Funny situation...What are my options?

Graduate School
1

<p>OK, please someone, I need help figuring out realistic options for neuro or immuno phd programs. I have some things going for me and some going against me so I have no Idea where I stand. Heres my deal:</p>

<p>McGill University: Major Physiology, Minor Neuroscience</p>

<p>GPA: 2.92 (3.2 during my last 2 years) and i have bunch of Cs and a D during one semester. For the neuroscience minor classes, i have an average of 3.56 (many or most of these courses were graduate level)</p>

<p>GREs: Verbal 670, Quant 800. i didn't take any subject tests (yet)</p>

<p>Research experience:
I have two years of work experience as a technician in a highly respected Harvard Cancer research lab, but I don't have any publications with my name on them.</p>

<p>Letters of Recommendation: I was told my 2 Nuero undergrad professors wrote "exceptional" letters for me, and that i was one of their "brightest students in years"...don't know how I pulled that off :P . Regarding the lab i worked in, I assume the PI will write something nice as well, but since I wasn't in contact with him a lot, so i doubt it will be spectacular.</p>

<p>Thats pretty much it. What schools should I be looking at (including safety and reach)? Should I consider a Master's degree instead and then pursue a phd? I really appreciate any advice!</p>

2

<p>Besides your GPA, things look good. What happened that one semester? A “good” excuse or not (“good” being a temporary traumatic event or something of that nature that was resolved, “bad” being simply slacking, just not able to handle too many hard classes, etc.)? What’s your physio major GPA? Did you do your tech work during UG or after graduation? Geez - as is, below the assumed 3.0 cut off is definitely going to hurt you.</p>

3

<p>I think you are good to apply. The further you are from undergrad the less your GPA means. You should probably be sure to apply a bit more broadly in case some departments are sticklers for the undergrad gpa being above 3.0 rule, but with relevant tech work, more enlightened departments will overlook the one hole in your application.</p>