<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I am currently a Chemistry major at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), but my real interest is in Materials Science & Engineering and we do not have that undergrad. major offered here.</p>
<p>I am terrible at organic chemistry and heavy theory courses (Quantum Mech.), so those courses dropped my GPA down to a 3.1.</p>
<p>I have been doing research for two years and I have a 2nd author publication. I have participated in two summer REU (McNair program and SULI internship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab). </p>
<p>My three recommendation letters will be 1.) The Materials Science Department chair at UCSD. 2.) The PI i published my manuscript with 3.) The Staff Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab</p>
<p>Right now, I am still studying for the GRE. (I prob will do above average since my SAT scores were like that as well.)</p>
<p>So I was wondering whether it is even a waste of time to apply to any of the top California grad. schools (Stanford, UCB, UCLA, USC) with such a low GPA of mine. </p>
<p>I am considering a Master's program first since I know PhD programs will probably be <5% chance.</p>
<p>Any insights is appreciated! Thanks!</p>