<p>I'm a jr. at a small, unknown all-girls school and am a double major in bio and psych. My gpa is about a 3.45, but I will get all As next semester (I know this because my classes will be considerably easier, thus I'm 100% sure I can get the As) and thus when I apply to grad school I'll have about a 3.5. I'm also published in a scientific journal (not as prestigious as Nature or Cell, but oh well), have a pretty good resume (presented in a number of scientific conferences both within and outside the US, participating in an REU this summer, number of awards, TA-ship, community service, leadership, etc), and can get great recommendations. </p>
<p>The reason my gpa is so low is that I took 24 credits both fall and spring of last semester, and they were all fairly hard classes (micro, immuno, bichem, analytical chem, organic II, comparitive physio, the list goes on and on) and thus I got a number of B's and only some As.
So do I have a shot at UCSF? Im aware of how hard it is to get into, but its my dream school, and I would give anything to go </p>
<p>Of all the reasons to have Bs, you’ve got the best one. A 3.5 certainly isn’t a killer.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry much about it. This sounds like a case where you still have an appealing total package with research, extensive relevant coursework, and clear motivation. In your SOP, obviously focus on your strengths and put your weak spots in the best possible light (if you mention them at all), such as how taking all those units make you a better candidate, how despite going to a small college you still are engaged in research and dedicated to science, etc. You’re likely to get an interview, and with UCSF being your dream school, your enthusiasm will be a big help.</p>
<p>Also, if you don’t get in, don’t hesitate to take a year off and work full-time in research. If it really is your dream school, don’t settle!</p>
<p>I think you have a pretty good shot at the top schools-- but I wouldn’t get too set on a dream school. It’s harder to find out about grad schools reading about them than undergrad, i think. Each program has a very different vibe. Also, if you don’t get in this year, you can take a year or two and tech at a top school to improve your resume a bit.</p>
<p>I got into UCSF for Fall 2009 with a lower overall GPA than you, though my major GPA was slightly higher (~3.7), and I come from a bottom-tier school… do well on GREs, write a great, attention-grabbing SoP, and get excellent recommendations.</p>
<p>I think your total application is much, much stronger than mine (I had no publications and 1 year research experience only) so you should be ok.</p>