<p>So I'm currently double majoring in two bio related fields and minoring in chemistry. However I'm doing research in an organic synthesis lab and am highly considering applying for an organic synthesis program in grad school. What are my chances at getting into a top 10 grad program with a non-chem major and a gpa ~3.5? I'm looking at a great recommendation from the professor in charge of my lab, but will that be enough? What is the gpa requirement for a school like scripps or columbia? I've also been involved in many extracurriculars and have been a TA for a few classes during my last 2.5 years in undergrad.</p>
<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I don’t normally respond to posts but you are in my field (ochem!) so I felt some weird obligation to respond. From what I understand (talking to the admissions director at my undergrad university, which is close to columbia in terms of organic chemistry) a GPA of 3.7 is what they consider “stellar” in the field. I don’t know what your background in synthesis is but if you have a GPA at this level in your organic classes then you are definitely a very competitive applicant. Regardless, a 3.5 is certainly not gonna knock you out of the applicant pool. You have relatively little to lose by applying to these schools and you have a huge amount to miss out on if you don’t. So just do it. Plus I know Scripps (well known for their interdiscplinary approach to chemistry) will LOVE your interdisciplinary background and just eat you up if you are able to approach your statements correctly.</p>
<p>But what really can tip it in your favor is the letter of recommendation. If you’re serious about this, make sure you tell your PI that working in his lab and actually getting experience doing organic synthesis has developed your scientific interest to THIS point, where you are going to make a jump and go to grad school in organic chemistry. The organic chemistry community is TINY, everyone knows everyone or at least knows of everyone. Nothing is better than a good letter of rec from your PI, and PI’s love a good student success story. Especially if he/she converted you from the dark side (biology).</p>
<p>Best of luck. Scripps is due on the first though so you betta hustle.</p>