where else should I apply? biochem/chem bio

[l0go]

Hey, I'm applying to some schools but want to apply to some "safety" or, good schools, that are slightly easier to get into, and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions. Here are my stats

Community College GPA: 3.333

UC (Davis) GPA: 3.078 (guessing only this matters)

Overall: 3.185

Major: Biochem and Molecular Biology

GRE: 161V, 159Q, 4 Writing. No subject.

Research: 1.5 years as an undergrad, with a co-author pub that is currently submitted for review. 1.5 years as full time lab tech, with a first author pub that is complete, but currently under an internal review.

Letters: All should be outstanding, all from people who know my research first hand. (advisor, collaborator, and mentor)

Right now I'm applying to UC Davis (should get in), UCSF Tetrad, Cornell Biochem, Stanford Biochem, BU, UCLA Biochem, University of Washington, and probably UW Madison, maybe CU Boulder.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I feel like I'm pushing my luck with my GPA and these tier schools?

[l0go]

Does anyone with similar stats have any tips? I finalized my list, I'm really not sure if I'm reaching too far with these, but I figured it was worth a shot:

UC Davis - Chemistry

Stanford - Biosciences Biochem

UCSF - Tetrad

BU - Chemistry

UCLA - Biochemistry

UT Austin - Chemistry

UW Madison - Chemistry

U Washington - Biological Physics, Structure and Design

Cornell - Biochemistry

CU Boulder - Biochemistry

I am applying to study enzymes and proteins. My question is... should I apply to a few lower tier schools, and if so, does anyone have recommendations?

EDIT: maybe I should just post this in the 2013 application thread. I'll go do that.

Edited December 1, 2012 by l0go

[MarkHolland]

Emory, WashU, UPenn, these are the best university for study of Biochem.

[Crucial BBQ]

Graduate school is not like undergraduate, you do not apply to safeties unless you want to end up like those in the numerous "I am miserable in grad school" threads. You should only apply to programs that have professors and labs doing research in areas that fit your goals. Rankings, prestige, safeties, should have nothing to do with it. It should be solely about fit.

[LMac]

You and I have very similar stats (and identical GRE scores) and like the previous poster, I decided not to apply to safety schools. I want a program/lab that I'm really excited about and that's a great fit, but it's a personal decision. I also have readied myself to possibly do this again next year (fingers crossed that I don't).

[meaningless]

i agree with what crucial BBQ said. PhD to me is half job half fun. if i am not fun in top Uni i won't do good.

[mtlve]

your pub may help you a lot. If your mentor is big that will also help. This process is really random.

I recommend nih gpp. They have later deadlines for several programs I believe. They probably have over 1000 PIs so they will have something for you The con with this place is most faculty do not have experience working with people younger than post-docs. My former PI there had been there for 30+ years and had like 3 people my age or younger before me. They like students but they are not used to them.

UT southwestern was a great program when I interviewed there several years ago too. I had a hard time declining their offer back then. They had a later deadline then. I am not sure about now. I am not sure about how they are for your particular field.

Utah has a later deadline too. They have some good faculty but they are better known for genetics.

unc may also have been later, but I do not remember

Edited December 17, 2012 by mtlve

[danSH]

GRE-biochem recommendation HELP:

 

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And why he is so expensive.

Thanks !