Advice? Will I get into the program I want as-is or do I need to do more?

Graduate School
1

Hello!

I’m sure there are other threads that are very similar but I would love for some input on my exact situation.

My goals: Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with a focus in neuroscience or just a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

I am a student going to a top institution in my state of Florida (let’s say University of Florida). I am double majoring in psychology and biology with a minor in chemistry (I only have 17 credit hours to finish my biology). If I wanted to leave school today, I would leave with a psychology degree with a minor in biology and chemistry (MANY biology courses - like I said I am so close to finishing).

Recently I have run into some difficulties with health problems that put me off track to finish in the next semester like I intended. I have been extremely lucky and have had enough scholarships and financial aid to not accrue debt. So my dilemma is this:

A) finish my biology degree and take on some debt (6 more months of rent, buying health insurance, no financial aid because I wouldn’t be a full-time student) to take ~one~ class that semester?
OR
B) Leave my university with my B.S. in psychology with a minor in chemistry and biology and go home to either take classes at a state university that isn’t as prestigious where I can take classes for free to finish a second degree in biology or biomedical sciences and work in a research lab OR just work in a research lab for the next two years and get a competitive GRE score.

I have a 3.7 GPA, I’ve worked in a research lab at my school for 2 years in the biomedical sciences department, I have awesome recommendation letters. I haven’t taken the GRE yet but I expect I will get a fairly competitive score.

I really want to attend a biomedical sciences Ph.D. program. Some of my top picks are Vanderbilt, UNC chapel hill, FSU, University of Michigan, UW madison.

I just need some input. My ideal situation would be to leave with my BS in psychology (minor bio/chem) and take a 2 year gap year just working in a lab. I’d like a break from school before I dive into the phd and I’d like to save up some money before grad school as well. If you could help me rank what looks best or worst that would be helpful. Your input on whether or not you think I have a chance of getting into any of those schools would also be helpful.

Thank you so much. I am more than happy to explain things further. I’m sure I rambled on a bit.

*** I’m pretty hard on myself so I might not be able to see things clearly. I know I am a good student with pretty good standing. I understand that your major isn’t everything. I just don’t want my application overlooked.

2

To add to this: it isn’t all about money. I’m burnt out. I desperately need a break. I know that if I continue I’m not going to perform as well as I typically would because I’m still fighting my illness.

Tl;Dr - would finishing my second major in biology really give me that much of an advantage? Do I have a chance where I stand?

3

Speak with your biology advisor to see what he or she thinks. Additionally, you should talk with the professor running the lab in the biomedical sciences department to see if he or she has any advice. CC might give you some good advice, but the professors who have come to know you and are experts in biomedical sciences/graduate admission would be even more helpful. Wishing you the best!

4

Since biomedical sciences is an interdisciplinary field, generally speaking it’s not necessarily important to have a major in a specific area. As long as you have enough biology and chemistry courses to adequately prepare you to undertake the kind of research you want to do, your major in psychology with a minor in chemistry and biology would be fine - particularly if you are only ONE class shy of a biology double major. They’ll look at your transcript and see that you have a lot of biology and chemistry classes.

2 years of research in a biomedical lab would be far, far more valuable than a second major.

If you take classes at your state university, try taking graduate-level classes instead if a graduate program in biology is offered. Those will have more impact, assuming you do well. You don’t need the second degree.