<p>Hey, all. After my previous post, I buckled down a bit, thought/looked hard for a while, and came up with a few questions that would really help me out (if ya'll are so inclined, of course). First off, my stats:</p>
<p>-Cell/molecular biology major from a tier 3 school, 3.25 overall GPA, 3.5 major GPA (last few quarters have been 3.6-3.7, though).
-No GRE scores yet, but 700-720 Quantitative, 650 or so verbal on the practice comp-based exams.
-Six months of research in each of two labs (embryonic stem cell transcription factors and gene characterization), will have 10 months by application time; also know how to work a flow cytometer. Also, the PI of the genetics lab has taken a particular interest in the results of one of my experiments, and I might get a publication out of it by graduation in March.
-Three very strong letters of reccomendation (two from the PIs of the labs I work in, one from a professor who I've taken four UD cell/molecular bio classes with and knows me well).
-Fairly well-read in current research with adeno-associated viral vectors, especially in regards to neural/hematopoetic stem cells and transformation (wrote a ten-page review paper on current research for my last cell/molec class).</p>
<p>While I'm open to doing other research projects for my PhD, my drive is on neural stem cells and AAV/viral-vector mediated directed differentiation. There were only a few labs I could find that combined this specific research (UC Berkeley, Drexel University, UWashington, and UMinnesota), but I also know they're fairly difficult to get into. My questions are:</p>
<p>1) I haven't had any research experience with neuroscience, and 3/4 of the PI's I'd like to work with are only available through the neuroscience program. Given how competitive neuroscience is, will my lack of background in it hurt me (even given that I'm fairly well versed in cell culture/transcription factor expression, which is one of the main thrusts of the research in these labs)?</p>
<p>2) I've heard that you can apply under the Cell/molecular biology/biology umbrella programs and work with a range of professors that are "officially" outside the range of the program. Does anybody know how prevalent this is at the universities I've listed? (Especially Berkeley)</p>
<p>3) Is it a good or a bad idea to write a targeted personal statement for why I want to come to a given university? I.e., "I'd like to come to (University) because I feel that Dr. X's lab is a perfect fit for me, given my research interests/background and allocated resources." Also, should I include backup faculty (I've got two at each of the above universities)</p>
<p>4) Should I mention that I'll have a year and a half of research in each of the labs by the time admissions begins? I got started a bit late, and I know a few programs require a year of research; but I don't know if this is by the time the PhD starts, or just at the time of application.</p>
<p>5) Realistically, what do you think my chances are? I know my GPA/GRE isn't the strongest, but I'm focused and know what I want to pursue in grad school. I know I love teaching and wouldn't mind doing a professorship, but I'd probably be more inclined towards starting up my own biotech company down the line. Is my degree of focus too strong (i.e. planning stuff out before it happens), or would that be considered a bonus?</p>
<p>Thanks for the help, and sorry about the wall of text.</p>