Rate Me (Yeah...I'm that guy)

[Gringard]

Seeing people are already getting acceptances or interviews at some of the schools I'm applying to....so just getting nervous obviously and I want to know if I'll at least go somewhere since no one at my undergrad school knows anything about if I'm competitive or not .

Stats:

Major: Chemistry & Biomedical Sciences

GPA: 3.52 Major GPA: 3.74

Research: 3 semesters at undergraduate institute, 1 REU at University of Kentucky

Work Experience: Chemistry Stockroom (2.5 years), Biochem tutor

GRE: 151 V (58%) 158 Q (79%)

Subject GRE: Pending

Letters of Rec: Strong

Other involvement: Student government, fraternity, 2 spring break service trips.

Grad school for Organic/Med Chem

Schools:

Scripps

UNC - Chapel Hill

U of Wisconsin - Madison

U of Texas at Austin

University of Michigan

University of Kansas

Thank you everyone. I'm done with all my apps so the waiting game SUCKKKKKKSSS!!

Edited December 12, 2011 by michaelpagius

[Eigen]

Personally, I'd worry a bit about the GRE verbal score- the concordance chart our university is using places it at a 470 on the old exam (and a 51st Percentile), and you're a domestic applicant. That said, it shouldn't make a huge impact, it's just a bit on the low side.

The real key, however, and something you didn't address at all, was how well your research fits the university, how many groups you feel like you could work with, and how well you discussed those possibilities in your personal statement. Additionally- was your research related to med chem? Any publications/talks etc? How well can you discuss your research, future prospects, etc?

Overall, I think you've got a decent shot at the universities you've selected- you might not be the most competitive applicant, but you're not that bad off, I wouldn't think.

[Gringard]

Thanks for the advice!!!! I'm not one for standardized tests but I gotta work with what I have.

All the schools I chose I have at minimum 2 lab groups I want to work with and I mentioned them in my Statement of purpose as well.

Research at undergrad institute was medicinal chem (synthesis)

Research at REU was more pharmaceutical sciences (but some organic synthesis)

I'm pretty personable so I'm praying I get to the interview stage and then I can work from there.

[Eigen]

I don't know about your programs, but most of the ones I'm familiar with do post-acceptance interviews- some before and some after funding offers.

I think it sounds like you're a pretty solid candidate, and given that you fit well with the groups, you should be OK.

Good luck!

[twb]

I'd say for Scripps, UMich and UWisconsin your GRE scores are going to be on the low end, but can be countered by good letters of recommendation and personal statements. I don't know anything about the other schools but I don't think they aren't as competitive. Another thing to consider is your undergrad school's reputation, as well as if your letter writers are known by the people reading your applications.

And i'm applying to Scripps and haven't heard anything yet (or heard anything from anywhere) so I wouldn't worry about not hearing back yet!

Edited December 12, 2011 by twb