<p>BAFapoptosis, I appreciate you registering just to post that comment. I completely take it to heart. However, not that I’m accusing you, but I would love to see some sources for some of the facts you presented in your post such as how the average age for a first grant is in the 40s. Also, I would love to go into an MSTP program of any sort, however, I just don’t have the GPA to get into those kinds of programs so the Ph.D path is the one I have to go down. I will have to make good use of my opportunities and become one of the few successful academics. I was hoping it wasn’t comparable, but I guess it is comparable to a high school kid following his dreams to play in the major leagues. Most dreamers don’t make it to the major league. I guess by what you described, if true, today’s Ph.D job market is akin to getting into the major leagues then. </p>
<p>And nwcrazy, I know for a fact I want to do research for a living. That is why I would want to go Ph.D over MD any day. However, above all, I’d love to get into a fully funded MSTP program, but I simply don’t have the credentials so I’m shooting for something more realistic.</p>