Should I Apply to Physics or Biophysics PhD Programs as an Applied Math Major?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application process for PhD programs in computational biophysics from the perspective of an applied math major with a strong physics background. The individual has a 3.73 GPA overall and a perfect 4.0 in physics, alongside significant research experience in microbiology, mathematical biology, and chemical physics. They seek advice on whether to apply to physics departments with biophysics research or directly to biophysics departments, noting the importance of networking and personal connections in the application process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of computational biophysics principles
  • Familiarity with protein and enzyme structure and dynamics
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Fortran, and MATLAB
  • Knowledge of research methodologies in microbiology and chemical physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific computational biophysics PhD programs and their faculty
  • Explore networking strategies for connecting with potential advisors
  • Prepare for the GRE and understand its impact on graduate applications
  • Investigate opportunities for publishing research findings
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in applied mathematics or physics considering graduate studies in computational biophysics, as well as those interested in the intersection of mathematics and biological sciences.

strangequark
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Ok, I know there has probably been a vast number of posts exactly like this one, but...

I'm a senior undergrad at a california state university and will be applying to grad school this semester. Preferably I want to get into a PhD program in computational biophysics, specifically I'm interested in computational studies of protein/enzyme structure and dynamics (like folding and signaling). I have a 3.73 overall gpa and a 4.0 in physics, and I've also done 3 research programs (in microbiology, mathematical biology and chemical physics). Though I've presented posters at 3 conferences, I've no publications (yet). Also, I haven't taken GRE's yet, but don't plan to do exceptionally well. I also have a lot of programming experience (C, C++, Fortran, perl, charmm, namd/vmd, mathematica, matlab).

My first question is, as an applied math major (physics minor) will Ph D programs be hesitant to accept me? I'm not expecting to get into MIT or harvard, but somewhere?

Second, would I be better off applying to physics departments who have faculty doing research in biophysics (recommendations?) or to biophysics departments (there aren't many)?

Thanks for your input/suggestions.
 
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I know a phd student in biophysics in a relatively well known school, soon to graduate (less than a month), who received a bachelor of arts (yes arts, not science) in math from a state university. He's a bright guy and took many physics courses along with his BA. It's definitely possible, find a department, meet the people and get that human thing going (getting to know them, they meet you and make that mental judgement 'yeah, we can abuse that person') etc. He met his advisor at a talk and started things that way. Good luck.
 

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