Hi All,
I've applied twice and have been rejected with a LizzyM score of 77 (38 MCAT 3.89 GPA in engineering). One of the biggest weaknesses in my application, IMO, is my lack of publications, posters, presentations, and abstracts. I did a 'few years' of research in Undergrad, but it was all volunteer on crappy projects. I had a bad high school GPA and was unable to do any honors programs etc.
After applying the first time, I got a job as a scribe working in the emergency department. I was told I needed more exposure to medicine by the schools I interviewed at, but I only interviewed at state schools.. I did not do any research over the past year and was not invited for interviews at any research-oriented schools.
I was accepted into a summer medical research internship, so I believe my 'luck' with regards to research is beginning to change. I will be applying for matriculation in 2019, which gives me 2 years to be involved with research, and hopefully get some publications and explore some fields that I am interested in.
I am considering getting an MS in statistics over these next 2 years. My thought process is as follows: I am getting familiar with the grant-writing and IRB-approval process with my current internship. I am already proficient with technical writing. If I were to have greater knowledge of statistics, I could theoretically design, get approved, and conduct my own studies with only guidance from a mentor. Having an MS behind my name will make me more likely to be listed as an author on projects that I assist with. It will also make journals more likely to publish small studies, reviews, etc that I performed primarily by myself. It will also put me in a position to give guidance to other researchers with regards to statistical methods, giving me the chance to be listed as a contributing author on other research. And finally, I think the MS will look really good on paper for a research oriented school.
Are the assumptions I am making correct? Or am I overestimating what an MS degree will do for me as a research assistant and medical student? Would researchers trust my guidance and give me authorship, or would they consult a statistician with a doctorate? I could get it only in 12 months for <10k... Do you think it would be beneficial for my application and professional career if I am interested in attended a research-oriented school, or do you think its not worth my time?
Thanks.
I've applied twice and have been rejected with a LizzyM score of 77 (38 MCAT 3.89 GPA in engineering). One of the biggest weaknesses in my application, IMO, is my lack of publications, posters, presentations, and abstracts. I did a 'few years' of research in Undergrad, but it was all volunteer on crappy projects. I had a bad high school GPA and was unable to do any honors programs etc.
After applying the first time, I got a job as a scribe working in the emergency department. I was told I needed more exposure to medicine by the schools I interviewed at, but I only interviewed at state schools.. I did not do any research over the past year and was not invited for interviews at any research-oriented schools.
I was accepted into a summer medical research internship, so I believe my 'luck' with regards to research is beginning to change. I will be applying for matriculation in 2019, which gives me 2 years to be involved with research, and hopefully get some publications and explore some fields that I am interested in.
I am considering getting an MS in statistics over these next 2 years. My thought process is as follows: I am getting familiar with the grant-writing and IRB-approval process with my current internship. I am already proficient with technical writing. If I were to have greater knowledge of statistics, I could theoretically design, get approved, and conduct my own studies with only guidance from a mentor. Having an MS behind my name will make me more likely to be listed as an author on projects that I assist with. It will also make journals more likely to publish small studies, reviews, etc that I performed primarily by myself. It will also put me in a position to give guidance to other researchers with regards to statistical methods, giving me the chance to be listed as a contributing author on other research. And finally, I think the MS will look really good on paper for a research oriented school.
Are the assumptions I am making correct? Or am I overestimating what an MS degree will do for me as a research assistant and medical student? Would researchers trust my guidance and give me authorship, or would they consult a statistician with a doctorate? I could get it only in 12 months for <10k... Do you think it would be beneficial for my application and professional career if I am interested in attended a research-oriented school, or do you think its not worth my time?
Thanks.
