Chances of getting into top-tier neuroscience Ph.D. programs?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>Hi, this is my first post here, but I've read a lot of threads and they've been very helpful.</p>

<p>Now it's time for me to ask if I have any chances of getting into the top-tier neuroscience programs I'm hoping to apply to.</p>

<p>Here is my background:
I am an international student from Asia. I graduated from California State University with a degree in Music and Biology. I went to a liberal arts high school so didn't study science at all, so when I decided to major in Biology in college I had to start from pre-algebra... But from there I went onto getting top scores in graduate-level neuroscience classes.</p>

<p>My overall GPA is 3.37, which is not so great, and GRE scores will be somewhere around Q750-800 and V500-600, I think. I was in a research lab for about a year in another field of biology completely unrelated to neuroscience and didn't accomplish much unfortunately, which is what I'm worried about. My personal statement will be pretty unique and strong, and I'm hoping at least 2 LOR will be too. Also, I have been away from school for 2 years to save money and get some real world experience.</p>

<p>So, do you think I have any chances of getting accepted to top Ph.D. programs??</p>

<p>I want to apply to:</p>

<p>*Harvard
*MIT
*UCSD
*UCLA
*Columbia</p>

<p>I am also applying to UC Irvine and Davis. As back-ups, I am applying to neuroscience Master's programs in Europe.</p>

<p>I would really appreciate it if you could give me some input! Thanks!!</p>

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<p>Schools of that caliber are looking for the best students in the world. Based on what you’ve shown here, I wouldn’t put you in that category; would you?</p>

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<p>^ Don’t be harsh.</p>

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<p>I know that college and GPA-wise I’m not great. For science programs, and esp. with international students, I hear that a high GRE verbal score is not important. But basically the only advantage I have is my unique background and goal.</p>

<p>So if I have NO chance of getting into these schools, what can you suggest??</p>

<p>I was thinking of perhaps getting a Master’s first or a lab tech position in a relevant field if I don’t get accepted next year. But considering my age I want to avoid that…</p>

<p>Also, one thing I forgot to mention. I’ve been working for a world’s top corporate full-time and as a part-time contributing science writer for a major news source, which I will emphasize in my personal statement.</p>