3.4 GPA looking at applying to bioinformatics PhD programs...

[BioinformaticsStudent]

So I'm trying to decide between applying to Master's programs or PhD programs in bioinformatics. My GPA is around 3.4 and my GRE score was 161 Verbal, 160 Quantitative, and 5.0 Writing, I'm pretty active in terms of extracurriculars and research though...

I've worked in the Air Force Research Laboratory, my university's School of Medicine in three different research labs, a Max-Planck-Institute through a DAAD scholarship, and a local hospital for most of my college career.

In addition, I've been active in theatre, writing several of my own pieces and performing a bunch through the University.

I'm majoring in bioinformatics with minors in neuroscience, chemistry, theatre arts, and German studies.

The Uni's I'm looking at for PhD programs are:

• Columbia University, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics/Systems Biology Specialization
• Boston University, Bioinformatics PhD program
• University of San Diego Bioinformatics PhD program

I've contact each of these programs about specific requirements, but most of them were relatively general... Do I stand a chance at all?

If not, most of the Master's programs I was looking into were incredibly expensive... Are there any affordable Master's programs in bioinformatics at all?

 

First post... So if this doesn't follow any of the rules let me know ASAP and I'll delete/change it! Also if you need any more info let me know! (I'm planning on applying around December this year for Fall 2017). Thank you so much for your input!

[AGradStudentHasNoName]

I think you have a fairly good chance at some PhD programs. The ones you list are fairly selective and might be reach schools or a good fit depending on the rest of your application. UCSD is particularly selective/strong in Bioinformatics with San Diego being the biggest center for biotech in the US and Pavel Pevzner among other greats on faculty. UCSD bioinformatics is a reach for all but the top candidates. I'm not saying don't apply. Just be aware. Columbia and UCSD are also on my list.

You should forget about your extra curricular mostly. I think it's great that you like theater. Most professors won't care. Focus on research in your personal statement. Get technical and detailed but also show you understand the why of what you did. Have your letter writers focus on research as well.

Also focus on skills. If you have a github account with anything serious, include it at the top of your CV. If you have serious programming chops, let them know by telling about projects, listing multiple modern programming languages, etc.

Have you contacted any professors yet? Set up meetings? Get on that. And I will do the same...