3.30. I am currently studying for the GRE and will be taking it early September.

I am a bit confused as to how the admission process works. I've heard that some schools will automatically accept people from undergrad into a masters/PhD program (as in you won't have to apply for the PhD you're automatically accepted). Do most schools have that? If on their website it says "PhD" for a particular field, does this mean they go by that?

I would like to know what my chances are of getting into a program either in human genetics or cellular molecular pathology (these are the 2 fields I am interested in) at the following universities assuming I get a decent GRE score (1400 and up?):

-UCLA (cellular pathology PhD)

-Columbia (cellular pathology PhD)

-Stanford (genetics PhD)

-U. of Michigan (cellular pathology PhD)

-MS biology program at San Fransisco University

I know my GPA is on the low side but its mainly due to some not so good grades in my freshman year. For the past 4 semesters I've had GPAs of about 3.7 to 3.5 and I still have 2 more semesters to go.

I've been involved in research (no papers) however will have a poster next semester. The research is unfortunately not in the field I want to study for a PhD (its in ecology) however i do enjoy it.

Any advice regarding any other programs that perhaps I should look into would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone could advise what books to use to study for the biology subject GRE test it would be greatly appreciated - I cannot seem to find much online. Where can I get more practice tests? I found one from ETS but there's only one...:-/

Thanks!!

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

My general advise is to apply to a good mix of MS along with PhD programs. If you're hesitant about which field to get a PhD in (even if it's just between two), a committee might sense that and reject you purely along those lines. An MS is designed for people with little to no research experience in that field and is a fantastic background when applying for a PhD.

I think your GPA is not a hindrance, especially if it shows an upwards trend. Just keep doing excellent work!

I've heard that some schools will automatically accept people from undergrad into a masters/PhD program (as in you won't have to apply for the PhD you're automatically accepted)

I'm not quite sure what you mean here, but a tidbit from my experience in a different field: I applied first for an MS and a few programs suggested I change my application to a PhD instead. That is usually for funding reasons as it can be easier to get money for PhD students. But I found it easier to always be specific on the application (and you might have to specify on online forms between MS and PhD).

As for biology GRE test, I studied using the Kaplan prep book. I found it really helpful as a general guide, though the real test obviously threw some curve balls. Definitely remember facts about plants that you might not think you need to know.

Good luck! I hope some of this was helpful even though I don't have more specific advice about schools.

[sedagrig]

My general advise is to apply to a good mix of MS along with PhD programs. If you're hesitant about which field to get a PhD in (even if it's just between two), a committee might sense that and reject you purely along those lines. An MS is designed for people with little to no research experience in that field and is a fantastic background when applying for a PhD.

I think your GPA is not a hindrance, especially if it shows an upwards trend. Just keep doing excellent work!

I'm not quite sure what you mean here, but a tidbit from my experience in a different field: I applied first for an MS and a few programs suggested I change my application to a PhD instead. That is usually for funding reasons as it can be easier to get money for PhD students. But I found it easier to always be specific on the application (and you might have to specify on online forms between MS and PhD).

As for biology GRE test, I studied using the Kaplan prep book. I found it really helpful as a general guide, though the real test obviously threw some curve balls. Definitely remember facts about plants that you might not think you need to know.

Good luck! I hope some of this was helpful even though I don't have more specific advice about schools.

Thanks for the great advice! You were very helpful!! I think I just have pieces and bits of info from a few sources regarding graduate school and I'm now trying to figure out how the whole process works so whatever info anyone has would be great!

Funny you mention plants - that is the one thing that worries me because that is the one section of general biology I absolutely HATED and promptly forgot about

[sedagrig]

I have another quick question- are most graduate schools on rolling admissions? I know med schools are but not sure about graduate schools. None of the websites have that mentioned so I'm not sure if everyone just knows to apply earlier or what? I am planning on applying earlier than the dead lines but not sure how early..

[fuzzylogician]

It probably depends on school and field. In my field I know that it doesn't matter when you apply, as long as it's before the deadline. Admissions committees don't meet until after the deadline.

[Grad Hopeful]

My general advise is to apply to a good mix of MS along with PhD programs. If you're hesitant about which field to get a PhD in (even if it's just between two), a committee might sense that and reject you purely along those lines.

For most schools I would agree that you would have to have a definite idea of what you want to do, however U of M is different if you apply under PIBS which contains 13 (soon to be 14) programs (both of the mentioned majors fall under this umbrella). Their application specifically asks the applicant to list their 3 top choices and they have up to a year after admission, and starting, to choose their desired track. If you look on the PIBS website you can see quite a range for GPA and GRE scores of admitted students. Sorry I can't be more helpful with the other programs mentioned, UM PIBS is the program I am familiar with.

From what I have been told at recruitment events by recruiters is that research experience shows that an applicant is more likely to understand what they are getting into, that graduate school is not the same as undergraduate. Of course I have do not know how a research area that is that different from your intended field will effect your chances.

Most schools I encountered did not review applications until after the deadline, however submitting early is a good idea in case of missing documents and to avoid the stress of submitting on the deadline. The best advice is to contact the programs about their admissions process since it can vary.

Good luck.