Lost my Bio research tech job, now not sure I can get into Ph.D programs

Graduate School
1

<p>Just hoping for some suggestions from any Bio Ph.D students or applicants. This is a bit of a rant, I'm getting a little desperate!</p>

<p>I graduated in May with about 3 years of research in college, and I'm 2nd author on a paper. But I have a very low GPA, and hoped to work for 2 more years to improve my applications for PhD programs with more experience + another LOR. So, when I graduated, I accepted what seemed like a dream job... I turned down another job offer and spent all my money to move to a new city.</p>

<p>The research tech job wound up being a disaster for a lot of reasons, but mainly because my PI and I didn't get along. I left after a few months, deciding that things wouldn't get better and that I couldn't invest anymore time into a job with such a difficult PI. She wasn't sad to see me go, since things had gotten pretty tense.</p>

<p>I have a strong resume, and my PIs from college have been super supportive and apparently have said really great things to potential employers who contact them as references. But, it has been almost 4 months and I haven't been able to find another job. I'm getting more and more anxious and at this point, I'm scared that I'm not going to find anything. I'm still looking, but I'm starting to wonder if I should just move on and try applying to grad school.</p>

<p>I have a 3.0 GPA, which was slightly affected by a year with some family emergency type issues, but even ignoring that, I'm a pretty solid B/B+ student. My GREs (old test) are 550V and 700Q (might retake, really felt like I could have done slightly better) so they're nothing special either.</p>

<p>I only have 2 real LORs, which was a major reason I wanted to work before applying to grad school. I can get a 3rd from an old PI, but it's not going to be anything special. </p>

<p>Anyone have any advice? I really miss science! I went from thinking I had it made as far as grad school to feeling like I should just give up and become a full-time ski bum.</p>

2

<p>How pertinent is it that you get into a top program? If it is absolutely necessary that you attend a top program, then maybe I would wait… But with those stats, you should be able to get into a good graduate school. It seems like you are pretty passionate about science so I would apply as soon as I can (applications open in September for the Fall 2013 term). You have 9 months before applications open to add to your already impressive research career. Secure another research position in a lab as soon as possible to not only rack up more research experience but to obtain another strong LOR. You also should look into re-taking the GRE to make up for the low GPA since you have so much time before apps open.</p>

<p>With the amount of experience you have… I would really be surprised if you weren’t offered an interview. Don’t let that 3.0 detract or discourage you from pursuing what you want. Thankfully, unlike medical school admissions… numbers aren’t everything with graduate admissions. Good luck and I really hope everything works out for you!</p>