<p>Hey guys, I'm a University of the Pacific senior applying for grad school this year for an MS in chemistry/biochemistry (to eventually get a PhD) and have been having trouble deciding between Cal Poly Pomona, San Jose State, San Francisco State, and Sac State but I cant decide which two cal states to choose from. I'm also considering applying to UC San Diego, UC Riverside, Irvine, Davis, or Merced. At the moment my GPA is 2.8 (immaturity in fresh/soph years) and most likely increase at the end of my senior year. Anyway, I wanted to know which cal state school has a strong chemistry program and from what it looks like, SJSU offers great graduate courses while Cal Poly has the reputation. I'm originally from Hawaii so I have no idea about the schools in the California area. Also my GRE scores werent so hot Q610/V420/A4 and I'm considering retaking it again (should I even retake?). I do however have a handful of research experience in the biochemistry lab with recombinant expression, protein purification & analysis; i'm not sure if its helpful or not but we'll see.</p>
<p>Here are the schools I have decided to apply to based on perceived ease of getting in:
1 - Cal State to be decided (2.5 minimum)
2 - Cal Poly Pomona (2.5 min, but a popular school)
3 - University of the Pacific (3.0 but have great relations w/ the professors to try to pull me in)
4 - UC to be decided (strict 3.0, but I know that Davis increases UOP students gpa by 1/10th of a point so if I get a 2.9 I will at least have a minimal chance)</p>
<p>Thanks, hope to hear from you guys soon.</p>
<p>Im not an expert in the subject, but from what I hear the UC schools are very competitive and difficult to get into. Someone with your stats (GPA and GRE scores) may not stand a very good chance. But his is based on my research, im in the same boat as you (EE, gpa-2.99, gre-450V & 720Q, 1 yr of research exp)
But I think you have a decent shot at getting into the Cal state schools, as long as you have a good SOP and LOR.</p>
<p>Why only California? The state budget is in serious trouble, thus affecting universities’ budgets. Academics are generally very unhappy right now with the way the government is dealing with the university system.</p>
<p>Your should definitely bring up your Q score,</p>
<p>Do realize that these minimum qualifications are just what they are. Strong applicants will often exceed these minimums. However a bare-minimum GPA can be trumped by strong reseach experiences and LORs.</p>
<p>@Ticklemepink - What other universities outside of the california state do you recommend? Being from Hawaii I really have no perception of other good schools in the rest of the continental US. I was thinking Washington and Oregon but I don’t know the areas and the academics too well to even decide on a school. A good handful of schools have a MS program with a 2.5 minimum but I don’t know where to even look except the CSU’s.</p>
<p>Yeah, my GRE’s are terribly bad. What the weird problem was that I didnt have a traditional math and english program at school (esp from Hawaii, too laid back now that I realize it. No wonder the education scores are crap) so I spent 3 months trying to learn all the math that I was supposed to have known on the SAT and GRE’s without focusing on vocab. If I stay consistent w/ math and nerves dont get to me hopefully I can still pull a 600+ Q with a 500+ V (going to practice vocab).</p>
<p>My two professors I know are going to give me great LOR’s as I have developed a great relationship with them (pretty much keeping me from giving up at UOP and going back home, so hopefully that would really help). In terms of actual learning, application, analytical thinking, self directedness etc… I got that through my years worth of research experience. I’m pretty sure I could run my own research project if I had the theoretical knowledge.</p>
<p>btw Fluffypillow, what are your reasons for applying to grad school? I know EE’s have great job opportunities right out of college once they get their PE license. Self development and knowledge I presume? (and good luck with applications, lets hope for the best)</p>