Chances of getting into a funded graduate program in microbiology or molecular biology?

Graduate School
1

Hey guys! I have a somewhat unique situation – I started school at a community college fresh out of high school and received a 0.67 GPA over 24 credits. I dropped out, took a few years off, and returned to a different CC where I earned an associate’s degree with a 3.72 GPA. I have 3 Ws on my transcript from this school – one for general chemistry, one for remedial algebra)

I’m now finishing my second year at my transfer institution (midsize, fairly unknown state school) with plans to graduate in December with a BS in Biology (Molecular and Cell concentration) with a minor in Chemistry. My GPA as it stands at my current school is a 3.61 (Major: 3.53, Minor: 3.82, Major Upper: 3.69). I have 3 Ws from this school as well: German, Physics with Calculus, and Physics with Algebra. I plan on retaking physics with calc before I graduate.

I have two internships under my belt so far – One was with a county health department and the other was with a bioanalytical development lab of a fairly well know pharma company. I plan on doing another internship this summer as well. I also have completed one grant-funded independent research project and another more exploratory independent study.

I have not taken the GRE yet…

With the given information, do you think I have a chance of getting into a funded program? I know it’s super competitive and I’m getting so nervous. I’m a first generation college student and really don’t know what to expect.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give!

PS my cumulative GPA (with the fumble at the original CC) is ~3.15 if that helps.

2

I think you do have a chance. It looks like you have had several internships and that is great! Grad schools also like to see research in an academic setting - it might be something to consider for this summer. I think the first thing that you need to do is to take the GRE and see how you do. Are you thinking a funded masters program or Ph.D. program?

One of the key things in applying for graduate schools is to match your research interests to the schools to which you are applying. For example, if you are very interested in studying rho dependent termination, you have the best shot at applying for schools with professors studying that. It shows schools that you are focused and have done your research on where to apply.

Personally, I think working as a lab/research technician/technologist/assistant (title varies from university to university) is a great way to see if you truly want to go to graduate school for biomedical/life sciences. Working after graduation can also be a great way to bolster your graduate school application - potentially with publications and a solid letter of recommendation from the PI for whom you have worked. Also, as a general role, the further removed you are from undergrad, the less your undergrad GPA matters. (It will always count, but experience in the field counts a lot too!)

Please feel free to reply to this message here or message me privately. I’m happy to help.