chances?

Graduate School
1

Hello everyone,

Always wanted to post something but never got around it until now, however, I really am seeking advice on this subject. I have just finished my junior year, I was supposed to graduate this semester, but extended it until the fall to finish my second major. I am a double major in neuroscience/psychology and I will be graduating a semester early. My overall GPA is a 3.2, I have 3 years of research experience in two separate labs, of which I have produced 3 poster publications in each. I have also completed one industry internship at a pharmaceutical company, as well as doing some independent study work for a biomedical start up. With all of this being said I am very interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in pharm sciences. If I have to do my masters first that is okay, but I would prefer jumping straight into my Ph.D.

Given my experiences, my CV/resume speak for themselves and my want to always learn more and be much further than my average classmate. Coming from a state school what are my chances? I haven’t had very good grades throughout college with major gpas around the 3.0 region. And hope that I can raise my GPA in the fall as well as get a good score on the GRE.

If I’m looking into schools such as UNC-CH, UDenver, UMD-College Park, and even Kentucky, what do you guys think my chances are coming this fall? I have two guaranteed stellar LOR’s one coming from my PI in one lab, who is also my department head, and another from a well-distinguished professor in his field of molecular biology.

Thanks everyone ahead of time!f

2

With a 3.2 cumulative, a 3.0 major GPA, and a background that doesn’t match up to the PhD you want, you are unlikely to be admitted directly into a PhD program. For example, UNC’s school of pharmacy says they look for this:

  • a bachelor’s degree (based on a four-year curriculum) or its international equivalent with an accredited institution, with a standard collegiate curriculum in pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, zoology, or an allied field*

UMD says

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution. Our program favors applicants with a BA, BS, or MS degree in the areas of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, molecular biology, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical sciences. Other related degrees will also be considered.

CU Denver says

An undergraduate degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or chemical engineering is excellent preparation for graduate training in pharmaceutical sciences; however, no specific undergraduate major is required. All applicants for the program should have completed a year of study in the following subjects: general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, and physics. In addition, courses in the following subjects will be highly recommended to supplement the student’s background: biochemistry, statistics, cell biology, physical chemistry, computer science, and immunology. Under special circumstances, deficiencies in important areas may be made up within the first year after entrance into the program.

A 3.0 is their minimum GPA qualification, but you can bet that at top programs they are looking for people with higher GPAs and mostly admit students with around a 3.5+.

You will most likely need to get an MS in a related field first - an MS in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a pharmaceutical sciences field. (An MS in the pharmaceutical sciences is probably your best bet). Do really well there, and get a third recommendation letter - you’ll need 3.

That’s not to say that you can’t apply this year, but I would apply only to your top three PhD programs and then apply to a range of MS programs (maybe about 4-5?) to see where you get admitted. If you get admitted to a PhD program, great! Then go! But the more likely outcome is that you get into a good MS program, and then use that to enter a PhD.