<p>I'm applying to phd programs this fall and am having a bit of trouble figuring out which schools fall in the "mid-tier" range of selectivity and/or competitiveness. I have found a number of programs (listed below) that fit my academic needs and research interests. I know a few of the schools I listed are competitive (UCSD, Chicago, Northwestern, Emory, UTHS), but I'm not so sure about the others. The main reason I'm even asking this question is because my undergrad GPA is the only thing holding me back from being a competitive (or so I believe) applicant to any and/or all of these programs... I'm trying to get my list of schools narrowed down to 8 within the next weeks so I can spend the summer preparing for GREs, applications, and saving up for all the fees! Any information would be very helpful! </p>
<p>Also, generally how do you judge the selectivity of a program (other than US News rankings)?? or is this even possible?? I'd imagine there are a number of variables that play a part in the success and competitiveness of a science department... I'm just a little lost right now :-(</p>
<p>My background...
-BS in biochemistry with a 2.9 GPA - senior thesis - TONS of community service and leadership experience, worked to pay my tuition, took 18 to 21 credits per semester & a rigorous schedule (all of which played a part in my low GPA, but no regrets!)
-Graduate certificate (19 credits) in biomedical informatics from top university with a 3.5 GPA
-Currently taking undergrad computer science/programming courses part-time while working full-time, 4.0 GPA
-4 years research experience (at the time of matriculation, fall 2011) - 2 yr in bioinformatics - 2 yr in quantitative genetics
-1 paper currently under review, 5 abstracts (to 3 different conferences, 2 were formal presentations that I made, 3 were posters), another paper in preparation hopefully accepted by the end of the year (I hope in time for applications!)
-awarded NLM fellowship & best scientific session in bioinformations (for one of my presentations at a conference)
-3 very strong letter of recommendation from thesis advisor, past & current PI
-took the GRE in 2007 and got an 1150 with barely any preparation, so I'm obviously retaking the GRE and hoping for a much better score (with preparation). I'll take the biochem GRE too to off set my low undergrad GPA
-I'm a strong writer so I'm pretty confident that I'll knock my SOP out of the park :-)</p>
<p>I think I gave you all the information under the sun.... so any assistance about the programs below or any "mid-tier" level genetics or genomics programs would be lovely!! </p>
<p>My list so far....
North Carolina State (Genome Sciences)
University of Virginia (BIMS Biomedical Sciences)
Emory (Genetics and Molecular Biology)
University of Tennessee Knoxville (Genome Science and Technology)
University of Chicago (Molecular Biosciences - Genetics)
Georgetown (Biomedical Sciences)
George Washington University (Biomedical Sciences Molecular Genetics or Genomics & Bioinformatics)
UC Davis (Genetics)
University of Utah (Human Genetics)
Northwestern (IGP Molecular Biology & Genetics)
Texas A&M (Genetics)
UT Health & Sciences (Genetics)
UC San Diego (Biological Sciences - Genomics )</p>
<p>BU is putting a lot of money into its genomics/systems biology departments, but is definitely lower tier so it is less competitive than other schools. Some of the faculty at BU are associate broad members, so you could have access to all of those resources.</p>
<p>If you’re worried about selectivity, schools usually release admission statistics for the previous years, broken down by pathway/subject, that include number of applicants, number of offers, and number of acceptances. The info can be hard to find, you have to spend a while digging around the registrar’s website, but it can be found. </p>
<p>I don’t know of a good mid tier listing however, you’d have to find each school’s stats seperately, which might take a lot of time.</p>
<p>UNC-Chapel Hill BBSP - might be a bit of a stretch, but their genetics and genomics program is excellent (great emphasis on getting genetics students more skills in the genomics area).</p>
<p>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign MCB - great school, but they have to accept a lot of people because of location … Illinois isn’t for everyone.</p>
<p>University of Colorado at Boulder MCDB - very highly regarded program (by other faculty), but still mid-tier.</p>
<p>University of Colorado Health Sciences Center - easier to get into than Boulder, but doesn’t have the same recognition.</p>
<p>University of Indiana at Bloomington - I don’t know specifically about genetics, but it’s a good school.</p>
<p>University of Illinois at Chicago</p>
<p>University of Chicago is a selective, top-tier program. Also, UC Davis and UC-San Diego might be a bit out of your reach. The California schools are really struggling for funding. For example, I got into Wash U and Yale but was rejected by UC Davis.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the recommendations! I’m sure most of the schools I listed are a stretch for me due to my undergrad grades, but then again I will never know unless I actually apply. Emory, Chicago, and George Washington are actually my top 3 choices based on research opportunities, location, and the program. The other schools I’ve listed I would consider if I didn’t get into those 3 (which may be likely), but I’m a positive thinker! </p>
<p>Any more suggestions, would be helpful as well. Or any comments on the schools I’ve listed…</p>
<p>belevitt - I browsed through Duke’s compbio and genetics program sites… Now I’m wondering why I didn’t consider Duke before??? lol I would have thought that Duke was highly selective and out of my league. I’ll probably pm you soon with a few questions. Thanks for the suggestion!</p>
<p>ec1234 - I’m assuming by BU you mean Boston University?? Just want to make sure :-)</p>
<p>molbio - I looked at U of Illinois at UC and at Chicago but I didn’t see much genomic research going on… mostly molecular genetics, which would be ok if the program its self had a computational/bioinformatics/genomics track. The UC campus does, but it’s within the animal sciences department, with little “human” research. I purposely didn’t look at any schools in Colorado because I used to live there and have no interest in going back lol!! I’ll look into Indiana and UNC. I’m sure you’re right that UNC will be a stretch but if the program and research look fitting, I’ll take the risk and apply. I’m also going to take the risk on Chicago because it’s a great all around fit for me, now whether the adcoms believe I’m a good fit for their program… I’ll have to leave that up for them to decide UC Davis and SD I can pass on if it would be a struggle to get accepted, I don’t really care for California much either lol…</p>
<p>Can anyone comment on University of Virginia, University of Tennesse Knoxville, or Georgetown?? I know Virginia and Georgetown are selective at the undergrad level, but I have no clue about their graduate programs…</p>
<p>I would definitely apply to UNC then. My interests are in the molecular genetics and genomics fields, and I was very impressed by their program. All the labs have easy access to core facilities with state of the art sequencers, arrays scanners, etc. The students seemed happy and the schools puts a big emphasis on professional development. Definitely apply!</p>
UC Davis and SD I can pass on if it would be a struggle to get accepted, I don’t really care for California much either lol…</p>