I was hoping to get some advice.
I am currently enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University I will graduate May 2016, my GPA will be a 3.2-3.3 by the time i add to graduate school. I have not taken my GREs yet but i took the practice test and i think i will score average.
I also have like 2 years of lab experience, and at least 1 publication (where i will be the first author). I know my mentors and professor will give me a very strong recommendation.
My only struggle is my GPA, how much do you think this will hold me back?
My dream school is to get into University of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, or Chicago.
What do you think my chances are of getting into these schools?
and what are some good schools that are within my reach?
also what some last minute things i could do to present a stronger candidacy?
I’m guessing you’re applying for PhD programs? Your GPA will not necessarily keep you out of grad school, but you should keep your options open. You’re above one of the common cutoffs that can be prohibitive (below 3.0), but your GPA means you will likely have to show your strength other ways. A strong GRE can be a little bit helpful, but having very strong letters of recommendation and research experience will do much more for your application.
At this point, your best bet to improve your chances are to focus on your letters of recommendation and statement of purpose. Have a conversation with each of your letter writers about your goals, background, research, and the programs you’ll be applying to. Really make sure you put together a strong purpose statement that explains what you have to offer that make you a strong research candidate besides your grades.
As for schools/programs: the ones you have the best chances at are the ones where you have the best research fit. Because of the grades, you might also consider applying for some masters programs as well, as a backup, which you could use to boost grades and research experince for a future application. Alternately, if a self-funded masters would be too expensive, look for lab tech jobs. If you don’t get into a PhD program, work in a lab and apply again in a year or two with a much stronger resume.