<p>After reading through a few of the threads that seemed decently relevant, I was just hoping for something a little more concrete on the range of schools I should be applying to for studying Biochemistry (meaning what ranking). I am hoping to make it into a PhD program. I know no one can say definitively whether or not I will get in anywhere, but since I cant apply to 100 grad schools and I have a low GPA, I am trying to figure out if some are even worth my time applying for, and if I can do better than others. Thanks in advance, here's my stats-</p>
<p>School/major - UIUC/biochemistry with a minor in chemistry
Overall GPA - 3.22
Major GPA - 3.0
GRE - 164Q, 164V, 5.5 AW
Subject GRE - Not taken yet, figure >80% conservatively and based on practice tests
Research Experience - 1.5 years experience in the same lab, for the last two summers and during the school year.
Other Relevant (?) Info - Currently serving as an introductory chem TA, started my own lab project this summer which I am currently working on
Publications - 1 3rd author in JACS, and depending on how soon it gets out, a potential to have 1 more 2nd author
Awards - 1 departmental award/scholarship from university to conduct independent summer research, order of omega
LOR - should not be a problem, I know 2 will be very strong (the one from the PI I do research under included), third likely wont stand out but it should be decent.</p>
<p>I realize that my GPA is pretty low, and honestly I dont have any excuse that the grad schools havent heard a million times before. The impression I got from past forums was that they dont really care about things unrelated to the major, but I have been extremely involved on campus with a lot of clubs and volunteering. I am being realistic with my applications and know I wont get in to Harvard/MIT/Caltech etc., but will I be able to go top 20? Sorry these sorts of things tend to spam the wall, but I am freaking out here haha.</p>