Grad school?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I’m already a college student but I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’m going to do after I graduate. One option I have is grad school (complete masters). I don’t know if I can ask questions about grad schools on CC but here they are anyway (and, some of them might be dumb but please help me out):</p>

<li><p>If I’m a science major (molecular bio) do I have to complete my masters in bio field (or something in science)? can I do something else (if so then what–I know it can’t be law, or business, or med unless I apply for those professional schools)</p></li>
<li><p>Can I take grad classes as an undergrad if I’m done with my major by the end of my junior year and transfer that towards my masters degree after I graduate and start grad school? In other words: If I am on a good scholarship as an undergrad, would it be smart to graduate in three years and go to graduate school the forth? or would it be smarter to take grad classes as undergrad?</p></li>
<li><p>What are some grad schools in California near LA area that I can consider (I was thinking UCLA, but how hard is it to get in?) </p></li>
<li><p>say I stay in the molecular bio field, how long does it typically take to complete masters degree? PhD? can I graduate earlier by taking extra classes, putting more hours in, etc? </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks in advance. I’m just lost soul…</p>

2

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/professional-graduate-school/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/professional-graduate-school/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>There's a separate set of grad school forums where they should be able to give you all the help you need :)</p>

3

<p>
[quote]
1. If I'm a science major (molecular bio) do I have to complete my masters in bio field (or something in science)? can I do something else (if so then what--I know it can't be law, or business, or med unless I apply for those professional schools)

[/quote]

You certainly don't have to do your graduate work in molecular biology, but if you want to have a career in biology research, you'll need to complete a PhD (it's not particularly common in molecular biology to get a master's -- most people get an undergraduate degree and a PhD). But you're certainly free to do something else that does or doesn't require a graduate degree.</p>

<p>
[quote]
4. say I stay in the molecular bio field, how long does it typically take to complete masters degree? PhD? can I graduate earlier by taking extra classes, putting more hours in, etc?

[/quote]

A PhD takes about six years average in many programs, although it can easily last longer. It's a research degree, so it is not awarded based on the number of classes you have taken or the number of hours or years you have put in, but based on the research you have done. And if your research is going well, you can finish earlier. But if your research hits roadblocks, it can take significantly longer to finish.</p>

<p>
[quote]
2. Can I take grad classes as an undergrad if I'm done with my major by the end of my junior year and transfer that towards my masters degree after I graduate and start grad school? In other words: If I am on a good scholarship as an undergrad, would it be smart to graduate in three years and go to graduate school the forth? or would it be smarter to take grad classes as undergrad?

[/quote]

If your school allows it, you can take grad classes as an undergrad. If you want to go for a PhD, though, research experience and letters of recommendation from professors are very important for admission, and it's usually easier to have a good record of research experience and good letters if you stay in college all four years.</p>

<p>Generally, even if you take a large number of graduate classes as an undergrad, you cannot use them toward your PhD class requirement. I still think taking grad classes as an undergrad is useful, though, because you learn how to think like a graduate student and like a scientist.</p>

4

<p>
[quote]

  1. What are some grad schools in California near LA area that I can consider (I was thinking UCLA, but how hard is it to get in?)

[/quote]
</p>

<p>UCLA and USC are the biggies, and quite difficult to get into for graduate studies. If you just want southern California in general, other UCs like UC Riverside or UC Irvine might be up your alley. The University of Redlands is sorta kinda close to LA. There's a whole California State system, too, with one campus in LA, but they only offer masters degrees. If you're serious about molecular bio, I would go further south to UCSD. La Jolla's a lot prettier, and just as expensive, as the Los Angeles area.</p>

<p>Why do you want to go to LA? I spent my entire childhood dreaming of escaping from it.</p>

5

<p>Thanks guys for the help. It certainly helps.
I'm not sure if I'm particularly interested in research or even molec bio. I was thinking doing my masters in bioinformatics and working as one option...and if I choose, I can do my PhD then.</p>

<p>I didn't know that there was a grad school forum...</p>

6

<p>
[quote]
If I'm a science major (molecular bio) do I have to complete my masters in bio field (or something in science)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>No, you can go to grad school at any program whose prerequisites you meet. Some fields tend to have more prerequisites than others.</p>

<p>If you stay in the life sciences, you would probably go straight to a PhD. There's not much point to a master's in the life sciences, and most good schools don't offer them.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Can I take grad classes as an undergrad if I'm done with my major by the end of my junior year and transfer that towards my masters degree after I graduate and start grad school?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That depends on your school's policies.</p>

<p>
[quote]
In other words: If I am on a good scholarship as an undergrad, would it be smart to graduate in three years and go to graduate school the forth? or would it be smarter to take grad classes as undergrad?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The latter, unless you absolutely can't afford a fourth year. Staying in undergrad for four years gives you more time to build up good relationships with profs who might write you recommendations and to build up research experience, so you're likely to get into a better grad program that way.</p>