Students pursuing a PhD in biochemistry should expect to put in a lot of effort. This work should ideally begin in high school, but it’s never too late for those who daydreamed their way through high school. What people most need is a strong science aptitude, because students, especially at the PhD level, will be expected to teach, research, and grasp difficult concepts quickly.
Students interested in pursuing a PhD in biochemistry in high school should enroll in as many math and science courses as possible. If at all possible, students should enroll in Advanced Placement courses, which award college credits and allow students to avoid retaking basic science classes during their first few years at a university. Focusing on biology and chemistry is undoubtedly important, but physics classes may also be beneficial. Math should be studied all the way up to calculus, and statistical math should be studied as well.
Students may have several major options once they arrive at college. Some students pursue a PhD in biochemistry while also pursuing an MD. Pre-med is clearly an appealing major for these students. Biochemistry is a field in which many schools offer BS degrees, and it could be an excellent choice as well.
During junior year, you should begin looking for the ideal school to pursue a PhD in biochemistry. There are numerous programs to choose from, each with slightly different requirements. Some colleges and universities require or prefer that students take subject Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests in fields such as biochemistry, biochemical informatics, structural biology, molecular biology, and others. When choosing schools to apply to, make a list of the requirements for each so that you can complete them before your senior year. In addition, students who pursue a PhD or MD must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
While some career paths are well suited to online learning, students interested in pursuing a PhD in biochemistry will most likely be unable to do so. For doctoral level work to be done easily online, there may be too much hands-on work and lab time. Most students will benefit from attending brick-and-mortar universities because they will receive more academic support in these settings.
Having strong letters of recommendation is one of the most important aspects of graduate school applications. Great grades are important, but glowing recommendations that demonstrate a student’s value to a school are even more important. To obtain these letters, students should begin their freshman year by volunteering to work for professors, treating professors with respect in the classroom, and taking advantage of every opportunity to get to know the faculty. Taking on extra projects or even just cleaning a lab can help professors be more interested in seeing a student’s career progress, even if it is difficult.
Professors can also be a valuable resource when it comes to school selection, as many of them have a good sense of a student’s abilities and are familiar enough with academia to predict where a student will be accepted. Graduate students with the potential to teach courses can also be beneficial in this regard. Excellent grades in core courses and GRE scores are required to maintain a good reputation.
Students can expect extensive studies once they have been accepted into a school to pursue a PhD in biochemistry. Though it is technically possible to complete a doctorate in three years, most people will not be able to do so. Most students will need at least four years to complete their studies and dissertation, and some will need even longer.