Applying for Masters in Biology but not confident about my chances

Graduate School
1

<p>Graduated with B.S. in Neuroscience in 2009</p>

<p>GPA - 2.97. Unfortunately, there are no "tricks" I can use to make it look better. I didn't have any upward trend through semesters and basically went up/down/up/down through all 4 years. My major GPA is even lower than my overall GPA. To make matters worse, I don't have any good excuse for this besides that I simply didn't study enough.</p>

<p>GRE - 163V, 165Q, 3.5W. I'm very happy with my verbal and math scores and not so happy with my writing score. I'm kind of shocked to be honest, given what I remember of the sample essays for each possible score and my own essays. But I'd really rather not retake it.</p>

<p>Research Experience - I stupidly waited until senior year to start asking professors to partake in research and I didn't get a single yes. In an attempt to make up for that I tried looking for lab jobs but in a Catch 22 situation they're obviously looking for research experience that I didn't have and was hoping to get. Finally, a couple years ago I was able to become a part time intern at a psychiatric lab helping with research in Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia and I've been doing that since. I performed western blotting, chemiluminescence imaging, protein assays, etc. I've had a few opportunities to get a full time job at the same place but with no success. Admittedly, I'm a bit frustrated but I guess it's better than nothing.</p>

<p>Recommendations - I should get a good one from my boss but that's pretty much it. I'm very worried about professors. I didn't do any undergrad research and I don't expect any of them to remember me. The best case is they will write a generic recommendation saying I got an A in the class.</p>

<p>I'm applying to CUNY Hunter, CCNY, St Johns, and Adelphi. What are my realistic chances of getting in? Any other advice would also be appreciated. Thanks a lot.</p>

2

<p>bumppppppp</p>

3

<p>Your research experience should help you significantly. A low GPA in college may not kill your chances. You took the revised GRE, and received high marks, which is good. Your high scores may not compensate for your GPA either. </p>

<p>The way I see it, your personal statement and the letter of recommendation written by your boss will make it or break it for you. Obviously it has been a few years since you graduated college, and the research you’ve participated in since is the most important part of your application.</p>

4

<p>Spend some time getting to know the program director or faculty on the adcom. Learn what they value in applicants and be candid with them about your background and work experience. When your application shows up, you won’t be just another stealth applicant they have never heard of. Especially if you make it to the bubble, this will help move you into the class. This effort also pays dividends because you can write a better SOP, tailor your CV language, and provide points to your good reference provider about what the program values.</p>

<p>Another option is Professional Science Masters programs. They are science based, but add in a “plus” component like business, regulatory affairs, or project management. PSMs generally emphasize work experience more heavily than academic programs do, so your chances are much greater. The outcome is also employment in industry and most programs do very well in placements with high average salaries nationally.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>