Hi All,
I’m new to this website so I’m not really sure if this thread belongs in the graduate school section or the Chances section.
I’ll be graduating in December from Armstrong State University. I know it’s not a big school, but I didn’t want to rack up debt in undergrad so I went to a small state school where my entire tuition would be paid by the Hope scholarship and Pell Grant and I could live at home.
I’m looking into biology graduate programs - I haven’t really decided which program specifically. I’m most attracted to genetics/genomics, molecular biology, and stem cell/regenerative medicine.
I’m a cell/molecular biology major with a minor in music
3.7 GPA
GRE’s not taken yet, about to start studying. Still haven’t decided if I should take a subject test.
3 and half years research experience
-All 3 years under the same mentor.
First project: Studied aldo-keto reductase stereoselectivity with mutagenesis
Second project: Looking at local strains of Wolbachia
-I’ve started working on a publication for this project. It will be at least submitted for publication by the Fall
Undergraduate Research Grant recipient
Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Tri Beta
I’ve been to one conference (Association of Southeastern Biologists) and presented in poster form.
Graduating from the Honors program
GA Power Scholar
Jobs:
Receptionist/Filing for car dealership
Private piano lessons
Pianist for a baptist church
I want to apply to Chapel Hill, Emory, and Duke. I think I could get into Emory and Chapel Hill, but I was wondering if I even have a chance with Duke? I also wanted to apply to the stem cell programs to one of the California universities but they’re all highly selective. I’m especially interested in UCSF.
Questions: Should I choose more safety schools?
Is it even worth applying to Duke or UCSF?
Thank you!