<p>I have a quick question about the MS in chemistry. I want to apply for Ph.D..
however.... it seems like it's getting harder and harder to get into any good school for chemisry. I have 4 yrs of research experience and publication. my gpa is 3.3 overall and chemistry is 3.5...... GRE..... verbal 23% math 56% and 45% on writing.....
Last year I applied to top 20 schools and didn't get into anywhere.. so I'm trying to reply this year.... Just in case If I can't get into anywhere.. I"m planning to do MS in Cal state and jump into Ph.D program after....</p>
<p>Is it worth it to take MS and get into Ph.D program?... does it look bad?
I know it's little longer route but.. I need to prepare for the worst scenario......</p>
<p>I’ve seen people successfully use the Masters program as a sort of back door into the PhD program. For that reason I suggest you not go to Cal States (which do not offer doctorates) for the MS. Go instead to the university at which you want to get a PhD. Work hard in the masters program, get good grades, and impress people. If they like you, and some prof wants you for his/her lab, it will be a simple matter of about three key strokes on the department secretary’s computer to move you from the MS program to the PhD.</p>
<p>GRE… verbal 23% math 56% and 45% on writing…
Start studying LONG and HARD to increase your GRE’s. You really need to improve them A LOT in order to have a chance of acceptance into a decent, let alone a top 20 Phd Program</p>
<p>Generally speaking, an MS in chemistry won’t help you get into a top 20 PhD program. The exception to this is if your research toward the MS degree is applicable in some way toward the work you plan to do for your PhD For example, if you’ve done research in polymer synthesis and are applying to a PhD program specifically to work with a professor who does polymer synthesis, then your experience might be helpful for admissions.</p>
<p>Most grad schools in chemistry don’t have a master’s program. You apply for the PhD program or not at all. Students who get a master’s degree from these schools are those who left the PhD program for some reason (sometimes by choice, sometimes not) before completing their degree.</p>
<p>And I agree with menloparkmom, those GRE scores are what’s holding you back.</p>
<p>Have you taken a GRE exam prep course (or even an SAT exam prep course)?</p>
<p>Do you have reason to believe that your GRE scores may be low because you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to perform as well as expected on standardized exams such as the GRE?</p>
<p>Before you re-take the GRE, try to identify the reasons for your low scores so that you can prepare better for the exam.</p>
<p>Have you sat down with your professors and the head of the lab where you are doing the research, and asked them for their specific advice on this? Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) a professor can help a favored student get into the right M.S. or Ph.D. program even if the GRE scores are below the common range for that program.</p>