<p>Hey guys, I just completed my junior year at UC Berkeley and I was hit with a few reality checks. First off, my PI told me that as long as I maintained a GPA of 3.7, I would be competitive enough for any of the big chemistry grad programs out there. Unfortunately, Murphy's law came into play and my gpa dropped to a 3.67. I know that this is still an okay gpa, but what worries me is the fact that my GRE subject for chemistry was a 710 (60th percentile).
I have had a lot of research experience, a publication from a summer REU internship, and will be working in medicinal chemistry in a biotech company this summer. I have solid rec letters. I was just wondering if i should be retaking the chem GRE esp if i'm applying to those big chem schools. (not too sure if i will score much higher since i am just a horrible standardized test taker)</p>
<p>Also, do schools see your first semester senior year grades?</p>
<p>Don't worry about your subject test score 710 is very good for applying to grad school. The reason why it says the 60th percentile is because a lot of chemistry graduate students take the subject test as well. Also a drop in 0.03 in your gpa is not going to affect your standing whatsoever, since the schools will still see you as a 3.7. A bigger factor in admission is the research experience and pubs and looks like you got both so thats good. so no need to worry about your subject test score.</p>
<p>If you're applying straight out of undergrad, schools will not see your first semester senior year grades. The school that you end up deciding to attend will see those grades after you've graduated, but they just care that your grades were good enough that you were able to finish your degree.</p>
<p>i got into a top 10 chemistry graduate school (3rd in my disciple) with a lower score on my GRE subject test. So dont worry! the letters of rec really are the most important things.</p>
<p>thanks a lot for your input, i feel a lot better</p>
<p>molliebatmit, a few of schools I applied to requested that I submit my transcript after the fall term would be over.</p>