Hi, I'm a recent Materials Science and Engineering graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and need some candid advice. I've posted my problem, questions, and my profile below.
The Problem: I've been working in Management Consulting for a year and a half, and have once again pondered whether to return to graduate school (ideally for a PhD, or a masters if it potentially leads to a PhD) in Materials Science, specifically biomaterials. My early grades in materials science were average, while my grades in higher level, 400-level courses were all stellar. Additionally, couple this with a lack of research experience. Fortunately, the classes I performed well in were biomaterials and polymer courses - namely biomaterials, bioconjugation, & polymer science. Some additional info: my senior research paper discussed a the design and evaluation of a biphasic osteogenic bioscaffold.
Questions: Would it be best to apply directly to a PhD program?
Would it be best to apply directly to a MS program?
Or would it be best to work with a professor (with a biomaterials focus) for a year or so at a reputable program, potentially take a few additional courses to augment my application, and then apply?
I feel I'm at a crossroad right now and would greatly appreciate any advice anybody has to offer!
Thanks!
Profile:
Major(s): B.S. Materials Science & Engineering; B.A. Economics
Minor(s): Technology & Management Minor Overall GPA: 3.60/4.00 (Honors)
GRE Scores: N/A LOR: Assistant Professor UIUC (alma: University of New South Wales; Biomaterials concentration)
Associate Professor UIUC (alma: UCSB; Biomaterials concentration)
Research Experience: RA for 1 semester in a biomaterials lab, nothing extensive
Publications/Abstracts/Presentations: Senior Thesis / Materials Design Project
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Department Scholarship; Dean's List; graduated with honors
Fellowships/Funding: N/A
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: N/A
Research Interests: Biomaterials, specifically drug/gene delivery systems & bioscaffolds
