Chances for MS in Biology program?

[kcola]

I know this a bit premature, but I was wondering (after reading lots of posts) if anyone thinks I have a chance at getting into a masters for biology? I have yet to take the GREs (I am a poor test taker), low gpa (3.4), with over 5 years experience in 2 types of labs (worked all throughout undergrad), 1 publication (+ posters/conferences) and maybe i can squeeze in 1 or 2 more this year... and i have a crap ton of extra curriculars since I also want to do DO/MD..though i doubt those matter much in grad school. will post again later.

[Xanthan]

A few points spring to mind:

1. 3.4 isn't that low of a GPA. Plenty of people get into good programs with less than that.

2. Especially with lots of research and a pub... I'm pretty confident you'll get into a MS program.

3. If you want a MD or DO, why get a MS in biology? Do you think you won't get into med school on the first try and want to up your stats? The MS bio route may be one way, but ask around, there may be easier (shorter!) ways. If you do the MS, consider a non-thesis program.

[kcola]

I'd like both worlds, research + clinical but i really do not want a PhD (thats insane amounts of time imo) like 20% research, 80% clinical if i can swing it. Also, having an MS (according to my parents) is a good parachute to catch me if I never achieve MD/DO. I have considered SMPs/post baccs..but i feel those are waste of time for someone who does not want to redo premed classes and also have a graduate degree.

[Mrs. Bio]

I'd like both worlds, research + clinical but i really do not want a PhD (thats insane amounts of time imo) like 20% research, 80% clinical if i can swing it. Also, having an MS (according to my parents) is a good parachute to catch me if I never achieve

MD/DO. I have considered SMPs/post baccs..but i feel those are waste of time for

someone who does not want to redo premed classes and also have a graduate degree.

You don't have to take classes as a post bac. It's basically an internship after you finish undergrad. Also, you mention it being a waste of time for someone not wanting a graduate degree..so why get a Masters? You'll probably have to pay for it and it'd end up being pointless if you just went for MD/DO. Also, there is one more thing you should be thinking about: the MCAT. Lastly, how much are you parents pushing you down this path? Make sure it's something YOU enjoy!

[kcola]

I meant those programs are not for someone like me who DOES want a graduate degree. The graduate degree will allow me to pursue research on top of clinical.

[Mrs. Bio]

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Edited May 19, 2011 by Mrs. Bio

[Mrs. Bio]

I meant those programs are not for someone like me who DOES want a graduate degree. The graduate degree will allow me to pursue research on top of clinical.

To perform independent research at a high level you will need a PhD. Usually the route people go if they want both clinical and laboratory aspects in their career is MD/PhD or MSTP programs (someone correct me if I'm wrong) though I've heard of just straight MD's doing a bit of research.

Also, a post-bac is an EXCELLENT thing you can so before pursuing a graduate degree (like a PhD) if you want to boost your chances of getting into a top program.

[kcola]

Hmm. I dont have the time or inclination to do a post bac since i really just want a masters. But thank you for the advice. Should I not apply to the masters, am I a poor candidate? I know i dont have my GRE so hard to say..

[kcola]

Oh: what is the difference bw MSTP and MD/PhD?

[Mrs. Bio]

Oh: what is the difference bw MSTP and MD/PhD?

Don't quote me, but I think it depends on where the funding comes from. For example, I think MSTP are exclusively funded by the NIH and MD/PhD are not. You could probably google it in case I'm wrong.

On the other hand I think you're a great MS candidate. As the other people have said to you a 3.4 is not a low GPA. Also, you have a lot of research experience and posters/pubs which are concrete evidence of your success in research.

I'd say apply and don't let anything hold you back. I'm sure you'll do fine on the GRE.

[kcola]

Hmm. Thank you. Two reasons I am not applying (or shouldn't) to MD/PhD/MSTP is that they are super competitive and my stats are just not up there (think 3.8, ~35mcat), and I don't think I could handle 8+yrs in school. Otherwise, I would totally go for it as it aligns with my interests. But all power to those who do!

[ogopo]

I think that in the US, doing an MS in biology is strange (I realized this as I was applying for my PhD program that having the masters was strange to them). However, in Canada, it is totally normal to get a masters (MSc here) before either transferring to a PhD with the same project or finishing and doing something else after.

So maybe you should consider Canada! Here, even masters programs in the sciences are usually funded, unless you go the course-based masters route. If you have any questions about this, pm me. In terms of your stats and experience, I don't foresee a problem.

[eklavya]

I think that in the US, doing an MS in biology is strange (I realized this as I was applying for my PhD program that having the masters was strange to them).

really? i have a masters and haven't been taken strangely anywhere. if anything, they are transferring several of my credits and i can be done in as early as 3 years.

[ogopo]

Maybe it was just the programs I was applying to (I applied to 3 programs at the same school). The two that rejected me seemed more concerned with undergrad performance than the fact that I had a masters. Even my prospective prof mentioned that my masters might not be seen as an advantage by the programs (even though he did). '

So it was probably just my limited experience. I think a part of it is that a lot of PhD programs offer a masters as a "way out" if you are not able to pass your qualifying exams and such.

That being said, I think doing a masters is great and not a day goes by that I regret my decision to take this route.

[kcola]

Can you apply to more than one program in a school? How does that work? you mean something like Molecular Bio vs. Genetics?

[ogopo]

Oh! Sorry for the delayed reply. My advisor is a "trainer" in several programs. More specifically, I applied to Microbi, Genetics and Zoology. Zoology accepted me.