What are some programs that I would have a chance of getting into?

[indigozoom]

I'm a Molecular & Cell Biology( MCB) - Immunology major at UC Berkeley.

Lately I have been very worried about my future. One of the reasons is that almost all of the jobs in this field requires a graduate degree (unless for the $25-30k a year technicians jobs). Moreover, they put a requirement of 3.5/4.0 GPA on their requirements.

I, however, only have a 3.2 GPA. This is very regrettable, but I can't seem to do get much better than a B/B+ in any of my courses at Berkeley.

Lately, I have been very depressed because it seems that I won't be able to get anywhere.

I hasn't taken the GRE yet, but I plan to take it early this Fall. I have every intention to study 10+ hours a day for the entire summer for this exam.

Does anyone know of any graduate schools (for ph.d. programs) that have a chance of accepting people with my GPA level? Of course, I don't expect to get into any top programs. But I hope I can at least get into a program with enough name recognition that can land me a job afterwards.

Thanks.

[soramimicake]

Do you have any research experience? I feel like in a lot of cases, that's the defining factor as to people who are sought after by top programs. I think that having research experience can really reduce some of the weight of having a low-ish GPA. Also, you go to Berkeley, which should negate some of the low GPA factor. I think the most important thing is to find a school that fits your interests and explain in your personal statement how that program is particularly suitable for you.

Also, another tip: I didn't realize this until I applied to a lot of umbrella programs, but the umbrella programs tend to accept a lot more students than programs that are defined to one particular discipline. Obviously this is partially because the umbrella programs are spread amongst a bunch of departments, but it also seemed like some really good students were having problems getting into defined departments, while students who thought they didn't have as much of a chance were able to get their foot in the door by applying to umbrella programs that accept more students.

One program that I might suggest is the University of Michigan's PIBS program. I really liked their program when I visited--It's definitely a quality program, but it's also large, so they accept quite a few students into it. Also, I met a girl who visited Michigan during one of their visit days prior to applications being due. She thinks that visiting beforehand and showing her interest was a big factor in getting an interview later. So if you have the opportunity to visit any schools that you're interested in before you apply, that can probably be at least somewhat of a benefit in just getting your name out there. And then they can also see an awesome person rather than just an application!

[mbr484]

I just went through the phd application process this year, for biomedical sciences, and was accepted at several schools. The catch is...I have the same GPA as you but I have been working for a few years after college. The research experience and subsequent letters from my mentors are definitely what got me into graduate school. If you are considering working before applying to graduate school, there are other options other than academic technician jobs. I have done preclinical research for biotech companies. I know there are a bunch of private companies in the bay area, many of them spin-offs of academic research.

As far as the GRE, I had a good score and also took the subject exam, studying for each about a month or so. I applied to a wide range of schools, had several interviews and will be attending a top 25 school with a good reputation. Defintely apply to a broader range of schools, ones that you feel are a good fit for your research interests. Good luck with everything!

Edited April 21, 2011 by mbr484

[Teelee]

There are several factors that make you a competitive applicant for PhD programs. While it definitely helps to have high GPA and GRE scores, you can become a competitive applicant with relevant research experiences and publications (if possible), personal statement and letters of recommendations. Acquiring external fundings like NSF fellowship will make you an attractive applicant as well. You might also want to work for a year or two prior to going to grad school and make sure that grad school is what you want to do. There are research jobs in biotech/pharma/hospital based research positions that hire people with BS and pay more than 30k a year. I know several who ended up with 38-48K salary right out of undergrad.

Edited April 21, 2011 by Teelee

[-Star-]

There are positions you can get with a BS that pay more than that, but they are usually not academic/public research positions.

If you are really interested in attending grad school, I wouldn't count yourself out just yet. I just applied for this coming year with an undergrad GPA significantly lower than yours. I scored well on the GREs and have been working in research for a few years and had strong people to write recommendations for me. I also took a grad class to prove I was capable of doing graduate level work. I was accepted to 2 programs, wait listed on another, and offered an interview which I declined in a fourth.

Some schools have GPA cut offs and usually don't accept students with GPAs under their cut off, but graduate admissions want to see that you are interested in doing research, that you are capable of doing research, and that you will put forth the effort and pass your courses. If you can show them that you are committed and are working hard to get into a program, I think you will be able to get into a good one.

If you would like to apply, I would make sure that you get as high of a GRE score as you can, boost your resume as much as you can, and that (along with the other suggestions already posted) will show admissions that you are serious about it.

G'luck

*EDIT*

Oh! There are also some schools that offer 1 year "intro" programs. These programs allow you to do some research and take some courses and add to your resume before applying to phd programs. Some of these programs even directly accept you into their grad school if you complete it in good standing. So, if you think you need to get more experience this is another way to do it.

Edited April 29, 2011 by -Star-