working as a associate researcher and get into phd program!

[bomzic]

Hey guys!

I am a recently graduated student with master degree in Bioengineering. I have applied to one of top 10 bioengineering graduate school last year. Although I had a one year research collaboration with one faculty member in that school, my admission has been denied. I am still interested in getting to that school.

This year I got a job offer from the school to work as a associate researcher for at least one full year. Does this work experience have any impact on my admission if I apply again to that school?

Have you ever seen a similar case?

Your time is really appreciated!

[TakeruK]

Yes, I have known students who entered a PhD program after working as a researcher, often at the same school, but not always. In general, the additional research experience will certainly improve your application. And when you apply for PhD programs in the future, you should apply to more than just this top 10 school, in my opinion. In general, although I am not in your field, I find that about 30-40% of new students in my top 10 program tend to have some kind of experience between undergraduate and the PhD program, whether it's a researcher position, a lab manager type position, a masters degree, or some combination!