(no subject)
Hey all. Its my first time posting, and I would just like to thank everyone for already being so helpful.
I searched through the tags and haven't been able to find this. Should I apply for a M.S. or a PhD? I thought after getting a BSc, one would go on to get a MS, then go on to a PhD, then a post doc. I asked all my professors at school, and they basically said its all up to me, and that I would be fine in either case. I was also at a scientific conference last summer, and I asked several grad school admissions deans, and their answers varied. Some schools don't find undergrads ready to go straight to a PhD, and others said it depends on the student. My parents didn't go to school in the US, and they are completely confused about how the whole system works (they went to school in India), and are really stressing me out.
I feel as though I am a mediocre student. I graduated from a biology program with a 3.4 GPA. I did well in all my biology courses, but struggled in chemistry and physics. I am a nervous test taker, and have mediocre GRE scores. However, I have great recommendation letters. I have been involved in independent research since my sophomore year, in both my college and Harvard Med. I've participated in community service all 4 years of college and also have served as the treasurer of a club.
Should I call schools and ask what they believe a competitive candidate looks like? If so, what should I ask? What should I do if the school only accepts PhD candidates, and doesn't have a MS program listed?
Thank all of you so much!
I searched through the tags and haven't been able to find this. Should I apply for a M.S. or a PhD? I thought after getting a BSc, one would go on to get a MS, then go on to a PhD, then a post doc. I asked all my professors at school, and they basically said its all up to me, and that I would be fine in either case. I was also at a scientific conference last summer, and I asked several grad school admissions deans, and their answers varied. Some schools don't find undergrads ready to go straight to a PhD, and others said it depends on the student. My parents didn't go to school in the US, and they are completely confused about how the whole system works (they went to school in India), and are really stressing me out.
I feel as though I am a mediocre student. I graduated from a biology program with a 3.4 GPA. I did well in all my biology courses, but struggled in chemistry and physics. I am a nervous test taker, and have mediocre GRE scores. However, I have great recommendation letters. I have been involved in independent research since my sophomore year, in both my college and Harvard Med. I've participated in community service all 4 years of college and also have served as the treasurer of a club.
Should I call schools and ask what they believe a competitive candidate looks like? If so, what should I ask? What should I do if the school only accepts PhD candidates, and doesn't have a MS program listed?
Thank all of you so much!