Want to pursue phd in chem e; 3.5 GPA

[mrund3rd09]

I'm going to get a BS in chem e from a top 30 engineering school, and I really want to further my education in polymers in the SF bay area (eg. stanford or berkeley). However, I'm worried about my GPA - 3.50 (3.61 eng core), and GRE score (148V, 154Q practice test that I rushed through in 1/2 the time allowed). I speculate that I can definitely score higher on the GRE if I study some vocab, and practice the math section.

I do have several years of research experience, and I will have 2 publications in good journals. I also TA general chemistry. It's really hard to gauge whether my research experience is really good or just average.

After some searching, I found that stanford's graduate program consistently has an average GPA of ~3.73, and GRE of (600+V; 760+Q). Going off by the information I have provided, should I even waste my time and money applying to these schools? Or should I place my stake on UCLA?

I'm also interested in UT-Austin

 

[R.Mesri]

, UCSB, and U of Washington.Given the information you've provided, it appears that you have a good chance of being accepted into one of the universities you mentioned. The average GPA for Stanford's graduate program is higher than yours, but your research experience, publications, and TAing could potentially help you make up for the difference. Additionally, if you are able to improve your GRE scores, your chances of being accepted into Stanford or Berkeley could increase. UCLA is also a great option for you, as the average GPA is slightly lower than Stanford's. As for the other universities you mentioned, you should definitely apply to them as well, as all of these schools have excellent programs in Polymer Science. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you should apply to as many schools as possible in order to maximize your chances of being accepted.