Molecular Biology Graduate Programs, am I correct about my chances?

[groverj3]

Yeah, this is one of those "do I have a prayer of getting in" posts. However, I did read the post discouraging such posts. I have taken some time research this and I just wanted to bounce of thoughts off of someone.

I received my B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State in May of last year (2011). Not the most prestigious of schools, but certainly not looked down upon by most. I enjoyed it there, in any case. I originally began as a pre-med, but knowing that I was interested in molecular biology led me to pick BMB as a major (since you can't get a degree in pre-anything anyway). I also completed a Chemistry major, but didn't get a degree in it because of a requirement of an additional 30 credits for a second degree. The additional major is listed on my transcript.

I worked as an assistant to a post-doc in a lab researching plant genetics and biochemistry from my freshman year until I graduated. I didn't get published though. I did have a project I worked on for ~2 years, but the post-doc I worked with left for an industry job and the project was deemed to be too complicated for one undergraduate to work on (would require several thousand Arabidopsis thaliana plants to be grown and crossed, genotyped, etc.). The lab focused on Arabidopsis (really just a weed, but a great model organism) mutants with anomalous fatty acid levels. Mapping one of these phenotypes to possible genes was the focus of my work there.

Since graduation I found a job as a research associate (basically just a lab tech) at a nearby biotech company. Mostly studying biodistribution of potential gene therapy vectors (ex. modified viruses), and stem cell-based therapies. Extracting DNA from animal tissues and looking for amplification of DNA specific to the virus or stem cell via real-time PCR. I figure this is good experience to have.

So, as for metrics... I didn't set the world on fire, but not too bad.

GPA: 3.36.

GRE Verbal:560

Quant: 630

Writing 5

There is also a poster from my current lab that was presented at a meeting attended by some pharmaceutical companies to discuss stem cell biodistribution. Which I can include on a CV.

The professor that ran our lab already told me he would write me a letter of rec. as well as the post-doc I worked for. I'm sure my academic adviser from undergrad would write me one as well. My boss, the senior scientist I work with now probably would too. However, I'd like to avoid informing them of my grad school ambitions unless absolutely necessary. I'm taking the Biochem, cell, and molecular bio GRE subject test tomorrow. That may help as well.

Really, I'm interested in RNA interference and gene expression research. However, many areas of molecular biology interest me. I figure that I have about a 50/50 (or slightly lower) chance of getting into a mid-tier school, and I'm looking at finding ~10 schools to apply to. I'd like to get out of the midwest for a while as well, preferrably the west coast but I am open to other possibilities. Am I being reasonable, or am I overly optimistic? Apologies for writing a book.

Edited April 21, 2012 by groverj3

[groverj3]

I suppose it's obvious that I took the GRE right before they switched to the new scoring system. This shouldn't be a problem, right?

[aberrant]

I think you have sufficient experience to be considered competitive (compared to other applicants who will be "fresh out of undergrad"). Keep your research going, and try to attend more conferences/presentations may help (all in your CV).

Your stats are okay, but I would have retake GRE just to make sure I'll get a +700 on quant.

I'm less confident about the letter from your undergrad adviser simply because his/her opinion on your ability to be successful at grad school + his/her understanding in molecular biology program may not be strong enough / convincing. I would also try to avoid getting a rec letter from a post-doc unless he/she knows you extremely well (besides saying that you got the potential to succeed @ grad school).

I personally think that you should let them know you wanna go to grad school, so that they can write you a strong letter specifically tailored for bioscience / molecular bio programs.

Unless it is required, your subject test doesn't mean much (with the exception of doing exceptionally well, of course).

I think you're being reasonable about your chance. If anything, try to shoot for 1 or 2 top-tier schools that you really wanna go because you just never know (well, maybe unless you're an international applicant, then it may not worth the money.)

And your GRE scores will only be a problem if they are "expired" (like +2 or +3 years prior your application, then you'll have to retake it.) look it up at the admission requirement or talk to the DGS/coordinator.

[emmm]

I agree with the recommendation to retake the GRE -- 630 is kind of low for the sciences. I know the GRE average in my program is higher. Might not be a complete deal breaker, though, I don't know about other programs. Maybe you'll get some other opinions.

[groverj3]

The subject test went pretty well today, I think. I figure that if I do well it can only help my application. I can always choose not to send my subject test scores to places I'm applying to.

Thanks for the input. I don't think I'll retake the general test right now. However, if I don't get in this year I will definitely retake it before applying a second time.

[Spore]

I think the posters gave presented you with very sound advice concerning a GRE test re-take.

I sincerely agree with them.

I am absolutely convinced higher GRE scores will make you a more competitive applicant. And that is one of the easiest building blocks of your application to improve. After all, you cannot change you undergraduate institution nor your GPA.

When I applied, I was told an applicant really needed to be 80 percentile or higher on all sections, but definitely the quantitative, to be competitive.

Another way you can improve your application is by getting your name on an original research paper.

Good luck