Applications to Evolutionary Biology Programs

[ZachSt]

Hello,

I wanted to get some input from fellow biology students as to how my application is looking.

I am applying to Ecology & Evolution programs around the United States. The University of Oregon, NewYork University, University of Utah, & Indiana University just to name a few and to give you a range.

My application: Overall GPA: 3.2 Biology only GPA: 3.5-3.6 GRE: Analytical Writing= 3.5 Verbal=155 Quant=151. I have just under 3 years of research experience and I am in the process of writing a paper for publication (mostly likely for PLoS one or biotechniques), I doubt the publication will be done in time for grad applications this December. My Letter of Recommendation will be strong from what I am told.

How am I looking? Should I take a year off to retake the GRE?

Thank you.

[ryanmor]

Your GREs are a bit low, especially the quant. I would get that up to at least the 75th percentile if possible. It help make you look a bit more attractive, especially for better funding oppurtunities. GPA is okay. Research experience is great. I would add to either the application, submitted cv, or personal statement that those publications are in prep (or submitted if you have done so by the time you send in the apps).

Have you contacted profs of interest at these schools and told them of your interest?

[milam1186]

You'll likely get into Utah with those stats if you can find a prof that wants to take you. I don't know about the others as I didn't apply to those. When I interviewed at the U of U, a lot of the profs were disappointed with the quality of applications that cycle. So maybe you're unlucky you weren't in that group of applicants. The whole grad school admissions thing has way too much to do with chance. I wish you luck... focus on your publication and statement of purpose. GREs don't matter so much except to weed out applications from the start, and yes, some of those screens do end up being around the 75th percentile, so there is that.