<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I'm applying to grad school for chemistry, but have a few concerns. So i graduated with an OK overall GPA (3.46), but a pretty low major GPA (3.12 in Chemistry). Also, during the fall of senior year, I was busy with job apps and a senior independent research project that i neglected my other classes. My GPA for that semester was 2.75 (much lower than my usual GPA!). </p>
<p>I know most grad schools ask that you explain any low semester grades. How low is "low"?? is 2.75 low? Do you think I should tell them what happened (job hunt, traveling for interviews and focusing on senior independent research project)??</p>
<p>I'm also thinking about applying to UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, Darthmouth, and top canadian universities. What are my chances?</p>
<p>here’s hoping you arnt a ■■■■■… You have no chance for this fall because applications for all those schools were due in december/january. Accounting for that, UCLA/UCB/USC will all be virtually impossible without some extreme extenuating circumstance or experience. The rest are also unlikely…you should be looking a little below that tier unless you come from a top program. Your choices make no sense to me…UCB is a top chemistry program and others there are no name. The lowest I know of going to UC-Berkeley was a 3.4 with a major gpa of 3.4-3.5. I’m sorry for the bluntness of my reply but without additional information this is what your chances look like.</p>
<p>Hi Mustang7189,</p>
<p>Yes, I know the deadline has passed for this fall. I went to a top liberal arts school (top 5) in the east coast. I also have ~1 year of research experience under my belt and currently teaching AP Chem at an inner city school. My undergrad research project was in asymmetric catalysis and i want to continue with that in grad school. </p>
<p>Do you know a lot about canadian schools? I’m working on apps to canadian schools right now because the deadlines are in March. </p>
<p>Also, what other schools would you suggest? Once again, I’m interested in asymmetric catalysis and green chemistry. Thanks for your reply!</p>
<p>Sorry I don’t know much about Canadian schools…I only applied to graduate schools in the US. Having a lower GPA from a top school can prevent it from affecting you as greatly (not that GPA is a major factor over research/SOP/Letters). It sounds like you did a 1 year independent senior project? Was this a thesis project, publishable material, or potentially publishable? Knowing an interest is important, they can change but by being exposed for a year to a topic it gives a good idea of whether you’d like it/could commit to it. I’d suggest looking at like UCSD, UCSB, U-Rochester, etc. Te be honest, it still will be a huge challenge to get into those schools you listed, but you should be able to get into top 35 programs for chemistry with a possibility of going higher. </p>
<p>For instance, I have a friend who applied to UCB, 3.8gpa, 3.9 chem, 770cgre, 1400gre, 3 years independant research, one summer REU in thailand, one summer reu at Umass-Amherst, Honors program at R1 university who was rejected this past year. Competition’s tough out there. </p>
<p>Best of luck with your applications though and even if you do not get into a top program you should be able to place yourself in a solid one. No one ever knows till applications are finished…</p>
<p>When you apply, I would definitely tout your research experience and teaching experience in your personal statement. You might want to consider applying to Georgia Tech. Although it’s getting tougher to get into that school, it’s still probably easier than Berkeley. I got in with a 3.33 GPA, but I also talked about my military experience, and my internship experience. They didn’t offer me an assistantship, which means I probably won’t be able to afford it, but it’s still pretty cool to say that I got into Tech. I’d say, with your teaching and research experience, you probably have a shot.</p>