Enough Coursework for PHD

Graduate School
1

<p>I’m a double major (Chemistry/Mathematics) at a small public school. I’ve done extensive research in Chemistry (I pub, I more in the works), at Northwestern and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I’m looking to study computational/physical chemistry and want to apply this fall for PhD admission. </p>

<p>Relevant Data: GPA: 3.90, GRE (general): Q 770 V 670. Will be taking the subject test in October. </p>

<p>My major question is this: Do I have sufficient coursework in Chem? I’ve done the gen. chem sequence, orgo sequence, p.chem sequence, elective in enviro. In the fall I’ll take adv. orgo, comp. chem, analytical chem (inorganic and biochem in spring, and spectroscopy)- but most schools won’t see these courses, right? Can I indicate what I’ll take in Fall/Spring?</p>

<p>Target Schools: Northwestern, Michigan, UIUC, Minnesota-Twin Cities. Any ideas?</p>

2

<p>It sounds like you are right on track in chemistry. I think it would be assumed that you will finish us the remainder of your chemistry class in the last quarter of your undergrad career.</p>

<p>I think you have a great shot at all of the schools you mentioned. Have a great time in grad school.</p>

3

<p>At most schools your current classes appear on your transcript, just without grades. Further, your apps may not be due until after your grades are in, so they may see those grades anyway.</p>

<p>You can certainly mention your impending coursework in your SOP, especially if it relevent to your area of interest.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the responses. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s page, it says that rarely will students be admitted without the ‘foundational courses’ in chemistry. If those are completed by the end of my senior year, I should be fine, yes?</p>

5

<p>Sure, as others have mentioned, when you submit a copy of your official transcript, it will list the senior courses (just without a letter grade).</p>

6

<p>Also, a lot of these schools list the Chemistry GRE as either a requirement or “highly recommended” for fellowship consideration. However, don’t most of the schools in the top 10 say that they provide full-financial support anyway? </p>

<p>When I take it what kind of score would be appropriate for top schools?</p>

7

<p>The fellowship thing - without the Chem GRE you will still be eligible for support but it will probably be an RA or TA position which requires you to work 20 hours a week. If you want the more prestigious and time-saving fellowship, take the GRE!</p>

<p>In general (not knowing Chem specifically), top schools expect top scores on subject tests. The reason being that unlike general GRE scores, the subject tests are limited to you and your peers, so if you really are the top 5% Chem student you think you are this is where it would show.</p>

<p>Just FYI, here are a few of the percentiles for the Chem GRE:</p>

<p>940 - 99%
900 - 97%
840 - 87%
800 - 80%
740 - 64%</p>

<p>Mean 689, StDev 115</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/gre_0809_guide.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/gre_0809_guide.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

8

<p>Some say that the Physics, and Biochem subject tests are appropriate substitutes. For P.Chem, might the Physics test be more helpful? Perhaps, take both?</p>

9

<p>Take what the departments ask for! If they are not asking for the Physics GRE, don’t take it - save your energy for the Chem.</p>