Hello everyone,
I’m curious what you all think about the strength of my application for graduate school, and whether a PhD is possible without going for a master’s degree first.
My qualifications are:
-Animal Sciences - Biosciences with a minor in Biology (BS)
-Purdue University
-Essentially I have all the pre-vet classes, but without physics and more Biology (~60 credit hours of bio/chemistry/biochemistry)
-Cumulative GPA of 3.43/4.00
-Science GPA of 3.28/4.00 (including only courses in Biology, Chemistry, and biochemistry)
-I haven’t taken the GRE yet, but my practice exams have me in the 160 verbal, 157 quantative range. Writing has always been my strength throughout school so I’m hoping for a 4 or higher. For the sake of argument assume these are my real scores.
-I am listed on a paper published in a journal I helped conduct the research for. I also designed part of the experiment myself so about 1/4 of it is my own design. Additionally, I conducted several other projects, including one project I designed and carried out myself. It didn’t work out in the end because time ran out in my undergraduate days.
-I have spent the last year working in a pathology lab
-I have the professor I co-authored the paper with, and two anatomical pathologists (DVM/PhDs) that have agreed to write recommendations for me. I could throw in a fourth one if needed too.
I’m looking into the Pulse program at Purdue and the IBMG program at IU school of medicine. I have some master’s programs in mind too but if you all think it’s worth trying for these two PhD programs I will apply to them all.
Here are my concerns:
-My research is in ecology/behavioral biology, but I want to go more into biomedical research. Would the admissions board still be willing to consider my research experience even if it’s not in the same area?
-My GPA seems to be a little low, but not incredibly far off from the majority of applicants. Is it likely to cause any issues?
Thank you for any responses!
I am currently in a biomedical research PhD program. In my program, we have students from a wide range of background - biology (obviously), engineering, psychology, chemistry, etc.
I think your GPAs should be okay, especially since you’ve been working in a path lab and have a publication. Doesn’t matter that the research/publication was in ecology/behavioral biology.
The only thing that may be of concern is lack of physics. You didn’t take ANY physics in undergrad? A lot of programs require at least 2 semesters of physics, but I’m not sure how hard of a requirement that is.
Feel free to message me.
Good luck!
Thank you!
I did not take any physics. I had the option to replace them and I took a couple of grad level Biology courses. In hindsight it wasn’t the best idea, but I really wanted to learn about microbiology and immunology. I believe both programs don’t have a hard and fast requirement of physics or any courses really. I didn’t consider that until now, but I will definitely contact them to see what they have to say!
Worst case scenario I can pick up physics while doing a master’s degree if they do require it.
Thanks again for the response!
I graduated from Purdue last year and am currently in a biomedical research program. How much experience would you say you have in years when it comes to research? Do the pathologists know you well enough to write you a letter of rec that speaks to your abilities as a researcher? Ideally, you would like to have three letters from people you worked with. Is there a reason why you want to stay at Purdue for your PhD? I don’t know how receptive adcoms will be to admitting Purdue grads into the PULSE program. They are also more familiar with the coursework at Purdue, so this could be a double edged sword. It is usually better to get your doctoral training at a different institution than your undergrad, so keep that in mind.
If you feel like you want to get some biomedical research experience prior to applying, I would suggest working for the NIH for a year or two in order to build up your resume. That would also make your statement of purpose stronger and more appealing to adcoms in such programs; however, if you are able to effectively connect your research experience to your desire to pursue a career in biomedical sciences, then you don’t really need this. More experience never hurts though. If you are worried about your GPA, get a Master’s or take more courses to boost it. I would suggest also not doing this at Purdue-- unless you decide to just take more courses on campus
If you have any questions, feel free to message me 