Masters vs. PhD programs: Am I under-qualified for PhD programs?

[trollinthedungeon130]

Hi all, 

 

I should probably apologize in advance, as I'm sure this topic has been addressed before... but I'm new around here and figured I might as well ask for some advice. 

 

I am a senior Biology student (with a minor in Chemistry) and have just started working on my applications for cellular and molecular biology programs at several schools- UC Berkeley, Davis, LA, UW, USC, University of British Columbia and a few others. I would love to attend any of these universities- however, I'm not sure if my profile will be strong enough to apply directly to PhD or even Masters programs at any of these schools.

 

Stats:

My GRE scores leave something to be desired (156 quant, 164verbal, 3.5 analytical writing) but I plan on retaking the test come November.

 

I have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.46 and have been awarded Dean's List honors for several terms at my school. My coursework has consisted of a wide range of Biology and Chemistry classes, including several graduate level classes in both departments. However, I did get a C+ in Molecular Bio II, a grad level Bio class I took last year, which might hurt my application.

 

I also have research experience in two labs on campus, though I am currently unpublished and probably won't achieve authorship before graduation. LORs should be positive- two will come from PIs on campus, and one will come from an internship at a healthcare company I had the summer before last. 

 

What do you think? Is admission to a PhD program at any of these schools realistic? Should I consider a Master's first? I know that most of the schools listed above have molecular biology programs that are ranked in the top 20/30 programs nationally, and with time running out to apply to graduate school in Fall 2014, I don't want to spend what little time I have left applying to schools I have no chance of getting into. 

 

Thanks in advance for reading/commenting! 

[TexasGuy]

your GRE scores are excellent...It would be great if it was the other was around though: 164 quant and 156 verbal.

Your GPA is strong. Can you get it above a 3.5 this semester?

[ToomuchLes]

I agree with TexasGuy on your GRE scores. 

 

GPA isnt bad, but concurrently not stellar. However I know the adcoms will favor with your classes. 

 

Research experience, regardless of publication is important, therefore you're good there as well

 

You should focus primarily on your written statements - SOP, Personal Statement/Achievement, and Sample, if they require it.

Btw, Im currently attending UC Davis ^.^