Applying to grad school after 2yrs undergrad?

molliebatmit
Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:00:27 +0000

You are generally required to have three letters of recommendation, and most people apply to 8-10 programs, especially if they are aiming for top schools.

The factor that matters more than your age or the amount of time you spent in college is your research experience. Were you doing research with these PIs prior to entering college, or do you have only one year of experience? If the latter, it’s probably advisable to take a gap year to focus on research – most applicants to top programs have about three years’ worth of undergraduate research, and of course some have more.

Overall, it’s worthwhile for you to sit down with one or both of your PIs and talk about your plans. See what they would advise for a talented student in your situation. They will have a more thorough understanding of the typical profile of a student from your school who is accepted to top programs than anyone on the internet.