BME PhD After M.Eng?

[Collegebum]

Hey guys,

I graduated undergrad with a B.E in biomedical engineering, with a cumulative GPA of 3.21 (Final year 3.60). However, I had 2 years research experience in a national lab, president of 2 organizations and founded a non-profit student organization.

My research was in neuropharmacology, and unrelated to my intended program of study of biomedical imaging. I applied to graduate schools for this upcoming fall was accepted to a few MS programs (Drexel, NYU Poly, Rutgers) and all of the M.Eng programs. I suspect that my application was more suited to M.Eng programs because of my leadership positions, and lack of relevant research experience. I will be attending Cornell in the Fall.

However, after doing a little searching about careers, I have decided within the summer that I want to pursue a PhD and be more heavily involved in research.

Cornell's BME department allows and actually encourages M.Eng students to participate in research activities. Students also have the option of completing a research-based project instead of design project like most M.Eng programs.

If I complete the M.Eng with outstanding GPA, and substantial research experience, will admissions committees value the M.Eng grades more than the Undergrad? I had an upward trend, where my grades dramatically increased my senior year.

[uprobot]

Hi collegebum! I'm a fellow BME myself. I think that if you really excel in your M.Eng. grades, that would definitely have an impact on your application. Admissions committees will still see your undergraduate record, but will definitely take into account what is most recent. Unfortunately for me, my grades are all over the place However, I'm sure most people would suggest that if you could take the M.S. path, then go ahead since it's a thesis-based program which would further bolster your research experience.

I'm really surprised to hear that Cornell allows M.Eng. students to participate in research activities (is this more informal and on the side?) as well as a research-based project instead of a design project. Where did you hear about this? I could not find it on their website.

Also, do you think it's substantially easier to gain admission into M.Eng. programs rather than M.S.? I'm thinking about completing a master's program to make up for my unimpressive undergraduate record. I went to a rigorous BME program but I know I slacked off and could have done better.

[Collegebum]

I would email the Cornell BME department if I was you, their online descriptions for programs and classes are not very descriptive. I was lucky enough to speak to a recent graduate from the program who has told me that the program is very flexible and that a lot of students work in labs during their tenure in the program. Yes, it will not be a full 2-year thesis, but more like a research paper you submit at the end of your program.

I chose an M.Eng program when I applied and in April, because at that time I was more attracted to a career in industry, and personally liked the programs of the M.Eng as opposed to the M.S., but since July/August, I have decided yet again to change my plans and pursue a PhD instead, but it is too late to change my decision now. Cornell also does not offer an M.S. only program, so its either M.Eng or M.S./PhD.

I wouldn't say it is easier to get admitted into an M.Eng program compared to an M.S., but they are certainly different. Remember, that funding is a large part to do with graduate school choice for students. The M.Eng is a professional degree, so you will not get any financial aid, so take that into consideration. For most schools, admissions into an M.S. program is not too difficult, but getting full-funding is (since its usually reserved for PhD candidates).

During my applications, I was accepted into all of the M.Eng programs I applied to (BU, WPI, UMaryland, Cornell) and only accepted into 2 of the M.S. programs (Drexel, NYU Poly). However, I have friends who were able to gain admissions to M.S. programs, but were denied at M.Eng programs. I would say that both programs expect different things from applicants. In my application, I had great leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular activities and research "on the side". I think it was my lack of relevant research to my intended area of study (bioimaging) and lack of a LOR from a research PI (I left on bad terms) which was the reason I was denied from the M.S. programs. In my SOP, my goals were all industry-oriented, and therefore, I believe that's why I got into all M.Eng programs.

Never the less, entering an M.Eng program does not guarantee admission into the PhD program at the school, this is said very clearly on Cornell's website. This is kind of like a disclaimer, but it is true that PhD applicants who are denied often are referred to the M.Eng program. But I have had the privilege of talking to students, who in the past have successfully made the transition. Although they say its on a case-to-case basis, and depends on the school/department, it is "possible" if you find the right professor to be as your adviser to the PhD. But, I have learned to take this with a grain of salt, because "possible" does not mean "probable". The only thing you can do have your priorities straight and do well in the program. Good luck with your applications!