<p>What kind of people apply to top grad schools for their PhDs? Is it only the truly brilliant who pursue doctorates, or can it just be people who are intelligent but love research? I ask because I am more of the latter. My other career option/goal is gaining an MD, and I'm not sure which one I want to completely pursue. I am starting research with a faculty in one of the distinct labs on campus, and I am really interested in research in general and very excited, so should I just see how that goes and try to tell after a year or two what would better suit me? Any ideas?</p>
<p>what is your field of interest?
you really should only pursue a Ph.D. if you are willing to spend 5 years on research and want that to be the main focus of your professional career (in most cases)</p>
<p>cell and molecular biology
and I'm only a freshman, so it might be a bit early to ask this</p>
<p>
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Is it only the truly brilliant who pursue doctorates, or can it just be people who are intelligent but love research?
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You will find both types at PhD programs. </p>
<p>Just let your interest (of fields) gradually develops. Since you are doing early and aim for the top, keep your eyes out for publication opportunities as you go along. And don't be a lab rat, remember to have some funs at college.</p>
<p>If I had to choose one of the two, I think I'd rather love research than be brilliant. Particularly in biology, brilliance is not really as important as good luck and the ability to work hard.</p>
<p>Depending, of course, on how we define the term "brilliant". One might incorporate the ability to work hard into "brilliant".</p>
<p>Different kinds of people apply to PhD programs. Being intelligent and liking research is plenty enough reason to apply. Not everyone who gets a PhD is brilliant. </p>
<p>I'm currently working on a M.S. In less than a year, I think I will apply to PhD programs. Yet I suspect I have an IQ of around 110. I'm far from brilliant, and a lot of times I'd hesitate to even say I'm "intelligent." I'm more likely to say I'm "reasonably intelligent," implying I'm not totally dumb.</p>
<p>You don't have to be a genius to get a PhD, just very hard working.</p>