Engineering or Science MS/PhD?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I am planning to apply for MS/PhD in either Bioengineering with specialization in Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials AND/OR Biomedical Sciences with specialization in Molecular Cancer Biology. I graduated from UCSD this Spring with a BS in Bioengineering: Biotechnology and as of now, would like to pursue a career in research. Despite my major, my experience is in biology, having worked in biology-type labs for most of my time in school as well as overseas as of now. I am, however, more interested in Tissue engineering as it is more interesting to me and seems more lucrative and exciting in terms of career prospects. </p>

<p>Should I play to my strengths and apply solely to Biomedical science programs or take my chances also for Bioengineering graduate school? Also, what type/caliber of schools should I be looking into? Here are my credentials and thanks in advance. </p>

<p>School: University of California, San Diego
Major: Bioengineering (Biotechnoloy), B.S.
GPA: 3.5
Major GPA: 3.4
GRE: Q730 (planning on retaking)
Research Experience:
1. 2 years working in Cancer Biology Lab
+1 strong recommendation
2. 1 year Senior design thesis in Tissue Engineering
+1 strong recommendation
3. 3-4 months in Cancer Biology Lab in TW (current)
-prospective paper submission + recommendation
+1 strong recommendation
4. Organic Chemistry TA/Electron Microscopy
-weak recommendation (no submission)</p>

2

<p>

There’s your answer.</p>

<p>

That’s a good question to ask your references. They probably have experience with other undergraduates applying to grad school, and their letters of recommendation might be the single most important element of your application. Alternatively, you could take the approach of, “If I don’t get into a graduate program of at least ___ caliber, I am not going to pursue this degree because I am not going to have sufficient job opportunities to make the investment worthwhile.”</p>

3

<p>bump bump bump</p>