Chances on Admission to Chemistry Graduate Program

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I apologize for the typical question... But I am quite scared and there are very few statistics out there so any opinions would be very much appreciated.</p>

<p>Degree: BSc in Chemistry awarded this quarter, one quarter earlier than the projected 4 years
GPA: 3.47 at the moment, but may bring up to 3.5 at the end of the quarter (on 4.0 scale)
General GRE scores: quantitative-750, verbal-620, analytical writing-4.0
*Research experience: 1.5 years in a biological chemistry lab on campus with typical undergraduate work, 1.5 years (still working here) for a physical chemistry oriented lab for the Air Force Research Laboratories. I specialized in a certain characterization method and used this to help multiple research projects other than my own labs' project, as I am one of the only people proficient with it at the location. Publications pending but none at the time of my application.</p>

<p>The school I attended for undergraduate degree is a small state school. I have one very good LoR from my boss on the air force base and 2 decent-good ones. My personal statement was also decently good. I am applying to Analytical Chemistry (though also stated I had an interest in inorganic and physical chemistry) programs at the following schools: University of Washington (my #1 choice if possible), UT Austin, UC Davis, Boston University, and two Oregon Universities.</p>

<p>I am quite worried about getting into the graduate programs I applied to as I was told I aimed too high for my qualifications. My best credential is my research experience, but I was told that is rather typical for most applicants... Even those applying for a PhD straight out of undergrad. Any information would be amazing to have as I have no idea anymore. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Have any of the schools that you applied to invited you to visit? That would be a positive sign. I think you would be extremely likely to be admitted by at least one of the schools, and probably more. Is your chemistry GPA 3.4+, as well as your overall GPA? If so, that’s good. If your chemistry GPA is below 3.0, that would make admission less likely. Did you get A’s in your analytical chemistry courses? Have any recent graduates in chemistry from your school gone to any of the schools where you applied? If so, how are they doing? Their performance could have an impact on your chances of admission, for better or worse. But overall, I think you are in good shape for grad school admission.</p>

3

<p>I have not heard from any of the schools just yet other than initial ‘thank you for applying’ type responses. My Chemistry GPA is similar to my overall GPA, possibly lower by maybe 0.1 but not lower than 3.2 for sure. I got A’s and B’s in all my Analytical type classes as well as labs in school with more A’s than B’s. No recent graduates have gone to these schools as far as I know, but my boss who also wrote a LoR is an alumni from UT Austin. Thank you so much for your response! I really appreciate your perspective.</p>