Hello. I am currently a third year undergrad at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and looking at PhD programs in the field of genomics. This search is proving quite stressful as I believe I’m right on the edge of having a chance at some top tier schools and would, therefore, very much appreciate some other opinions. My GPA sits at 3.91 right now. I believe it’s reasonable to assume I will have roughly a 3.8 by the time I graduate. I will graduate with honors, four years of research experience in a molecular plant pathology lab (I started just before my freshman year), at least three scientific publications (one of which being a first author paper), and two international internships. Additionally, I’ve received a research grant through my university and have presented my work at scientific conferences. The only major variable I see is my GRE score - I have no idea what I will make. The last real standardized test I took was the ACT in high school which I made a 29 on and I know that isn’t great. I’m mostly interested in Stanford but I’ve also thought seriously about trying for MIT and Harvard as well. Also, I was wanting to go directly into a PhD but I would be willing to do a Masters first if necessary. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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You are certainly competitive, pending your GRE scores. I presume that you will get a few glowing letters of reference/ The reality is that while you are as strong as other candidates, there are a lot of applicants at the schools you list and the admission rates are low. If you want a PhD you should go directly into a PhD program, taking a MS in hopes of getting into the schools you mention later if you don’t get in right away is not a terribly good strategy. It takes a significant amount of time and it may cost a significant amount of money. The best strategy is one you will find often in this forum. Remember that the “brand name” schools are not always the best in your specific area of interest and that there are outstanding researchers at other universities too. When you are looking for a post-doc or academic position, it is your thesis advisor, not the school you are at which makes the most difference.
So, ask your research mentors about where the best researchers in your field are (look up their papers) and then find one or two programs where you will be a standout applicant and where you would be happy to go. Then apply to your dream schools and rest assured that you willfind a good place to do your PhD.
See, This is the Right time to start GRE Test Preparation. If want to Go to the University which you are aspired for, then make a Goal and Focus on it. Aim for obtaining above 160 in the each section of GRE test.