Hello college confidential community, this is my first post on this site! I decided to make an account because I have a bit of concern with my schooling thus far. I am close to entering my second semester of my junior year as a molecular biology major. I absolutely love biology, and it is my passion no doubt, my only issue is getting a high GPA. Currently I’m at about a 3.3 GPA, and have worked my tail off to do so. I am a bit concerned that this kind of GPA is not preferred when looking at grad schools, or entering the industry. I have done a lot to try and boost it, and hopefully I will have it above at 3.5 by graduation. I do not plan on going to medical school, but would rather go to industry upon graduation, and eventually return to school for a master or phd. My question for all of you is: Is it possible to still peruse molecular biology research without a insanely high GPA? I understand that experience would be preferred so I have begun looking for internships immediately. If any other biologists that have an interest in research could give me some advice that would be amazing.
“Industry” with a biology degree is, in most cases, low-paying lab tech gigs where you do tedious work that could be done by a high school graduate. The situation is only somewhat better with a Masters. If you’re interested in getting a PhD (which, with some exceptions, is the only way you’ll really get to do proper research), don’t waste time–apply directly for graduate programs. A 3.5 should not keep you out of most graduate programs. However, admission to graduate programs is more about your research experience than your GPA. If you don’t have research experience, then yes, it would benefit you to get some experience first.
Depends on the company and the team involved in the research. BS/MS level scientists will not be leading the direction of the research, but better science teams will involve these people in the design of experiments.
Major difference: PhDs sit in an office designing and communicating science, and BS/MS’ers get into the lab to run experiments planned by the science team.
Agree completely that gaining research experience is a top priority for undergraduate science majors.
Another option might be to get a job in a university laboratory as a lab tech. That would give you the kind of experience that could help you get into a graduate program.