Looking for a PhD program for microbiology/infectious disease biology NEED ADVICE

Graduate School
1

I recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in microbiology. I loved it and am hoping to get my PhD in it. However my GPA wasn’t stellar and my research was in bioinformatics related to microbiology so I have very little “wet lab experience”. My parents are not science people and because I am now graduated I don’t have access to an advisor so I am hoping someone on here can help give me some guidance as to some of the schools I should set my sights on that are reasonable. Considering these stats can someone please suggest some programs that I might be able to get into? Or just tell me i don’t have any shot of getting in at all that is okay too).

Undergrad: umich, 3.2 GPA, BS in microbiology (and spanish)
Research: Worked in a bioinformatics lab for 2 years and co-authored a paper that is currently under review for publication. (My PI thinks there is a good chance it will get published but I don’t really know). Also worked in an animal behavior lab freshman year studying wasps but that is not related to micro at all.

GRE: currently have a 157 in quant and whatever the reading thing is called and a 5.5 in writing. However I didn’t study and plan on taking it once more so expect it to go up slightly but probably not a ton.

Also concerned because aside from my PI I don’t think I will have the best two other letters of recommendation because I didn’t get close with any professors because michigan is huge and I am not outgoing and didn’t work hard to form any relationships.

So considering this what are some more middle of the road schools I should consider? I will apply to some reaches as well (I.e. Ucsf, Harvard, michigan, Etc.) but really need some advice on the more middle of the road schools. THANK YOU!! You’ll be helping me immensely.

2

Move this to the grad forums.

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Where does your PI think you should apply?

Where are the research groups located that are pursuing projects of specific interest to you?

4

What are you currently doing now?

The best way to improve your application is to work in a lab getting research experience. My stats were very similar to yours. I worked in a lab for 3 years and co-authored several publications. I got into many top programs and am headed to my first choice program next week.

Also, you need to decide exactly what you want to research before deciding on schools to apply to. Research fit is key and can make a HUGE difference in having a successful application vs. and unsuccessful one.

Please feel free to message privately or respond here with more questions. I’m more than happy to help.