Apply for Masters or Obtain Research Associate Position?

[DrDaddy]

I have quite the conundrum. I recently graduated with a B.S in Biological Sciences with a measly 2.86 overall GPA.  Ultimately, I'd like to purse a Ph.D in Microbiology and Immunology. I, however, understand my GPA will be immediately given a red flag and possibly tossed in the rejection pile. If possible, I'd prefer not to waste the application, transcript and w/e else fee applying to graduate programs comes with. Applying to a masters program and actually getting in is possible, but majority of these programs are unfunded. After viewing my loan repayment plan, I am in no position to take on a plethora of additional, perhaps unnecessary, loans. I'm aware a lot of those who have underperformed in a undergraduate setting become a fulltime research associate  for 2-3 to increase their chances of acceptance.

 

I'm currently studying for the Biology Subject exam and plan to take the exam Oct. 2015. I'll be taking the Revised General GRE in November. Deadlines for FALL 2015 for majority of the masters programs I've looked at are either Dec. 1st or January 15th.

 

I have about 1.5 years of research experience and am currently a volunteer in the same lab. I've also wrote a grant proposal and was rewarded the grant as an undergrad.

 

Should I look for a research associate position or apply for a masters program?

 

Any feedback is welcome, no matter how harsh.

 

Thanks!!

[bsharpe269]

I do think that you will have to do something about the GPA so I dont think that a research position will be enough. A masters is a great way to go or you could simply take a class a semseter (grad would be great or retake some of your bad grade classes) while working in a research position. This would help you fund the additional classes without needing loans. If you are worried about financing a mastesr then this could be a great compromise between the two plans.

[Chimeric Phoenix]

I was in a similar position, but with not too terrible of a loan situation. I ended up only paying for 1 semester of my MS and taking out minimal loans to live off. If you check the mega-thread you'll find someone else that found some funded MS programs.

 

If you do your best on the GRE now, and then devote yourself to your classes when you take them you'll be in the best position possible.

 

Good Luck!

[peachypie]

First off the rest of your application sounds pretty decent except for your GPA.  So you need to do what you can to show that was an aberration, not the norm.  My suggestion due to your financial situation would be to try to take a class (maybe too late for this fall semester but I'd highly recommend doing one this spring AND summer) and show that you can excel in courses.  If you can take a related graduate course in a school you may even be interested in great, if not take some of the undergrad courses that are relevant and at the intermediate/advanced level.  DO WELL.  Use this as an example to show you can achieve well.  Having that plus a decent GRE someone will say, this person has the ability they just may not have done it during their undergrad.  go from there.  Don't apply to an unfunded masters to accomplish this, unless you feel you must.  I think the same effect can be had by working and being successful in some courses going forward.  If you are able to still add a class this fall even better, the more evidence you give them you can succeed the better.  Now with all of this, obviously I am recommending you do this as a way to prep for application season next fall.  Thereby starting school in two years.  You can still apply to a masters now as you prepare but I don't think it would hurt to take some courses.  Even one or two classes with good grades can show them you are ready for school.  I am in the field you are interested in, if you'd like any specific answers or whatnot please feel free to PM me.

Best of luck.