Question about master's program

[hopefulwilly]

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Hi guys

I am distraught at what to do. I am currently working at a University that pays for part-time tuition. So I enrolled into a biotech master's program, taking classes part time while working. This program will take 2 years to finish at this rate. I decided to apply to med schools this cycle, with the master's as a backup plan (So I will be quitting the master's program half-way through). I realized I should have just enrolled as part of the continuing education program instead of a masters, if I didn't intend to finish, but I was worried that I wouldn't get into med school, so it seemed like a good backup plan. I have heard people say that med schools won't even offer interviews to people currently enrolled in 2 year programs, or that they want them to finish? Should I drop out of this program officially, and notify the schools that I intend to take classes similar to a post-bac? If i wanted to finish this masters, I would be done in 2011. What should i do??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dr zaius]

Most schools offer acceptances contingent on completing whatever program to which you are currently enrolled. I'm finishing up a 2 year master's now, and every school I applied to requires this. Some will cut you some slack and let you matriculate if ALL you have left to do is defend your thesis.

As for schools not interviewing you if you're in a 2 year program...that's BS. This might be true if you're interviewing at the start of the program, but I'm not sure. I got plenty of interviews this cycle.

You may want to contact the schools you've interviewed/applied to and find out their policies on the situation.

 

[hopefulwilly]

yeah i just started working and started taking classes. so i actually just started the program....

 

[LizzyM]

Do you have an offer of admission to med school at this time? Do you have interview invitations? I think that you need to assess the likelihood that you will have an offer of admission in 2010. If you wind up with no offers it will have been a pity to drop out of a MS program that could have helped you in the next cycle.
If you already have an offer, or if you have had six or more interview invitations, then it might be more likely than not that you'll have an offer of admission by March, and it might be wise to drop now (or at the end of the term) stating that you are not interested in completing the degree.

If you haven't had any interest in your current application, I'd suggest staying with the MS and hoping that things work out later.

 

[hopefulwilly]

you're right, i guess it would be too hasty to drop the master's program. Now, my only concern is that I need to make my intention of going into the program clear to the med schools. Does anyone think it is necessary to write a brief letter, stating that I am taking classes for free as part of the master's program, and that some classes are only offered to students in the program (which is why i didn't join the continuing education program), and that I intend to enter medical school in 2010. or this is not necessary, and that they should assume that I am planning on dropping the masters, since i applied now.

 

[J ROD]

Dont drop the Masters....it might hurt you in the app process...depends!

I would just go with it now.....

 

[LizzyM]

you're right, i guess it would be too hasty to drop the master's program. Now, my only concern is that I need to make my intention of going into the program clear to the med schools. Does anyone think it is necessary to write a brief letter, stating that I am taking classes for free as part of the master's program, and that some classes are only offered to students in the program (which is why i didn't join the continuing education program), and that I intend to enter medical school in 2010. or this is not necessary, and that they should assume that I am planning on dropping the masters, since i applied now.

Med schools do not want to poach students from other programs. So, they will not touch you if they know you have taken a place in a master's program and scheduled to graduate in 2011.