GAP YEAR: RA or Masters

[Jerax]

Hey guys, I'm starting my fourth and final year of college in Aug. Just wanted to ask for some help regarding Plan B (Plan A being medical school). What sounds better between these two? What considerations should I have going forward?

- Work as research assistant for a research group I've been involved in since summer of freshman year

OR

- Pursue 1-year master's degree by research

Some background:
- Molecular and cell biology major with GPA 3.4/4.0
- 2 years doing clinical research with above-mentioned research group, led to 2 first-author pubs and 4 posters (including one to be done during final year for honors project)
- 1 year of bench research, 1 more to go for final year of college
- 260+ hrs volunteering
- 440+ hrs clinical shadowing
- 420+ hrs teaching (private tutor)
- MCAT to be taken by this year

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

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[Jerax]

bump

 

[wanderingorion]

IMO, I'd stick with the RA job. Your stats are pretty solid, and your ECs look good. Unless you really want a Master's degree, Idk if it will affect your chances too much.

EDIT: Plus you'll be making $$$ for app season instead of going into debt for the Masters