International student getting into a good Chemistry Grad school with 2.97 GPA?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>This is probably nothing new, but I thought I'd put my case out there for suggestions and any advice/ evaluation: I am currently an (international student), a senior Chem major at a fairly good college (top 30) and I am hoping to continue getting into an MS-PhD program after graduation. I have already taken my GREs (score: 315, 158Q, 157V, and 4AWA). One very big worry for me right now is my low gpa. I am very anxious and terrified how badly a candidate I might be for grad school considerations: </p>

<p>Major GPA: 2.97
Cumulative GPA: 3.14</p>

<p>My chemistry gpa isn't looking that great, I have a 2.97 gpa in my major (3.1 cumulative gpa), though I may be able to pull it up to a 3.14 gpa by the end of this semester (3.3 cumulative gpa). I didn't do terribly hot in second semester organic chemistry (2.7), or either physical chemistry sections (around 2.5), though my research classes were decent (3.3). I am taking upper level courses in the classes I didn't do too well in hopes of redeeming my poor performance in the eyes of the grad school admission committee (and more importantly of course, to make sure I actually do well and improve on where I really should have the first time). </p>

<p>I have had 1 year's worth of research experience in a professor's lab, and I feel I may be able to secure fairly solid LOR's (from my advisor and professors this term), as well as come up with a fair SOP. I am looking at these graduate schools (I have included their <em>arbitrary</em> but respective Chemistry graduate school rankings according to US news, if that's any help in your evaluations of my possibilities/ chances):</p>

<p>Purdue University (West Lafayette) #21
Indiana University (Bloomington) #24
University of Washington #24
Ohio State University #31
Duke University #41
Rockfeller University #49
University of Rochester #49
University of Massachussetts (Amherst) #56
Brown University #60
University of Notre Dame #60
Tufts University #80
University of Connecticut #84
Syracus University #92
Wesleyan University #106</p>

<p><em>Burning</em> Questions:
-Around which rankings should I look to apply, if some of the higher end institutes (#20-30) might seem too high reach for my current situation?</p>

<p>-I really hope to boost my gpa this fall semester, but since the semester will not officially over by the time I apply (Mid december, around Dec. 15th deadline application for most schools), will this semester's grades be seen/ taken into consideration? </p>

<ul>
<li>how badly will the combined fact that I am international and have a less-than-stellar gpa affect my chances in grad school?</li>
</ul>

<p>-I've been looking around and my GRE score, while not tops, are fair enough (so I understand from the score percentiles available, but is it a little low for chem grad school? I know that a fair score is around 160 for both V and Q sections)</p>

<p>That's my schpeal. Thanks for reading through & Any feedback, advice or suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Anything to ease my overwhelming worry and anxiety!</p>

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<p>You may want to reevaluate your list since you seem to be targeting some competitive schools with that GPA.</p>

3

<p>Grad schools, even the not too competitive ones, will expect 3.5+. Some that are less competitive may admit someone with a 3.2-3.3 but none that are on your list. You need to take more classes and increase your GPA.</p>

4

<p>You may also want to take the Chemistry GRE while you’re trying to raise your GPA…</p>

5

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<p>Students typically pursue a PhD. in something at which they excel.
a 2.97 in one’s major is actually quite poor and many schools would actually kick you out of your major with a GPA like that.</p>

<p>I honestly think you need to re-think your plans as no graduate program with any degree of quality is going to admit you.</p>