<p>I'm a chemistry major (at ~top 10 public school) and just finished up my sophomore fall semester and have about a 3.6 overall GPA and 3.7 major GPA. I took a hard courseload this fall and took organic and physical chemistry together (B+ in organic and A in everything else for a ~3.8-3.85 GPA which is my highest yet). My research is materials science based (physics/materials science) and by the time I graduate I will probably have at least 2 papers published (and I can get good recs from my advisor/try to find another professor, etc.). </p>
<p>I'd really like to go to a top 10 school in materials science & engineering (schools like MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, etc.) and I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with that and what type of GPA for a chem major would be in this ballpark (assuming good research, recs, etc.). I'm hoping to keep up the GPA this next semester too and I know my 2nd year GPA will weigh more heavily vs. my 1st year GPA (because I'm taking all classes in my major). Thanks!</p>
<p>I think you are on the correct track with your GPA, and I would suggest that you keep it high as possible, and let the chips fall where they may. Just concentration on doing your best.</p>
<p>On another note, you may want to take substantially more math classes than what is required for the Chemistry curriculum (Diff. Eq, Linear, Applied Math, Modern), and you may want to learn how to program C++ pretty well at a minimum. Also, you may want to take some engineering classes (statics, strengths, fluids, EMag I &II). I am saying all of this because I did the MSE option for the ACS portion of my second concentration at my undergrad university. When you go into a MSE graduate program, they will expect that you know how to program more than Matlab, and know the basics of engineering. Or you could just take them when you get into the program, but the margin for error is very thin, and EMag II is a killer for some.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. At my school chem majors still take differential equations, linear algebra, and multivariable calculus but I was planning to take at least 1-2 more math courses anyway and possibly a few chemical engineering courses (that are math based) if I can. </p>
<p>I’ve also already taken programming courses (I started out as a CS major) but I might take some more if I have room in the schedule. Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard the top schools look for at least a 3.7 GPA and so I want to keep on the right track.</p>