NeuroStudent

Shameless bump!

I'll admit that I've never imagined myself as being anything other than a scientist, but my research aspirations (utilizing fMRI, electrophysiological methodologies, etc.) would require that I get into a major research university for which there would be tremendous competition. I think either Cornell's program or Stony Brook's program would be my best bets for getting the experience necessary to obtain such a position, so I'm very much hoping for either of those.

No, I've essentially just found out within the last week--and I'm currently studying abroad, so I've been a bit occupied. I know that Georgetown, G.W., and Chicago all have great name recognition... I was thinking that I should go for the Chicago degree just because it's Chicago, but that's being a bit superficial. I know that both the Georgetown program and GW's send a lot of people into doctoral programs and a lot of people in NGOs and advising.

Also, I'm a neuroscience major, government minor (B.S.) if that helps with projecting career prospects...

I'm currently an undergraduate at an upstate NY liberal arts college, graduating in the spring. I've been accepted to the following master's programs: George Washington University - M.A. in International Science & Technology Policy University of Chicago - M.A. in the Social Sciences (I'd be working with social psychologists/social neuroscientists, with hopes of PhD study) (1/3 tuition scholarship) Georgetown University - M.S. in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy I'm unsure as to whether I want to go into science advocacy/lobbying or straight science, via a doctoral program, given the ruthless nature of the academic job market these days. I'm especially interested in "political neuroscience", or analyzing politics from a neuroscience perspective. I've always imagined myself as a scientist, and have numerous research ideas that my undergraduate advisers thought thesis-worthy, but I come from a middle-class background with many financial stresses and really can't afford to just stagnate for 10+ years before getting a decent university position. If I got into a good doctoral program, that might not happen though? Here are other places I've applied, with acceptance/admittance information: Stony Brook - December 15th 2013 (Integrative Neuroscience, Ph.D.) - Haven't heard yet City University of New York - December 1st, 2013 (Psychology Ph.D. – Cognitive/Behavioral Concentration) - DENIED Pittsburgh - December 1st (Neuroscience, Ph.D.) - DENIED Northwestern - December 1st (Psychology, Ph.D. - Brain, Behavior & Cognition conc.) - Haven't heard yet Tufts - December 15th (Experimental Psychology Ph.D.) - DENIED Brandeis - January 15th (Neuroscience Ph.D) - Haven't Heard Yet NYU - December 12th (Social Psychology Ph.D.)- Haven't Heard Yet Cornell - January 1st (Human Development Ph.D. – Human Neuroscience program, new program!) - Haven't heard yet Brown – December 1st (Psychology, Ph.D.) - DENIED Dartmouth - December 1st (Experimental Psychology, Ph.D.) – Brain & Psychological Science Program) - Haven't heard yet Basically, I'm looking to just open doors to a career, and break the cycle of financial hardship in my family. Assuming I don't get into a PhD, what are my options with the master's programs? What sorts of careers could I lead with those? All input would be appreciated, thank you!