Chemistry/or biology graduate school admission, my stats?

Q

Questions

New member
I majored in biochem, so I had maybe 70% chemistry classes and 30% biology classes required for my major....my GPA was 3.7+ when I graduated...however...I got B+'s in some important classes like gen chem 2, ochem 1 and 2, and physical chemistry....that was my lowest grade however, I got majority A- and A's in undergrad.

I also had some good undergraduate research and a ton of volunteer (i was originally planning on going to pharmacy school)

Anyways I'm thinking about medicinal chemistry or some field in biology for graduate school...do i still have a decent shot, maybe not at the most prestigious school but somewhere hopefully?

thanks!

I know 3.7 is pretty good, but can you please take into consideration my individual grade in those important classes and tell me if it might keep me from getting into graduate school? 3.8ish cumulative, my science GPA is a 3.7 and I think it would be a 3.5 about if I included just my chemistry courses (not biology)...I didn't do so well B+ in lecture classes, but I got all A's in lab classes, but a few A- in chem lecture classes, and mostly A's...please help me...I'm just stressed because nobody has encouraged me or said anything to guide me in what direction I should be going.
 
Hello,

I agree with first-responder. Your GPA is very good. Biochemistry is not the easiest field and requires a lot of individual study, so lower GPAs than in other less-demanding majors ought to be expected. Your grades of B+ are not at all problematic as far as I am concerned. These are excellent grades.

I think you are over-analyzing all of these metrics about your undergraduate grades. You are distinguished by your grades, not hurt, in your case.

The volunteer work is a great distinguishing mark that will boost you in the admissions staff's eyes. Also, research is absolutely necessary. Are you published? Did you contribute to important findings/studies? Mention these things in admissions essays.

In terms of a direction, I suggest you talk to your academic adviser and try to get into contact with professors and scientists in industry and gov't. Talk to people, email them, call them. Don't be shy--your future happiness and research direction is worth taking time to think about.

Good luck! By the way, I'm in the same boat. I'm a biochem major, similar GPA, undergrad research, some volunteering. I'm looking at Medicinal chemistry because I'd like to do organic synthesis of therapeutic molecules. This field is very much in-demand to people in industry. The problem solving skills are highly valued.
 
Hello,

I agree with first-responder. Your GPA is very good. Biochemistry is not the easiest field and requires a lot of individual study, so lower GPAs than in other less-demanding majors ought to be expected. Your grades of B+ are not at all problematic as far as I am concerned. These are excellent grades.

I think you are over-analyzing all of these metrics about your undergraduate grades. You are distinguished by your grades, not hurt, in your case.

The volunteer work is a great distinguishing mark that will boost you in the admissions staff's eyes. Also, research is absolutely necessary. Are you published? Did you contribute to important findings/studies? Mention these things in admissions essays.

In terms of a direction, I suggest you talk to your academic adviser and try to get into contact with professors and scientists in industry and gov't. Talk to people, email them, call them. Don't be shy--your future happiness and research direction is worth taking time to think about.

Good luck! By the way, I'm in the same boat. I'm a biochem major, similar GPA, undergrad research, some volunteering. I'm looking at Medicinal chemistry because I'd like to do organic synthesis of therapeutic molecules. This field is very much in-demand to people in industry. The problem solving skills are highly valued.
 
Back
Top