Chemistry Graduate School Chances

[mgd71]

Ill keep this short and sweet. I would really appreciate any insight you guys may have. I'm a bit freaked out about my grad school chances.

I am currently a Junior chemistry major at a prestigious public undergrad in the SUNY system. I have a ~3.1 gpa with a 3.0 chem gpa. I have 6 semesters of research and a summer REU. My lab just submitted a paper for publication. I have VERY strong LORs. Haven't taken the GREs or Chem GREs yet. I have other little things like being in the national chem honor society...etc.

I'm fascinated by chem and I really want to go to graduate school. I'm leaning towards theoretical, analytical, and quantum chem. With more emphasis on physical and quantum.

Anyone have any ideas on my chances or any tips for me?

Thanks in advance!! I truly appreciate it!!

[Eigen]

If you refine and emphasize your research interests, I think you'll have a chance, but with a low GPA like yours, you'll need a decent GRE score to balance it out.

But definitely work on refining your research interests more- that type of definition and fit, coupled with related research experience, is what makes you most competitive.The areas you're currently listing are about as far spread as possible (see theoretical vs analytical- we laugh about theoretical being the anti-analytical chemistry). And as for "quantum chemistry", I'm not exactly sure what sub-field you're trying to describe- there are a number of possible applications of QM to chemistry, but they're separate and distinct areas. Quite honestly, any chemist at the graduate level should have a decent and workable knowledge of applied QM, as prevalent as modeling and computational chemistry are becoming.

This paper your lab just submitted- I assume you're an author? Preferably high up on the author list?

Edited March 26, 2012 by Eigen

[mgd71]

Thanks for the reply Eigen! I am high up on the authors of the paper. My main interest is analytical. I just find theoretical interesting. For the past 6 semesters my research has been in a pchem lab. But my contribution has been mainly on the analytical end. My REU developing methods for the quantification of a few various analytes.

I know that my gpa isn't the best. But I'm from a reputable school. I don't know many people graduating from here with great grades. I feel like I know wayyy more than my gpa says. I know a few kids that got into graduate programs at fairly reputable schools with 2.9s etc. I'm just wondering what calibers schools I should be looking at. I know that I have very strong research experience and my LORs will be stellar.

Ive heard, repeatedly, that research and LORs are the deciding factor. Then gpa and GREs.

[Eigen]

Unless your GPA is low engugh that it gets your app tossed. Yours isn't there yet, but above 3.0 is a good general rule of thumb.

Your main problem is going to be that you want to go into Analytical. Since its a slowly dying field in and of itself, a lot of departments don't even offer Analytical PhDs anymore, which way cuts down in your school options.

Seems like you've got a good shot, I'd concentrate on keeping your grades up as much as possible in e meantime- y don't want low grades to cripple an otherwise strong app.

[rockhopper]

Coming from a Biology background, you sound like a really good applicant in terms of research experiences. I would echo what the others said and focus on raising your GPA to be the best applicant.

Consider studying for/taking the GRE this summer so if you want to re-take it and get a high score you have the time!

Good luck!

[UnlikelyGrad]

Your main problem is going to be that you want to go into Analytical. Since its a slowly dying field in and of itself, a lot of departments don't even offer Analytical PhDs anymore, which way cuts down in your school options.

Agreed, though there are still some schools left that do (Michigan State is the one that comes to mind).

FYI, if you like analytical chemistry/methods development, look for a place that does environmental chemistry...environmental chemistry is VERY heavy on analytical stuff. (Says UnlikelyGrad with a sigh. Method development is HARD and takes FOREVER.)

[Eigen]

FSU also has an excellent analytical program.

Depending on what area of analytical chemistry you're interested in, you might also be fine in a physical chemistry group working on spectroscopy/NMR/Mass Spec, or an inorganic group doing electrochem/photochem.

[aberrant]

I agreed everything Eigen and UnlikelyGrad said. Just to keep in mind that what you think about the reputation of a/your school is just relative. From my understanding, reputation of the undergrad institution doesn't mean much to most of the adcoms, even if you are from one of the ivies (it helps, but not much). The more competitive applicants are usually the big fishes in small ponds - not the other way around. Therefore, you may either want to briefly explain your low GPA on your SOP and/or do really well in your GRE exams (especially the chem subject test, even if it isn't required for some programs).

i know a few people (students and profs) who are/were in analytical chemistry came from a physical chemistry background. therefore you should also consider that.

Another possible option for analytical chemistry is Univ. of Arizona.

http://www.cbc.arizo...ulty_analytical

Edited April 3, 2012 by aberrant

[mgd71]

I never thought of analytical as a slowly dying field. I guess that I thought that it would open up the most doors for me. I thought analytical would be most practical in industry. I was thinking the that after grad school I could then apply to both academic and industrial jobs. So. I might be better off heading into the pchem realm working closely with instrumentation?