Admittance into BME graduate program

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a Biosystems engineering senior applying to Biomedical Engineering (BME) graduate programs with a GPA of approximately 3.2. The individual expresses concern about their GPA being below the average of 3.5 for competitive programs, despite expecting strong GRE scores and having relevant research experience in nanoparticles and biomedical imaging. They are considering applying to institutions such as the University of Virginia, University of Michigan, and Case Western, while also contemplating top-tier schools like MIT and Johns Hopkins, but are hesitant due to GPA concerns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school admission criteria in engineering disciplines
  • Familiarity with GRE testing and preparation
  • Knowledge of research methodologies in biomedical engineering
  • Awareness of GPA benchmarks for competitive BME programs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific admission requirements for BME programs at the University of Virginia and University of Michigan
  • Prepare for the GRE with a focus on quantitative and analytical writing sections
  • Explore research opportunities and collaborations at Case Western and their partnership with the Cleveland Clinic
  • Investigate the application processes and timelines for top programs like MIT and Johns Hopkins
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in biomedical engineering, academic advisors, and individuals seeking insights into the application process for competitive engineering programs.

engr21q
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Hello all,

I am currently a Biosystems engineering senior at a Research 1 university and I am in the process of applying to graduate schools. I just wanted some advice on my chances of getting into a good Biomedical engineering program.

My current GPA is sitting around a 3.1, and it will be most likely around a 3.2 at my time of application. This is due to the fact that I was a pre-med student and I did not do so well in some of the medical school pre-req courses (o chem, etc.) With the exception of one failed engineering course that I am retaking, my low GPA is all due to the medical school pre-requisites I took. I have not taken the GRE yet (that is happening in mid-November) but I expect that I will get good scores. As far as research experience, I have worked in a research lab on campus for about a year, working with nanoparticles, lanthanide-based fluoroscopy techniques, and other biomedical imaging methods.

My main concern at the moment is that my low GPA may bar be from getting into a good program. Most programs state that the average applicant GPA is a 3.5, which is significantly higher than my application GPA will be. I expect good GRE scores, great recommendation letters, etc. but I wanted to know if anyone had any insight into my chances of getting into good BME programs.

Currently the list of schools I want to apply to are:

University of Virginia
University of Michigan
Boston University
UCSD
UCSF
Case Western

I am toying with the idea of applying to MIT, Johns Hopkins, and some other top programs but as I stated before, my GPA concerns are putting me off from applying there.

If anyone has any advice it would be extremely helpful! Thanks!
 
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I can't speak for the others but Case Western is pretty much a 3.5 GPA for all engineering departments, including BME. The only two grad students I know in the BME department are for like 4.0 GPA undergrad students but I'm sure that's not the norm.

But it's worth a shot. Case has a lot of research opportunities and the collaborate with the Cleveland Clinic quite a lot so it's a lot of valuable experience.
 
I have also applied to bme grad programs:

MIT
UCB
UCdavis
UCIrvine
BU
U Michigan
Arizona state U

I went to rutgers as BME undergrad. Any one from rutgers? when do most of these schools send out a decision?
 

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