<p>Hello people, I am a rising junior at the University of North Florida. I know probably you people have never heard of the school. I am writing this because I would like to know if I have a chance and I am not doing this because of prestige. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and I have a double major (biology and physics). I have done alot of cancer research at the Mayo Clinic. There are other stuff I have done but my main question is that will I be at a competitive disadvantage due to the school I am going to? Its not really known but I have the same qualifications as other future applicants. Thank you guys and I deeply appreciate your advice. I personally dont care about the prestige and only care to get educated at a world class institution and get a chance to work with great minds. Thanks</p>
<p>This isn’t going to be the most useful forum for grad school admissions advice, I don’t think. Your chances are probably going to depend a lot on who your research advisor is and whether or not you have a publication.</p>
<p>Thank you. I am thinking of potentially doing a research internship up at MIT at the biology department. </p>
<p>I know someone from New College who was accepted at MIT grad school, in CBS. So I do think you have a chance. Just make sure you have a wide net.</p>
<p>I think a research internship at MIT is a fantastic idea. Make sure you really show your best. Show them you can do research independently and well, think through problems, and really dedicate time. A positive recommendation letter from within will really help you. <em>Especially</em> if you also happen to have a publication.</p>
<p>Oh hey wow please tell me you are who I think you are.</p>
<p>Nope nvm you’re a different person. I guess there are many of you.</p>
<p>@lidusha Do you go to MIT?</p>
<p>Graduate programs don’t care tat much about where the student did their B.S. degree. It is more about academic performance, test scores, and letters of reference. Yes, you have a chance but you have to realize that these highly selective programs are really competitive and you are never guaranteed admission even though you have a perfect 4.0 and GRE scores. Decisions are made on lots of variables, make sure you include one or two sure things in your applications. places you would be happy attending but which are not as selective. Remember that the thing that mattes most in getting a job after Ph.D. is who your advisor is not always where the advisor is a faculty member.</p>
<p>(Aaaaand the comment I was responding to in my above two comments was deleted, so now this just looks awkward.)</p>
<p>Yes, I do indeed go to MIT. I am that one: <a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/profile/lakras”>http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/profile/lakras</a></p>
<p>I think students at less selective universities are definitely at a disadvantage but not so much because of pedigree but because the classes are easier, the professors less well known, and generally fewer academic opportunities. This also varies quite a bit by field too. In say math or certain humanities fields it is very hard to signal that you are an excellent student if you don’t come from a top university while my impression is that it is easier in most science fields.</p>
<p>@UMTYMP student Exactly, thats what I am worried about. I understand why universities view less selective universities like UNF. I mean the course track I am on is the toughest the school can provide and I have participated in research programs such as the NSF REU program. I also know that for medical schools the same can be said. Thank you for your help. May I ask, where do you go for college? Also do you anyone who has been in the same situation?</p>
<p>I attend MIT. I think you are doing the right things. Getting letters from well known faculty outside your institution is important. For bio at least my impression is that courses are relatively less important and research is much more important. If you can get some publications that should help too. I think GPA and MCAT scores matter more for med school admissions so the disadvantage isn’t as significant. I don’t really know many people in similar situtations.</p>
<p>My son is going to MIT for a PhD in Biological engineering. He found thegradcafe.com a very useful site</p>
<p>for gauging his chances and answering questions. </p>
<p>@mumof2boyz2 May I ask, where did your son attend for his undergrad studies? Thank you for the website.</p>
<p>@bobjohnson , My son attended Lehigh University. I know the others were from a wide variety of schools.</p>