Bioinformatics Phd and General Phd Admission chances?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello Everyone,</p>

<p>I found this web site to be very useful for aspiring graduate students. I have few questions on my chances of admissions to top and mediocre schools in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology Programs. </p>

<p>My Information:
1) Current Working as Bioinformatics Analyst for 1.5 years in Michigan.
2) MS degree in Bioinformatics (2008. GPA : 3.6) from a Michigan University(not umich)
3) Undergrad degree in Bioinformatics(2006 Percentage : 85%) from India
4) International Student(Not a US citizen)
5) Currently doing research for a non profit organization in Bioinformatics to come up with publications.
6) My age : 25</p>

<p>So, I am currently gaining practical experience in bioinformatics so I can be prepared for 2012 Fall admission interviews. I am also preparing to retake my GRE before Aug 2011 and hoping to get 1300. I am aiming for both Top schools like Stanford, Harvard, Duke, Yale and some mediocre schools like Univ of Cincinnati, George Mason Univ and Drexel Univ. I have to start contacting professors in different universities to know what my chances are in getting into their bioinfo programs.</p>

<p>1) What are my chances in getting admission into Top tier schools and the mediocre schools?
2) Do I need to prepare in any other area to make my case strong to get into a phd program in bioinfomratics or computational biology?
3) I will be 26 by the time my applications go to schools. I guess 26 is not so young to get into phd program. Will my age factor decrease my chances in getting into phd program?
4) Does my Job experience and education in Bioinformatics increase my chances in getting into phd program?</p>

<p>Please give your honest opinions and suggest activities that I should do in this year(2011) that can help me in getting admission into top tier schools.</p>

<p>Thanks
Foster</p>

2

<p>bioinformatics will get you a very low paying job with no salary increase, youre indian so i know that when parents start you up for arranged marriage, the first thing the girls family will ask is how much you make</p>

3

<p>Hey Kapman,</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply. It makes me sad and Laugh at the same time. Yeah, I agree that the arranged marriages are like that. </p>

<p>Can you give your opinions on my real questions.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

4

<p>Foster9999 i just sai my previous post because my cousin’s parents are looking for a husband for her and thats the first thing they asked the potential grooms family, how much his salary. But all jokes aside, i think you have a potential shot at a top tier school, make sure in your app you really try to put out the “Currently doing research for a non profit organization in Bioinformatics to come up with publications” fact. Colleges really like seeing outside research</p>