What're my chances?

<p>Hi, I was wondering what my chances are for getting into a graduate program in Texas or California in Chemical Engineering:</p>

<p>I'm finishing up my undergrad in chemical engineering this year at UT-Austin, whose now number 5 in the nation in chemical engineering. My overall GPA is a 3.00, and my major GPA is a 3.20, however my major GPA will jump up a good amount this semester if all goes well (to around a 3.4-3.5). I started off my college career very poorly and at one point had around a 2.45 GPA and was put on engineering probation. However, in my last 2 years I was able to get my goals in check and I averaged a 3.80 GPA in my more difficult chemical engineering classes and brought up my GPA to that mentioned above. Will graduate schools take this change into account and look at my performance in my last two years? Are there grad schools that only look at your last 2 years?</p>

<p>I will have a year of research experience in the energy field with a well-respected chemical engineering professor and have graded for an undergraduate chemical engineering class as well. This professor will write one of my recommendation letters and my other two will come from other che professors.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Upward trend in GPA shows maturity, and I am sure the admission committee will like that.</p>

<p>As for the programs that only look at the last 2 years of your GPA, check UCLA. I believe they look at all 4 years but emphasize heavily on the last 2 years.</p>

<p>Goodluck!</p>