Wondering Where I can Hope to Gain Addmittance (Biology PhD Program Applicant)

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm graduating in 2011 from the University of Missouri-Columbia and I want apply to Molecular Biology or Bioinformatics PhD programs at UCLA, Stanford, Caltech, and Washington University (St. Louis).</p>

<p>I was wondering if I was shooting to high with what I have to offer... is it even worth it to apply to some of these?</p>

<p>I have 3 years of Undergraduate Research experience, at the time of application I will have participated in 2 Undergrad Research Summer Programs (Amgen Scholars (at UCLA) program and Life Science Undergrad Research Opportunity Program (At U of Missouri). I have presented 3 posters but have not published yet (possibly soon though).</p>

<p>I have a 3.54 GPA and a 3.16 Major GPA</p>

<p>Can anyone give me some advice on what I should work on before I have to apply (besides taking the GRE =P) and where I should be looking to go?</p>

2

<p>I’m assuming that you’re coming from a biology/biochemistry (or some variation thereof ) background?? If you’re interested in bioinformatics you will need to have at least 2 semesters of computer programming, 2 semesters of of calculus, and linear algebra. Also computational research experience will be more favorable than bench-type work. Since you have another year left, this may be something you can work on. </p>

<p>In terms of your list of schools, admission will be competitive especially for WashU and Standford. I’m not able to say whether you’re shooting too high or not, but I would honestly suggest that you keep your options open and consider a few other places.</p>