May not defend masters thesis on time to matriculate

[PRSMedStudent]

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Hi guys,

I am currently a Master's student, and working on finishing my thesis. I will finish writing it before med school starts in August, however, due to internal school deadlines I may be only able to schedule a defense date at the end of August (which is past the first day of school).

Can I can start med school, and then go back and defend my thesis?

 

[500miles]

That's a good question.. I would assume you can. Are you staying in the area of your master degree? That will make it significantly easier. If not you may have to just fly out for a day and defend it I guess

 

[Principia]

This sounds like something that you need to work out with your Masters program and future medical school, not with randos on SDN.

 

[21Rush12]

I agree with principia, definitely get in touch with your medical school about it.

 

[Gilakend]

Is there any reason you need it? I've seen threads of grad students dropping out after getting their acceptance.

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

Agree with Gilakend. Is it possible for you to just not defend your thesis?

 

[500miles]

You should defend your thesis. You put time and money into getting to the final push of defending your thesis and it's stupid not to finish it. Even if you literally put no effort into preparing it and focus 100% on med school, you can just show up and defend.

 

[PRSMedStudent]

Thank you guys! So, generally, you think that if my graduate office doesn't have any problems with this, then medical school shouldn't either?

 

[WIMNFamilyMed]

Thank you guys! So, generally, you think that if my graduate office doesn't have any problems with this, then medical school shouldn't either?

Your advisors might be mad you aren’t doing the last bit of work to get the degree and someone who planned to use it could have had your spot in the masters program, but they can’t do anything to make you stay and finish it. The MD admissions just requires a bachelors, and they might like your experiences from the masters program but they don’t need to see the final paper saying you completed it. So yep, NO logistical/could stop you from matriculating to MD- problems all around!