Hello! I recently graduated from college and am looking to apply to PhD programs.
I graduated cum laude (GPA: ~3.9) with a B.S. in chemical engineering. I did two very different internships at the same Biotech company during my undergrad. The first was in a pilot plant. The second was in research and development (which I liked significantly better). Also, did a study abroad where we implemented a year-long water purification project in a South American country.
I did research with one of my professors for 3 years (he is a Stanford alumni, if that matters). Two different projects. One looked at drug delivery vehicles and the other looked at protein engineering. I have a publication in review!
As for the GRE, the practice scores look promising (projecting Q165+ and V155+).
If it isn’t obvious, I’m interested in the biotech side of chemical engineering. I have a couple working ideas for my thesis. But for after graduate school, I’m not quite sure if I want to go into academia or industry. If I went into industry, I want to be in R&D, which is why the PhD will be helpful. Because I’m unsure, I’ve gotten mixed reviews about what I should talk about in my personal statement.
Miscallesous things: I am a 24-year old female, recently married, and hoping to be a mom one day, which is why I think going into academia might be the best plan. Fun fact: I also speak 2 foreign languages (French and Tahitian).
I almost forgot about letters of rec, which is obviously super important for grad school admissions! I have one from my professor/research PI, one from my water purification project/study abroad adviser (MIT alumni), and I can either get a 3rd from one of my upper-division professors or from my R&D internship supervisor/mentor. The professor could speak to my academic strength, but my supervisor can speak to my critical thinking skills and experience in biotech research applications. Should all be strong, especially the first two since they’ve each known me for 2-3 years.
Have your professors and mentors given you any advice about programs that they think are good matches for your interests? When you read the literature, are there any teams publishing on topics of specific interest to you? Those would be good sources for leads.
@ChemE768 - Welcome to the Forum. I agree with the advice above. Since you have graduated and have some time before applications need to be submitted for Fall 2019 you can do a bit of research on the kind of program you would like to apply to. Ask your faculty mentors for suggestions and then choose 5-6 programs that you would like to attend. Since you have a strong GPA and presumably also strong letters of reference, you certainly are competitive for highly selective programs. Make sure that you choose one program which is not as selective so that you have a viable option which will offer you full funding as the most selective programs have a lot of very strong applicants and you cannot predict admissions or funding.
Echoing what others have said, you aren’t searching for a school per se. You are searching for the individuals doing what interests you and then going where ever they are. The literature and your trusted professors will guide you, but ultimately, you need to find the project you will be working on and the people you will be working for and with, stimulating and enjoyable for the best experience.
