Where do I stand as an applicant (biosciences PhD)?

Graduate School
1

<p>I'll preface by saying: interested in molecular biology/genetics/biochem. I haven't 100% decided to do a PhD for various reasons, but I am wondering how I stand as an applicant. </p>

<p>I tried to look at the BioSciences acceptance thread but many of the posts did not have a complete picture (some people just post their stats and where they applied with no results, while others only post where they got interviews or acceptances, but with no stats).</p>

<p>GPA: 3.8 from a well-ranked college (between 10-20 in US News+World Report)
GRE: not taken (I assume this will be acceptable).
Research experience:
--During college: 2 years in a lab and wrote an independent thesis (in ecology though)
--Post-grad: worked 2 years as a tech in a semi-academic, highly regarded lab. 1 publication in a low rank journal, I am in the middle of the authors. A second paper is submitted, I am also a middle author.
--6 months work (so far) in a biotech company. At time of application will be -hopefully- 1.5 years. </p>

<p>If I end up applying to just 3 or 4 schools, will I have an OK chance of making it in? What "tier" would you recommend for me?</p>

2

<ul>
<li>I was a biology major in undergrad.</li>
</ul>

3

<p>They look at the whole application. By statistics, you look fine, as long as you don’t bomb the GRE. Also, the programs will consider letters and your personal statement.</p>

<p>I would apply to more than 3-4 schools though. I would aim for 7-10. And make a list of top tier schools, then some mid-tier schools, and then some lower ranked schools for fall backs. If you’re adamant about a high-tier school, I would aim for a 85th percentile in quant, maybe even higher than that (or the 700+ equivalence of the new GRE).</p>

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<p>Not taking the GRE is not acceptable.</p>

<p>Does it have much weight in the admissions decision? No, but it’s still a requirement.</p>

5

<p>^Lol, I’m pretty sure the OP meant that he expects his GRE score will be acceptable, not that not having taken the GRE is acceptable.</p>

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<p>I think you look more than “fine.” You have great chances at top programs, and will most likely get interviews at all schools you apply to.</p>

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<p>Haha, looking at it now I certainly see how it could be read as having no intention of taking the GRE. :)</p>

<p>I agree with bobby that the stats are more than “fine”. Looks great. Not great enough to skip out on the GRE, though. :smiley: Wouldn’t that have been a hefty dose of confidence?</p>

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<p>Haha, sorry for the confusion! </p>

<p>I meant that I intend to take the GREs, and assume they will go fine. Thank you for the confidence boost, hopefully you all are right.</p>