Boston University for Pharmacology and Neuroscience?

[anniedrez]

I am a Biochemistry undergrad at Wake Forest University looking to apply to schools for neuroscience and pharmacology. I have a 3.4 overall GPA and a 3.8 major GPA. I have been doing research for 2 years on drug addiction and I have 1 publication. I like to think I am a strong applicant, but I feel like it is hard to tell with grad schools. Anyone out there got any thoughts on my chances in getting in to BU? I am obsessed with their pharm program. 

[Faraday]

Based on what you've said here I would say you have a good chance at getting in, but that's only based on raw numbers. More inmportant non-quantitative pieces of your application such as your personal statements and LORs from advisors go a lot further. It's also worth mentioning that if you are "obsessed" with going to BU then I assume you are very interested in the work professors at BU are doing. If this is the case then you should be getting in contact with them at some point and briefly introduce yourself. If they see mutual interest then they might be able to put in a good word or two in for you with the admissions comittee. Good luck!

Edited May 19, 2014 by Faraday

[anniedrez]

Ok update on my goal to get in to Boston University for neuroscience or pharmacology. I just took the GRE and kind of screwed it up. I am a very smart person, but I work slowly and always have. This became a problem for me on the quantitative section. I knew how to do everything I just ran out of time. My scores were 159 V and 154 Q. I am concerned this is going to destroy my chances of getting in anywhere. I have 2 solid rec letters and one decent one. I also am finishing my first publication. Any thoughts? Am I totally Screwed? Should I retake it? HELP!!!

[Cookie]

Yes, your GRE scores are a bit on the low side, especially Q (according to ets.org, your Q is only 56%). For physical sciences, you should shoot for Q>80%. You have time to retake, why panic?

[Vene]

Yes, your GRE scores are a bit on the low side, especially Q (according to ets.org, your Q is only 56%). For physical sciences, you should shoot for Q>80%. You have time to retake, why panic?

I agree with this, plus the GRE is a very learnable test and I'm sure you had to do harder math to get your bachelors. Just get above the cutoff and you'll look great with the research experience you have.