V: 157 (73%) Q: 159 (77%) - where to apply?

[jean21]

Hi everyone. I have the typical “where should I apply question”. I am looking at PhD programs in molecular genetics and regenerative biology. I have a 3.44 GPA from a small private university and a GRE score of V: 157, Q: 159, AW: 4.0 (this correlates to a 1310 on the old GRE format). I have 2 years of undergraduate research experience, including writing a senior thesis and receiving a research grant. I now work at UPenn in a sequencing facility.

Does anyone have an idea on what schools I would be a good match for? I know my GRE and GPA are a bit low for the top universities, but will my experience and good letters of recommendation make up for this? I am really hoping to get accepted to UPenn’s Cell and Molecular Biology Program. Does this seem farfetched?

Thank you!

[midnight]

Jean, I think you should retake the GRE to get your quant score firmly in the 160s/boost your verbal considering the UPenn numbers below:

Average

GPA

3.7

Verbal

89%

Quantitative

81%

Writing

4.6

[thenerdypengwin]

Get to know the faculty you want to work for. It's a bit different between programs, but the best chance you'll have is where you know the professor you want to work with; then you're a shoo-in with that GPA, etc.