<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I am thinking about going for a PhD in Genetics and want to get a feel as to whether or not I really have a chance at gaining admission into a program. Not really concerned with tier, rankings etc.</p>
<p>College: Virginia Tech
Major: Biology with a concentration in Microbiology/Immunology
Minor: Chem
Cumulative GPA: 2.81
In Major GPA: 3.09
GRE: V 720, Q 700</p>
<p>Primary factor in the low GPA was the fact that I was in an active band during my sophomore/junior years and traveled for practice or gigs almost every weekend. Grades sucked during that time period. I would have regretted not doing it, but I also regret it's impact on my grades. Is this something that I would want to include in my SOP?</p>
<p>Since graduation I have worked for the past two years as a pharmaceutical manufacturing company - for one year as a Microbiologist and then was promoted to the FDA Compliance branch. I will also be obtaining my NRCM certification (National Registry of Certified Microbiologists) for pharma/medical device this year - would this help my application?</p>
<p>I will be able to get strong recommendations from my previous lab supervisor and my current supervisor, but unfortunately I do not have any real academic references or undergraduate research to call on.</p>
<p>I will probably also be applying to several Master's programs as a backup. I am just trying to get a general feel for what my chances are, and any advice on steps I should take before applying or how I should approach schools, etc would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help!</p>