Math/chem dual major Is a chem eng phd possible?

Graduate School
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<p>Posted in the wrong area earlier, so this is a repost (in the right forum section).</p>

<p>Ok, so by the end of may 2014 I will be graduating as a math/chem double major with a 3.0 gpa (yes, I know it's low but without trying to sound like a cop-out, I have always held a full time job position (nothing related to my field, just basic "pay the bills, jobs") while enrolled full-time (you must actually have be in this situation to fully understand). Regardless, back to the topic on hand. I want to know what are my chances of getting into a decent chem e phd program? I know 2 challenges arise. 1). My atrocious gpa and 2). I am not a chem e b.s (the university I attend doesn't have a formal program for it). But all in all I have the chemistry, math, and some computer programming literacy (mainly, c++ and python) and I have a little over a years worth of research in computational physical chemistry and I have a research paper out that I am hoping will be published soon. Come on people! don't spare any punches, I need to know what my real chances are not to be sugar coated! </p>

<p>Also, if someone can tell me what I can do to raise my chances. Just an FYI, I can tack on biochem as a 3rd major with only about 17 more credits (would help raise my gpa since I intend to get A's only) and I have the time to accomplish this or I can take more comp. eng. courses (I hear that maybe important for a chem eng), another option is to retake some of the classes that I got C's in? There are a few (hence the gpa, duh!). Thank you!</p>

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<p>Someone please reply…I am lost!</p>

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<p>Of course, you can get in a ChemE program, but most likely not a top one. If I were you I would focus on getting research experience as this is very important when applying to a PhD program. With that being said, your GPA is very low. I have heard of people get into a program with similar GPA but it is quite rare.</p>

<p>In any case, if you do get into a ChemE program with a BS in another field, they will most likely give you the option of taking some of the core undergraduate classes. For instance there might be written qualifying exams that test undergrad curriculum, so you would have to take undergraduate classes at the institution. Keep working hard!</p>

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<p>I have research in the physical chemistry area, will be publishing a paper soon…how far would this go as far as helping me on my applications?</p>

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<p>I want to get into like purdue/u of mich/texas a&m…the first 2 are top 15 and the last is top 20-30…is this possible? My main worry is my gpa…which btw I am sure would be a hella alot better had I not been encumbered with having to work throughout my undergrad career (again, not trying to sound like a cop-out, but its the truth). How much do grad schools of this caliber care about gpa? I have research…I plan to do well on the subject and general gre…strong lor’s. What else do I need?</p>