Top tier Cancer Bio/Cell Bio with a low GPA?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'll try to keep this short since there are a lot of threads like this, but none that seemed to ease my anxiety. I'm trying to figure out which schools to apply to for here in the fall. The problem is I'm having a really hard time figuring out what I will realistically be able to get into. Hopefully you guys can shed some light on my chances.</p>

<p>Stats:
[ul]
[<em>]Undergrad: Small Liberal Arts College, known for its strong science department
[</em>]Undergrad: Biology
[<em>]Undergrad: Cumulative: 3.11 (GPA by semesters: 2.775, 2,675, 2.925, 2.942, 3.33, 3.68)
[</em>]Research Experience: 3 semesters and two summers supported by prestigious grants.
[<em>]GRE Scores: Didn't take them yet, but I feel very confident.
[</em>]Three strong letters of rec
[<em>]Prospective Graduate Program: Cancer Bio, Cell Bio, or Immunology
[</em>]Prospective Graduate Schools:
NYU Sackler
Rutgers, New Brunswick
Johns Hopkins University
Wake Forest University
Duke University
University of Pennsylvania
Yale
Georgetown University
[/ul]</p>

<p>The reason why I listed each semesters GPA is to illustrate that the low GPA was due to a slow freshman and sophomore year. By the time I graduate I will have around a 3.3 cumulative GPA. The only Cs on my transcript are in non major classes. I do realize that some of the ones on the list are probably out of the question, but if you could help me get a better idea of where I will be competitive, and/or how I can make up for the low GPA, that would be great.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>You certainly have a chance. You’re not a “shoe-in” and you won’t get acceptances from every school on the list, most likely. If a few C’s in non-major classes is the only major flaw in your application, you should be fine. But if you have a good understanding of the research you’ve been involved in and have three strong letters, things are looking good.</p>

<p>If you don’t get into schools you’re interested in with your first application cycle, apply for research tech jobs in your field and get a year or two more experience. I think you’ll be fine, though.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much for the response. I will definitely be looking into tech jobs as well.</p>