General advice for applications and personal statement

[ryankidd]

Hey. So, I'm new here, but it seems like the best place to gather some advice from those who actually have some experience with the application process (and the panicking)

 

I'm about to enter my senior year, and begin applications for a PhD in Chemistry (sub-discipline: Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics). I was a pre-med student, absolutely hated everything about it, but I have been doing research in a physical chemistry lab since the end of my freshman year and absolutely loved it! 

Now, here are my problems: 

 

Overall GPA: 3.31; Chemistry GPA: 3.8; Math/Sci GPA: 3.27

 

In my second and third semester of undergrad, I encountered several personal issues (recently migrated to the U.S., death of close relative, and just stopped caring for a while), and that resulted in C's in calculus 2, organic 1, physics 1&2, and 2 W's for withdrawing from classes. That period basically tanked my GPA. 

Thanks to research and sorting out my life, I have gotten A's and a few B+'s since then. I'm going into my third year of doing research, I have presented at national and regional ACS meetings, will have 2 first author publications in a month or two, and very strong letters of recommendation. 

I am planning to apply to places like UPenn, MSU, MIT, Princeton, and a couple others (still narrowing down my list). I haven't taken the GRE as yet (will do in mid September), but practices have shown I'm very prepared for the quantitative, but may have to put in more effort for the verbal. 

Now although I have turned around my undergrad life and made significant progress, the damage to my GPA has already been done. The best I can manage this year is a 3.45 overall, math/sci of 3.3-. 

My main questions are:

1) Should I try to explain the poor performance of that year in my personal statement? I have read several guides saying not to, but others in support of the mention. Even my PI says I should try to include it, especially since it includes physics. If so, how do I mention this without trying to sound as though I am making an excuse? I fully accept my immaturity at the time already,

2) In your opinion/experience, what would you say my chances are for places like UPenn, MIT, MSU; given that I am interested in physical chemistry?

 

Thanks for the time taken to read this and the advice!

[firewitch]

If your GRE is up to the standards of the schools you are interested in, then I don't think some bad grades in your first two years of undergrad will be held against you. Lots of people are sorting out personal problems in their first year or so of college.

 

Rather than explaining about your personal situation, I would just emphasize the high GPA you got in your upper-level classes, and your impressive research credentials. A good GRE score will also allay any fears about your performance ability.

 

I'm in social sciences, but I think it's hard to predict what any admitting committee is looking for. I know some very qualified people who were rejected the first year they applied, then accepted the following year. It isn't just about  your qualifications, but also about who else is applying, which professors are prepared to take on a new student, and funding availability. I would say you should apply to 3-4 of your first pick schools, 3-4 second-tier schools, and a couple of schools you are confident you can get into. If time is a factor (limited visa, for instance) then you want to be sure you get in somewhere. If not, and you get turned down from those good schools, you might consider taking a year to work in your field and then re-apply.

[aberrant]

Although you recently migrated to the U.S. -- is OP an international student? That alone plays a huge role when admission officers categorize you with the residents applicants or international applicants -- and international applicants are far more competitive solely based on standardized test and academic performance.

 

Focus on your goods and just briefly mentioned your personal struggles. Personal statement should be about what brings you where you are and, more importantly, why do you want to attend a specific program at a specific school. Your research experience and accomplishment seems fairly solid, you'll just need good recommendation letters to back you up.

 

Finally, for those schools that you named, some are more competitive than the other. but make sure you understand the differences between physical chemistry and chemical physics before you applying one or the other program.

[ryankidd]

Although you recently migrated to the U.S. -- is OP an international student? That alone plays a huge role when admission officers categorize you with the residents applicants or international applicants -- and international applicants are far more competitive solely based on standardized test and academic performance.

 

Focus on your goods and just briefly mentioned your personal struggles. Personal statement should be about what brings you where you are and, more importantly, why do you want to attend a specific program at a specific school. Your research experience and accomplishment seems fairly solid, you'll just need good recommendation letters to back you up.

 

Finally, for those schools that you named, some are more competitive than the other. but make sure you understand the differences between physical chemistry and chemical physics before you applying one or the other program.

 

Thank you for the response.

 

I am a Permanent Resident of the U.S., will be naturalized as a citizen in the same year I enter grad school. 

 

Yes, I've known the difference between physical chemistry and chemical physics. Both are interesting, and it's really what certain professors at these institutions are doing that interests me.

 

I really just worried about being filtered out because of my GPA that no one on the committee would see the rest of my application. 

 

Also, thank you firewitch for your response!

[aberrant]

I really just worried about being filtered out because of my GPA that no one on the committee would see the rest of my application. 

 

if you are worried about the numbers, your subject GRE score can compensate your GPA (if you think it is low).