<p>hello, everyone. I am new here. I know, it is really difficult for a chinese student to apply for US schools. Now, I am a junior student, and I am planning to find a PHD position in US, moreover, my girlfriend, studying in Texas, is waiting for me. Yet, I find it quite difficult to get into top PHD programs in US. pls rate my application.</p>
<p>Undergrate:a university in China (ranking 10th)
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.8 or so
GRE: V660, 94% Q790, 92% AW 3.5 ( sigh, I know, AW sucks :( )
Toefl:106
Research experience：working as a research assistant in labs since I was a sophomore, up to now, two publications (both 1st author), and I think I can get 1 or 2 more papers before my application next autumn.
LOR: I expect that I can get: 1 from a editor of a academic journal in US, 2 PIs I am working with（both are not that well-known）</p>
<p>I am thinking of applying schools ranking top 10-50, is that ok?
Thanks everyone.</p>
<p>Many top programs in biology had deadlines yesterday for applications. If you still intend to apply, you must find those programs that have slightly later deadlines, keeping in mind that sometimes international students must apply much earlier than US students.</p>
<p>Your GREs and TOEFL are fine, as is your research and publications. You might even be able to get into a top 10 university, provided you have an excellent statement of purpose and recommendations. With that AW score, I’d steer away from the Ivies since they tend to put slightly more weight on it, although certainly you can try one or two if they seem perfect for your interests.</p>
<p>In Texas, you should try Baylor – unless the deadline has already passed. The state schools will be less likely to support an international student, although you should check into this on their website. In the biological sciences, internationals have a tougher road since much funding comes from the government and is limited to domestic students, although any professor who can support you through his own government funds.</p>
<p>thanks，how nice you are! actually, as I have mentioned, I am a junior student who is planning to apply next year.
I am really worried about my future, for I don’t think I can get strong recommendation letters. Yet, I think, all I need now is confidence and persistence, simply worrying can get me nowhere at all. After all, man proposes, God disposes.
Best wishes to everyone in CC.</p>
<p>well, in my plan, the third year is a great time to enrich my research experience. More importantly, I thought I can do well in AW. However, the outcome is so embarassing. I don’t know why, but in china, more than 60% people get only 3 in AW. By the way, do I need take a Sub GRE test?</p>
<p>You’ll have to research the individual programs to see whether the Subject GRE is required. If you can score high on it, it might help, even if it’s not required.</p>
<p>I think it’s obvious why it’s difficult for a Chinese student to score high on the AW section. You have to have a sophisticated grasp of the English language to do well. Even native speakers can falter. If you come from China and can score at least a 4.5, you’ll have a greater chance of acceptance.</p>
<p>well, I have another question. What do strong SOP and LOR exactly mean? I knew that they should be unique,concrete and informative. However, I still can’t understand what a successful SOP is, and what a successful LOR is? Do backgounds of the LOR writers mean a lot? Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Many programs/grad schools will tell you what they want in the SOP- eg for math both UCLA and UW-Madison give concrete ideas about what to write about yourself (and what NOT to). Programs’ websites will also give suggestions on those LORs. You can also find out information from seniors at your school going through the process- especially next spring when they know how successful they were. Work on your writing skills as they will matter.</p>
