Combined BS/MS ChemE program in 4 years?

osuprof
Mon, 16 Jan 2017 22:46:38 +0000

@koolguy654,

Though you didn’t specifically ask me, I do know quite a bit about how PhD applications are evaluated.

Your undergrad GPA is extremely important. Some places or certain fellowships will have 3.5 as an absolute cutoff, even if you have attended a very competitive program.

Research experience and recommendations are very important. Co-authoring a paper can give you a big advantage. None of the recommendation talking about any research or independent work (and just stating that you did well in their course) is a negative.

GRE scores are important. Other aspect of your applications like Statement of Purpose can also make a difference.

As someone starting an undergrad program and aiming for a PhD program, I would say focus first on maintaining a good GPA, and secondly, look out for opportunities for research involvement relatively early (certainly starting something by end of the second year).