Can't get into a master's program.

[Raimes]

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What if you can't get into a master's program? I haven't applied at my current school but other places, and have been denied from 3. I feel as if I really should give up my dream.

Do you think if I took Post-bacc classes that would help on getting into vet school or do I need a masters?

 

[GellaBella]

I think postbac classes would help but there are pros and cons. Two that come to mind being: pro: take classes, boost gpa, (I think) you can leave whenever?! Con: spend time and money and no advanced degree to show for it.

Now where did you apply to masters programs and were these research based masters or classwork based?

It may require you to expand the schools you apply to for masters programs or you could begin research in a lab at the school you really want to go to to get a letter of recommendation from someone in the school. Of course this assumes you're willing to wait a year and try again.

I'd suggest trying to contact people in the school to see what your weakness is. If it's gpa than doing postbacc work or going back to get a second undergrad degree could help.

Good luck

 

[Raimes]

Thanks for your help, it's my GPA, and my mediocre GRE scores. And I think my personal statement also.. heck I think it's everything.

I'm doing research at my undergrad school right now, just taking a master's here would be futile, because of this one certain teacher that I'm not sure I can get around.

 

[shortnsweet]

Thanks for your help, it's my GPA, and my mediocre GRE scores. And I think my personal statement also.. heck I think it's everything.

I'm doing research at my undergrad school right now, just taking a master's here would be futile, because of this one certain teacher that I'm not sure I can get around.

Have you given thought to the program at Drexel? Worth a shot looking into if you need to improve your stats.

 

[BlacKAT33]

Thanks for your help, it's my GPA, and my mediocre GRE scores. And I think my personal statement also.. heck I think it's everything.

I'm doing research at my undergrad school right now, just taking a master's here would be futile, because of this one certain teacher that I'm not sure I can get around.

Well, the PS is an easy fix. Use the resources around you, friends, family, advisors, writing center at your university, vets, etc...You will get there eventually with some help. There is no reason a PS shouldnt be good enough, you can always fix it with help!

Is there a reason you must get into a masters program? do you think this will help you eventually get into vet school? I would first fix the things that are in your hands, the PS and study for the GRE. If you can take a class, tutoring, use diff study materials...those things are in your hands. The GPA is hard to raise once you have a lot of questions. Then i would apply to both masters programs and postbacc programs at the same time so you arent wasting time to hear back from either of them.

 

[AUgirl365]

I don't think you have to get a maters to improve your chances on getting in. The important thing is to improve the weaknesses in your application and to persevere! As long as you improve your gpa, continue to get experience hours, maybe even re-take the GRE to improve your score and work on your personal statement, I think you will be able to accomplish your goal.

The only thing that is better about getting a masters is you have an advanced degree to fall back on. I think some of the post bacc classes I took actually helped more than some of my masters classes. So don't be discouraged if you can't start a masters program.

If you prefer to go the masters route, pursue the degree at the university you graduated from. Usually it is much easier to get into a program at the same school because the professors know you, are familiar with your academic background, etc. If you are concerned about that particular professor try going to a different college or department... switching from the college of math and science to the college of ag or apply in the animal science department instead of the biology department.

Finding a professor that you like and having he/she agree to be your major professor before applying will help you tremendously. Let them know your goals, etc. so they can "go to bat for you" in the application process and help your chances of acceptance into the program. Also consider doing a non-thesis masters. you can take a larger variety of classes and wouldn't necessarily have to be involved in research or take up professors valuable grant money... which might make them a little more keen on accepting you into a program.

good luck with your decision and in the application process! Hang in there, you'll reach your goal sooner than you think 🙂