GPA and State schools

[curiousstudent]

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So, I've been wanting to pursue biomedical research as a career for some time now. Even though I'm only a junior, I was wondering exactly how hard it is to come by good grades in state schools? I'll probably end up at UNC, and as I want to ultimately go into an MSTP program I'll need to keep up a decent GPA. Is the lower average because there is wider variance in the quality of the students than the top privates, or is the grading just that much tougher? How hard is it for a reasonable smart, but by no means genius (1500 on the old SAT sections) to get a 3.75+ in biology? Thanks!

 

[Peterock]

So, I've been wanting to pursue biomedical research as a career for some time now. Even though I'm only a junior, I was wondering exactly how hard it is to come by good grades in state schools? I'll probably end up at UNC, and as I want to ultimately go into an MSTP program I'll need to keep up a decent GPA. Is the lower average because there is wider variance in the quality of the students than the top privates, or is the grading just that much tougher? How hard is it for a reasonable smart, but by no means genius (1500 on the old SAT sections) to get a 3.75+ in biology? Thanks!

It isn't hard to come by good grades at UNC in ugrad sciences. I know people will flame me etc, but I know too many students who have done absurdly well at UNC who were good, but not great students in HS (and some of them put even less time forward in college than in HS). UNC is surprisingly soft on their ugrads in the way of science in general.

 

[Medikit]

UNC is an awesome school, congrats. Apply yourself during the school year and do research internships over the summer. Remember, college is not high school, don't overwhelm yourself your first year when you're just trying to figure out time management when your on your own.

 

[curiousstudent]

Thanks for the advice; I guess that a 2.7-2.8 biology average just kind of scares me, although this includes people who aren't majoring in biology.

Would it be better to do summer work at labs in research U's, or a place like the NIH, or does it matter?

 

[curiousstudent]

Bump... any other comments?

 

[Freakingout]

Thanks for the advice; I guess that a 2.7-2.8 biology average just kind of scares me, although this includes people who aren't majoring in biology.

Yeah, it's going to be rough and challenging, you're going to have to put in a lot of effort to get good grades.

 

[DrBowtie]

I wouldn't sweat it...Most of your huge intro classes will have averages in the 60's and you will think the class is a joke. If you put in the effort that YOU need to do well, it doesn't matter what the average is. As you will see if your serious about your studies that there are a bunch of space cadets that have no business in pre-med classes.

 

[curiousstudent]

Yeah, I have to say that if the students from my HS are any indication of what the average person who goes in to college as premed are like, most of them think that college will be as easy as HS.

 

[willthatsall]

Thanks for the advice; I guess that a 2.7-2.8 biology average just kind of scares me, although this includes people who aren't majoring in biology.

Would it be better to do summer work at labs in research U's, or a place like the NIH, or does it matter?

When you get to college (at least a large public school) you will learn that the average student is a complete idiot. If you study at all, you will never score below average on an assignment.

 

[jrae]

Thanks for the advice; I guess that a 2.7-2.8 biology average just kind of scares me, although this includes people who aren't majoring in biology.

Would it be better to do summer work at labs in research U's, or a place like the NIH, or does it matter?

I would recommend doing work outside of you school during the summer. NIH would be awesome, however also look into universities with MSTP programs you are interested in. For example, Iowa offers a summer program specific for students interested in their program (both clinical and basic research components). Good luck!