<p>I'm having a dilemma deciding whether I want to take time off before starting grad school, and if I do, what I should do. I plan on finishing my undergrad coursework by Fall 09 semester, so I wonder if having time off from then until fall 2010 is enough. Also, if I go to grad school, I plan on going for a MS or phD in computational fluid dynamics in mechanical engineering. I'm pretty sure this is the area I want to get into since I've enjoyed my math and physics classes, but dislike lab courses and 'hands on' work and classes that are too theoretical. Also, I've had some interest in working in the defense industry doing work related to missiles and rockets. however, i'm uncertain if CFD really is for me or not since i've never taken a class in it or done undergrad research in it</p>
<p>My background: I plan on getting my BA in physics by December 09. I've done a summer and a semester's worth of undergrad research. Based on these experiences, I am certain that I want to do modeling/simulation research for my career, whether it be in academia or industry. I've heard that CFD and thermal analysis might be good fits for me, since I like the more theoretical sides of things. Also I would say my favorite physics class covered statistical mechanics and thermo</p>
<p>From my guess, I'd have to say that right now I'm leaning towards starting grad school in fall 2010 to get my MS, and then deciding after I complete that, whether I want to go for a phD or not. Do you think that's the best choice considering the situation I'm in?</p>
<p>Also, what are the best options for me to do after I finish the fall 09 semester? I was thinking of either trying to look for full-time employment at a defense contractor, working for a professor's research, or working at a national lab. I was also considering even teaching for a program like Teach for America or teaching English in another country. Will teaching for those programs hurt my chances of getting into grad schools in engineering?</p>
<p>Rather than apply to an MS and then a PHD program, I would recommend applying directly to a PHD program, if your grades are good (3.5+) and you have good research experience. Almost all PHD programs are not only free, but actually pay you a modest stipend (around 20k a year), whereas most MS programs cost as much as being an undergrad. Most PHD programs also have you earn an MS while working twards the PHD, and you can always quit after the MS if you decide you don’t want a PhD</p>
<p>Completely agree with SpacePope–if your goal is a PhD apply to a PhD fast-track program that skips the M.S. Do your homework so you’ll be able to research as soon as you enter graduate school and therefore shave a year or two off your PhD time. On the flip side though, if you are in to deep and don’t enjoy your field anymore (a PhD can do that), you might not be able to leave with a M.S Make sure you research the stipulations with the program so you don’t end up wasting 2 years without any degree–or worst, failing quals and being asked to leave without getting a M.S</p>
<p>In terms of free time it’s up to you but I warn you that if your goal is a PhD or research, you should focus on getting into graduate school or researching. Time off or vacation is always great but some professors might doubt your seriousness with commitment if you do something random. I would advise you to A. start networking with profs if you anticipate a graduate school admission and try to start your research early and B. APPLY FOR FELLOWSHIPS/GRANTS!!!</p>
<p>i’m not 100% sure i have what it takes to complete a phD, so i’d rather go into a program that offers MS as well. Is it usually listed on the websites of graduate programs if they offer a MS while getting your phD in case you drop the phD? or do you have to individually contact the admissions officers?</p>
<p>It’s fine–I really don’t think anyone knows whether they have what it takes to complete a PhD until they are finally deep within it. </p>
<p>Look under the degree programs guides at the schools you are interested in and if not contact their office or read the graduate school handbook.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that some of the stipulations are a bit hazy–I have seen PhD students offered a mercy MS after failing quals but hopefully you won’t be in this boat.</p>
<p>it seems that schools must really look down on getting a MS while quitting the phD program. One email message I got was “If you don’t expect to finish the program & earn a PhD, I would suggest that you look elsewhere. We admit students with the idea that they’re planning to matriculate through the entire program & will earn a PhD. If you opt to leave after an MS only, you’d be taking away the opportunity to earn a PhD from someone else.”</p>
<p>should I apply anyways?</p>
<p>It seems I’m having so little time to work on my application as I’m taking 4 classes, and doing research with a prof</p>
<p>To be on the safe side, I would apply as a MS student. It isn’t heard to become a PhD student once you are already in–it’s just a matter of passing quals/finding funding.</p>
<p>apply as MS student to all schools? or just the schools that look down on getting MS while quitting the phD program? some schools have earning a MS as a requirement before working on the phD</p>
<p>MOST schools, by far, have you earn an MS as a stepping stone twards getting a PhD. After you get your MS, you’re usually requiered to take some wicked hard exams before you are allowed to pass to the PhD level. Thus,assuming you’re compotent, the worst thing that can come out of going to a PhD program is exeting with just an MS after two years, witch isn’t bad at all.</p>
<p>Also, you want to apply as a PhD student to get the mad financial aid.</p>
<p>Really, you should be discussing this with the academic guidence at your school</p>
<p>Typically if you apply for PhD and you get money (Spacepope is right, $$$ flows for a PhD) you are expected to continue and finish a PhD. Though it is entirely possible, it looks very bad for a student who received a hefty fellowship/financial aid to stop at the MS when he applied for a PhD.</p>
<p>My reasoning is that it is much easier to go from a MS -> PhD than the other way. You will in most cases earn a MS before your PhD but unless your adviser states otherwise, it is typically a ceremonial stepping stone and not an exit opportunity. </p>
<p>Anyway programs vary and you should contact the academic coordinator at the specific programs. </p>
<p>Though I know it is hard right now to decide what degree you want you should talk to other professors to get an idea what a PhD entails. I have found that professors/advisers want to see confidence and commitment, sometimes over raw talent. While it is perfectly natural to be uncertain, appearing wishy-washy can earn you a bad name within the department (academics is just politics anyway) and could hurt future funding/GRA opportunities.</p>
<p>'MOST schools, by far, have you earn an MS as a stepping stone twards getting a PhD…
Really, you should be discussing this with the academic guidence at your school '</p>
<p>yes, thats true as i’ve emailed quite a few admissions officers at grad schools, and almost all of them said thats true</p>
<p>'Really, you should be discussing this with the academic guidence at your school '</p>
<p>what do you mean by ‘academic guidance’?</p>
<p>‘Though it is entirely possible, it looks very bad for a student who received a hefty fellowship/financial aid to stop at the MS when he applied for a PhD.’</p>
<p>looks bad to who? future employers?</p>
<p>Looks like at this point I’m better off applying to grad schools next year</p>
<p>Employer might not find out about it–depends if they ask for references or not. However if you **** off your adviser/department faculty, it’ll be hard to get a good reference for future school.</p>