UCSD, UCSF, Harvard Neuroscience

I’m a returning student pursing a degree in Biology and Psychology. I previously received a BA in History from Columbia University with a 3.5 GPA. Currently, my GPA for this program at a SUNY school is 3.8, but I have two years left. So the nitty gritty Bio-Chem and NeuroBio courses I haven taken yet. I made the decision to go back to school because both of my boys both have Autism and Epilepsy. I am going to Study Neurogenetics, nothing else. Finding individuals who study what I plan on studying are few and far between, and the few who study exactly what I want to study happen to be at the most elite Neuroscience Programs in the country. I’ve already begun Independent Study Research in Neurobiology, so by the time I finish I’ll have 2+ years of research experience. My mentor has advised me I will be published by the time I am finished.

I work full-time too, so given my complex situation, I have to cut corners with my course selection. Algebra based Physics instead of Calc based, No A and P, far less molecular experience than I want. All my advisors, professors, tell me not to worry about checking every single box, that a Master’s Program to gain the extra Genetics experience would be a waste of time, and that I’ll have no problems getting into a good program. But then the mention of the elite schools mentioned in the title become awkward as they try and tell me in the nicest way possible “not happening”. Those “good Programs” don’t have professors that study the Neurogenetics of Autism and Epilepsy. I’ve reached out to the specific professors I am interested in researching for, no reply. Reach out to the departments for inquiry, no reply.

How do I make it happen, if I can’t even get a general inquiry replied too? I’m an A- student through and through, I just am. I’m not super intelligent, I just work harder than most people, but the impression I get is that that probably won’t be enough to get me even get me past the admissions gauntlet. What can I do to get into these elite universities?

@Godfrey1234 you have an amazing reason for wanting to pursue your degree and your situation is highly unusual. Being an A- student is nothing to scoff at, not every admit even at the elite programs is a straight 4.0 student. if you have already done great research projects I dont see why the elite programs are completely out of the question. If you got in, would you quit your job or work part-time to focus on your studies? This might be a concern the top program might have when reviewing your application, i.e. that you will not have enough time to dedicate to the rigorous workload because you work full-time.

Also only these three schools offer what you are looking for? There are some other places with top neuroscience programs that might offer what you want. Hopkins, Penn, Columbia and Mayo Clinic are some other neuroscience powerhouse programs that come to mind.