How difficult is it to get into a top ranked graduate school for chemistry?

[LogicX]

I have a 3.94 GPA (got one stupid B my freshman year). I am a junior now. I have been doing undergrad research since the start of my sophomore year. This past summer I did an REU that was 10 weeks of full time research. I know I am going to have great letters of recommendation. I am also planning on continuing to do undergrad research so by time I go to apply for grad schools I will have 4-5 semesters of research as well as two summers of research (I have something lined up if I can't get into another REU or land an internship for next summer).

Let's just say that my performance continues and I continue to get As in my classes, and I do well on the GRE.

What are my chances of getting into a top ranked school? I feel like I'm doing everything right. I couldn't be working harder or getting more research experience. But I also just have this feeling of dread that despite doing everything I can to get into the best grad school that I can, it still somehow will not be enough. I want to go to a big name school. Do I have a chance at Ivy League, or is the selection process somewhat arbitrary and I still will struggle to get in?

I just have this feeling (based on no actual facts) that it's not going to be enough and I won't get into my school of choice despite achieving my maximum potential.

So... do I have a shot?

EDIT: I go to a second tier school right now.

 

[streeters]

Apply and let them decide. They can only say no.

It sounds like you're making all the right noises. I think most of us have some feeling of inadequacy, which we really shouldn't.

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."

 

[fss]

About as good as anyone else whose paper qualifications give them a realistic shot of getting into a top-tier graduate program.

 

[Mike H]

First and foremost - top graduate programs in chemistry are not synonymous with Ivy League graduate programs in chemistry. (Disclaimer - I went to one, but because it was an ideal match for my interests. If my research interests coming out of undergrad were different, I'd have gone elsewhere.) By the time you start applying to graduate programs, you should be thinking about departments in terms of prospective advisors, not whose university seal would end up on your doctoral diploma.

If you can keep up your grades and research, you sound as good a candidate on paper as anyone. If there's any arbitrariness in graduate admissions, it's probably going to come down to the department thinking you might be a bad fit (e.g., if you express an interest in a particular area of chemistry, and they really don't have anyone in that area, they might save you and them the trouble of admitting you and finding out later on it's not going to work).

 

[Matrix0]

It is difficult to predict your chances of getting into a top ranked graduate school for chemistry without knowing more specific information about the schools you are interested in, as well as your research experience, publications, and other factors that may contribute to your application. However, it seems like you are taking all the right steps to strengthen your application, including maintaining a high GPA, conducting undergraduate research, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation. These are all important factors that are considered by graduate schools when evaluating applicants.

It is important to remember that the selection process for graduate schools, especially top ranked ones, can be highly competitive and somewhat arbitrary. While your academic achievements and research experience are crucial, there may also be a large pool of highly qualified applicants vying for a limited number of spots. Therefore, it is important to have a well-rounded application and to showcase your unique strengths and experiences in your personal statement and other application materials.

Ultimately, there is no guarantee of admission to any particular school, especially Ivy League schools, but with your strong academic record and research experience, you certainly have a shot. It is important to continue to work hard and do your best, but also to keep in mind that there are many factors beyond your control in the selection process. Regardless of the outcome, know that you are taking the necessary steps to further your education and achieve your goals in the field of chemistry.