Lower-Division vs. Upper Division GPA for Biological Science PhD Programs

[superoxidedismutase]

I'm looking to apply to Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biomedical Sciences PhD Programs and was wondering how graduate schools look at GPA. I had a pretty poor GPA in my lower-division introductory classes my first two years of college of 3.0, but have a 3.9 in upper division classes for a 3.4 cumulative GPA. How will this be considered by top tier graduate programs?

I have yet to take the GRE, but I have 3 summers of research experience in competitive corporate labs. So, I was wondering how the low GPA in lower-div classes will affect my chances. Thanks!

[Dapi]

Hey SOD - I had a similar story (bad first year). Your letters of recommendation, publications, and your competence in a lab and then writing/speaking about it matter far more than gpa/GRE. I was admitted to top programs, so I know I can speak about gpa . Good luck

[Faraday]

Programs also like to see improvement over your college career in academics, so you also have that going for you. The general biology test you didn't do so hot on as a freshman isn't nearly as important as an upper level molecular biology class for example. And of course as Dapi said grades are certainly not the most important aspect of your application, as long as your GPA doesn't cause immediate red flags (and it doesn't sound like yours would).

Edited May 9, 2012 by Faraday

[milam1186]

You'll likely be fine and some schools put more weight on your last year or two's grades. Everyone has similar stats and the overachievers can take only so many spots. It's more about who you know and the really big one: Do they have money to take you?