Committing to a research lab?

[FreeRider14]

I'm applying for a MS degree in biomedical engineering. I have a wide range of interests in the field.

If you're applying for an MS, is it typical or the standard to pick a POI or lab that you are very interested in working with. Is that all a part of the process of applying? This school doesn't require interviews, but they "encourage" them. What if I don't go in for an informal interview/meeting with a POI? Is this hurting my chance of acceptance? Yes, I'm interested in a few labs, but I'm not quite sure if there's any committment involved. Meaning, I come in for an interview/meeting, and I'm given acceptance pending that I do my research in Professor XYZ's lab. What if I become interested in something else before I start? I don't want to burn any bridges after receiving an acceptance. I would rather talk to POI(s) after receiving an acceptance.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[TropicalCharlie]

I'm applying for a MS degree in biomedical engineering. I have a wide range of interests in the field.

If you're applying for an MS, is it typical or the standard to pick a POI or lab that you are very interested in working with.

It depends on the program as each school has different requirements. Are you referring to a traditional or professional track? For a traditional thesis track in science, it is usually best to establish a connection with a POI as this determines fit. In this track, some schools will ask you to name a few POI's on your application, while others will require you to complete rotations in various labs during your first year before picking a lab to work in. For a professional track where coursework is emphasized over research, it is often not necessary to contact any POI's prior to applying.

Is that all a part of the process of applying? This school doesn't require interviews, but they "encourage" them. What if I don't go in for an informal interview/meeting with a POI? Is this hurting my chance of acceptance?

Yes. Generally, contacting POI's and having formal/informal interviews are part of the application process. Even if your program doesn't require that you contact anyone, it is always wise to do so. You can obtain a lot of information from the POI's, and most of the time, they will assess your stats and make suggestions as to how you can improve your application. It also helps to establish a connection as you can use mutual research interests to focus your SOP. As for "not" going in for an interview, I would at least maintain an open line of communication whether it is by email or phone. If you don't have a travel budget to attend interviews in person, skype is a great way to go.

Yes, I'm interested in a few labs, but I'm not quite sure if there's any committment involved. Meaning, I come in for an interview/meeting, and I'm given acceptance pending that I do my research in Professor XYZ's lab. What if I become interested in something else before I start? I don't want to burn any bridges after receiving an acceptance. I would rather talk to POI(s) after receiving an acceptance.

If you interview and are offered admission and funding in Prof XYZ's lab, there is definitely expectation of commitment since they are planning to use their resources to subsidize your education and train you. I think it's fair that you don't want to commit to something in case your interests change, but that is why it is critical that you contact all the POI's now, so that you have all the necessary information at hand to help you make a good decision later on. It would also eliminate awkward situations like burning bridges. Waiting to decide until after you are admitted sounds like you are unfocused and don't know what to do with the MS.