<p>Hi, I'm a senior at UCI and will be graduating soon with bachelors degree in biological science. I'm very interested in pursuing a PhD program in immunology or molecular biology, however, my GPA is on the low end, 3.0. I do have tons of research experience. I have approximately 2 years of research experience in department of virology and one semester in molecular biology (different PI). I'm already published in a small online journal for my work in molecular biology and I will also be published in the journal of virology as soon as my mentor finishes his final draft. I also have ton of volunteering experience like volunteering at a hospital, orphanage, soup kitchen, clinic and optometry clinic. The only reason my grades were so low was because I had to get a job due to personal reasons during my junior year. It was a constant struggle having to deal with depression, job, school, and research. I have about 3 letters of recommendation maybe 4. Anyways, I really want to know my chances in getting into a PhD program at a graduate school. I want to go straight for PhD since getting a job with a MS is practically impossible and its more of an ego thing lol. I have not taken the GRE and planning to study my but off.</p>
<p>How strong are those 3 letters of recommendation?</p>
<p>Chancing for PhD programs is extremely murky…</p>
<p>Two are really strong, both are from my mentor and my PI (Professor, Ophthalmology and Microbiology & Molecular Genetics)both have PhD in their fields. Last one is a generic one I received from volunteering at my local hospital. </p>
<p>Any advice on how I should get into a Phd program?</p>