biomed2010

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I am currently a postbac student wondering if I am delusional about my chances of entering grad school in the next year. I graduated from my state school four years ago with a 3.1 gpa. I have some research experience. I spent one summer doing research abroad, one full year working part time in a research lab and have been working full time in a research lab for the past year. I don't have any publications yet but will have to positive recommendations from my research experiences.
I haven't taken the GRE yet. I just started studying. I plan to apply to biomedical sciences/translation biology programs. I have spent quite a bit of time researching schools and am worried I don't have a shot at any of the top programs. I've taken one graduate course so far and done well but don't know what else to do to maximize what I'm working with. Any suggestions on what else I can do to help myself out?

yaygrady

Hey biomed2010,

My suggestion would be to try to do well on the GRE's and work on writing a good SOP as well. I am in the same boat as you..I am applying for biomed programs for fall 2010, have research experience but no publications. I am taking my GRE's in mid-July. I would also suggest taking subject GRE but its not necessary for most programs. It just enhances your application if you end up doing well on them. You should be fine.

belevitt

The further you are out of college, the less that GPA means anything. You have been working in research full time for a year, I don't think that it is ridiculous that you don't have a publication yet. If you apply broadly, I would be certain that you will end up in a good graduate program.

biomed2010

Thanks for the replies. I am planning to take the GRE in September. I have been going back and forth on the subject test. Only one program I am interested in requires it and I wonder if the other schools seriously look at those scores.