<p>Hi, I'm a biochemistry major at Clemson (yeah i know not the best program) finishing my junior year. My total GPA will be fairly decent by the time I graduate at probably around 3.7 based on realistic expectations, but my major GPA will be what i consider fairly low by the time I graduate (based on how I've been doing so far, extending that trend out) at 3.4 for a conservative estimate and 3.6 being optimistic. I want to go to graduate school for a Ph.D. in structural biology (a sub-field of biochemistry/biophysics) and would like to a top school (yale, stanford, Johns Hopkins would be my dream). </p>
<p>No. 1, how much consideration is given to Core vs total GPA vs core GPA from junior and senior years? secondly, What counts as a core class? would for instance, general chemistry, organic chem, and calculus count, or it just classes very specific to my major? do lab classes count (since they are basically free A's)? </p>
<p>Finally, what is the kind of core GPA and total GPA is considered competitive for a top school, and do I have it? </p>
<p>Thanks much</p>