Chances for Graduate School at UF

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm currently a junior wanting to get into University of Florida's Immunology phD program. I'll be applying in around 5 months. I'm wondering what my chances would be (or if I shouldn't even try for UF). UF is my dream school---I LOVE their curriculum for immuno, the research topics in their labs, and the location. </p>

<p>My stats:</p>

<p>Undergrad university: Mississippi State</p>

<p>Major: Biochemistry and Microbiology (double major)</p>

<p>GPA: 3.96</p>

<p>GRE: Will take next month, but all my practice tests have been around 1200 (700 Q, 500 V)</p>

<p>Personal Statement: In the process of writing. I know it won't be a huge standout, because I don't really have any special circumstances that give me that "WOW" factor, but I generally can write a decent essay.</p>

<p>Research experience: At the time I apply, I will have 2.5 years of research experience in a plant pathology lab. I will keep this research job until I graduate (so 3.5 years total. I will mention this in personal statement). During my time at this lab, I conducted a directed individual study for one of my professors on the cleaning of contaminated PCR products, but no publication or poster presentation. Also, within the last month, I have starting working along side a phD student in this lab on a project pertaining to toxigenic strains of aspergillus flavus. She has agreed to put my name on the publication (but the publication won't come about until AFTER I have finished my undergrad studies, so it's no help in getting into grad school). I'm not sure if having research in a plant pathology lab is relevant enough for an immunology program. </p>

<p>Letters of recommendation: One from my boss at the research lab, one from my biochemistry advisor, and one from my microbiology advisor (who also taught me several upper level science courses)</p>

<p>I'm also applying to University of Alabama at Birmingham and possibly Baylor or Emory. However, UF is my REAL goal. I would love your input. Should I even get my hopes up? What are my chances? Will being from out of state help or hurt my chances?</p>

<p>Also, If you have any tips for getting accepted, let me know. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Is this your unweighted gpa? Also, how are the standardized test scores? The research experience is very impressive and unique which will give you an upper hand in my opinion. By the way, I was wondering how did you get involved in the research program because I want to do something like that. Also, can you chance me back? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1080282-chances-usc-u-i-ucla.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1080282-chances-usc-u-i-ucla.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>I think you are confused…I’m referring to entering a phD program at UF, not an undergraduate program. Therefore, I don’t think “weighted” or “unweighted” GPA really applies here. </p>

<p>If you are still in high school, I recommend a summer internship to gain research experience. I wasn’t aware that these existed for high school students when I was in school, so I never did one. I’ve heard they are great, though. As far as my personal research experience goes, there are tons of research opportunities in faculty labs for undergrads.</p>