<p>I am hoping to apply for neuro PhD programs for Fall '13 and am looking for advice on improving my application qualifications. Here are my stats as of right now:</p>
<p>3.33 overall GPA
Bachelor's in Molecular and Cellular Bio with Distinction(from major state school)
GRE scores: Verbal (164-- 96th%) and Math (160-- 84th%)
1 year research experience while in school, completed with a thesis</p>
<p>I am taking this coming year off and working full time in a laboratory as a research assistant-- I should have my own project and have been told that I will be treated as a graduate student, essentially.</p>
<p>I decided to take the year off in order to improve my research qualifications and to hone down precisely what areas of neuroscience I am most interested in. To date, I know that I am interested in auditory systems in general, as well as music perception and cognition.</p>
<p>My main concern is my GPA and potential letters of recommendation. My grades were all over the place throughout college, with some semesters of straight As and some semesters of nearly all Cs(no real reason for this, just varying levels of laziness!). I also only have one professor(the one that I am currently doing research with) that I know on a personal basis and would be comfortable asking for a LoR. In all my classes, I was simply too shy to approach the professors and ask questions.</p>
<p>Any advice on how to secure those other letters of recommendation? Or any other weaknesses in my application profile that may need to be addressed? Any help is MUCH appreciated!</p>