MS or Post-Bacc?

[PursuingHappy]

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Hi,

I am a senior at a small liberal arts college. I am interested in taking a year or two off to get more research experience. I have three years of research experience, but I would like to get more biomedical research experience. I also wanted to make sure I had ample time to study for the MCAT, which I will be taking in March. I was wondering if during my year(s) off should I obtain an MS or just do research at the NIH or other post bac program. If I were to get the MS, it would be at at school I am interested in attending for MD/PhD.

notes about me:
CGPA: 3.7
SGPA: 3.6
URM
Economically disadvantaged
First Generation College Student

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[eteshoe]

Definitely get your point. The GPA is on the border for some of upper tier schools (may keep you out of the top top schools) but you should have a decent chance with a well crafted school list. I would only suggest getting a MS if it will cost you nothing (as was in my case) - if not go for a research tech position or NIH postbac if you really want more research experience (3 yrs is typically fine but more doesn't hurt especially if it means you could come out with a publication). The important thing is to do well on the MCAT so that as far as the numbers go you stay a strong candidate.

 

[PursuingHappy]

Definitely get your point. The GPA is on the border for some of upper tier schools (may keep you out of the top top schools) but you should have a decent chance with a well crafted school list. I would only suggest getting a MS if it will cost you nothing (as was in my case) - if not go for a research tech position or NIH postbac if you really want more research experience (3 yrs is typically fine but more doesn't hurt especially if it means you could come out with a publication). The important thing is to do well on the MCAT so that as far as the numbers go you stay a strong candidate.

Thanks for the reply! I actually have a publication from my current research experience as well as a book chapter. I am also eligible for a fellowship at the school I applied to for the Master's that will cover everything. Do you think the Masters helped?

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[eteshoe]

Thanks for the reply! I actually have a publication from my current research experience as well as a book chapter. I am also eligible for a fellowship at the school I applied to for the Master's that will cover everything. Do you think the Masters helped?

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Oh that works favorably for you. I definitely thought the masters helped in my case since it gave me a chance to do some biomedical research (I had a lot of engineering/physical chem before). Plus my PI really gave me the freedom to run the project almost like a PhD student which helped bolster my decision to do the dual degrees. It was a pretty cool experience and it gave me some interesting skills that I'm able to build upon now that I'm in the PhD - so can't complain too much.

 

[nonamesleft]

I think it depends on the purpose. if raising gpa is the goal, then do a postbacc. if additional research is the goal, do a research program, not necessarily as a masters student.
@eteshoe could probably better address this - idk if masters coursework would be transferrable to the phd part of the dual degree program you eventually attend.. in which case i could see some benefit of doing the degree based program rather than being a research assistant or a post bacc at the NIH.

 

[eteshoe]

I think it depends on the purpose. if raising gpa is the goal, then do a postbacc. if additional research is the goal, do a research program, not necessarily as a masters student.
@eteshoe could probably better address this - idk if masters coursework would be transferrable to the phd part of the dual degree program you eventually attend.. in which case i could see some benefit of doing the degree based program rather than being a research assistant or a post bacc at the NIH.

Agreed with @nonamesleft - honestly I would imagine a strong MCAT would be more beneficial than a 0.1 increase in GPA. The PhD program I joined waived a lot of the course requirements via the med school classes but I did get to use one MSc credit to opt out of a class they required - which knocked down my course load to 3 classes over my first 2 semesters. My general understanding is that masters coursework is only transferable if you do it in the same department (though each department can be finicky about such things).

 

[Fencer]

In my view, the NIH IRTA program would provide you with the best opportunity. Engage with the office of intramural training regarding their prior experience with the mentors that you end up considering. Like anywhere in the country, there are few mentors that are not very good for training post-bacs. You don't want to end up in their labs.

 

[PursuingHappy]

Thanks everyone for your help. It is much appreciated!

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