Is Getting a Masters to Improve Stats Ideal?

[process chemist]

I am settled on the fact the I will need to get a MS before I proceed to a PhD; because,my undergrad GPA (Chemistry, 3.2/4.0) is not high enough to be competitive for most of the PhD programs that I want to apply to (not Harvard or Yale, but ranked in the 30s-40s).

I could apply to some really lowly ranked schools (100s) and possibly get admitted, but I will always wonder, "what if I got a MS first, then apply?" I was wondering if getting an MS first to improve my stats (GPA), and possibly get a pub will make me more attractive to a broader range of PhD Programs. I have tons of research experience in academia, and in industry, but my GPA and my GRE (1190, 610V, 580Q- I have been out of school for some time I was a math minor. I got nothing less than an A in all math classes, including Multivariable, Engineering Math, Diff. Eq, and Modern Algebra.) will hold me back. I am preparing for the new GRE, and hoping for the best.

[Kimmo]

Sounds like a reasonable idea. Why not apply anyways though

[collegebum1989]

Get to know the professors while doing the MS, i was am in the same boat as you (low undergrad GPA) but good stats. From what graduate students have told me, it isn't your stats, but your research interests, experiences and how well you fit into the school which hold you back from admissions.

With that being said, you should also be realistic with your expectations. Pursuing an MS without full-funding will mean more of an economic burden at the cost of "hoping" to get into a better program later. So if you are comfortable being in more debt, then by all means pursue it. The reason why I say realistic is because just because you do an MS, does not mean you will automatically get into a PhD program. There are a large amount of variables which play into programs you are applying:

1. Does the professor have a good relationship with you to become your advisor?

2. Is the research lab willing to hire new PhD students?

3. Does your school allow PhD applications after MS?

So the most practical thing to do is to weigh your circumstances, and realize what steps you have to do to acheive your goal of a competitive PhD acceptance. With that in mind, pick a school you would prefer to pursue your PhD, look up professors whose work interest you, and make it clear to them that you want to pursue a PhD afterwards, and then ask them to be your advisor after you do some valuable work for them.

Good luck!

[process chemist]

I was thinking of getting a MS at a place where it is funded. After finishing, go to a competitve school

[collegebum1989]

Yeah, that would be the cheaper route, but nothing helps admission into a PhD program than actually having rapport with the professors of the school and taking classes in their masters program. If you do well in the masters program, and have great relations with a suitable advisor, it not only shows you are competent but would be a better candidate for the school because you already fit into the program well.

It will always be tougher for someone with an MS from a different school to enter into a competitive PhD program because there's hundreds of people just like that around the nation applying to the same competitive PhD program. But the converse, is also true. A masters at a more reputable university, and doing well, will also favor your chances of admission to a less competitive PhD program. So its win-win (minus the debt lol).

Its really up to the financial capability of the applicant.