<p>Hey guys(or girls),</p>
<p>I am a senior in Chemical engineering and planning to go to graduate school in Fall 2009. I am pretty much sitting on the decision to go for an M.S simply because I am not confident with my chances for a PhD program and I not sure if I should specialize so early (I am 21 man, c'mon). </p>
<p>My stats:
GPA: 3.4~, 1 yr Research Exp, 2 good LORs and 1 mediocre. Taking GRE next month. International student.
Grad School choices [M.S only]: Rutgers, UMich, University of Colorado, UC-Irvine, UFL-Gainsville, UMass, UoMaryland and a couple more for safety.</p>
<p>So, my question is: Is M.S a good choice if you are not too sure if you wanna do a PhD? I am really not sure if I am a good candidate for a PhD or even if I want it! </p>
<p>Funding may be a problem: My parents MAY (very huge maybe) be willing to fund my M.S but would be very much happier if I would do a PhD instead (funding issues). </p>
<p>On the other hand, say I'm done with my M.S, is it easier for a M.S student to enter a PhD program compared to just an UG?</p>
<p>OR - JUST FREAKING APPLY FOR A PHD! And half way through (if I really don't think I can make it) switch and graduate with an M.S (not too sure how that works).</p>
<p>Please help this lost soul. Thanks for your time. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>why not just do a phd? the job opps are almost the same, if not better.</p>
<p>Er..I don’t think so. It is easier to find a job with a M.S than with a PhD. </p>
<p>UPdated:
Ok… I am set for an M.S for now. My parents agreed to pay for it (I feel bad =( though). </p>
<p>My only question for now :</p>
<p>When I am done with my M.S, is it easier for me to enter a PhD program compared to just an UG?</p>
<p>Do the application for PhD and file for a change of degree objective if you decide to leave with M.S., this happens to about 50% of engineering students anyways.</p>
<p>Let me tell you something. First you need to clarify the reason you want to pursue a PhD degree. This degree requires a significant effort and is not as economically rewarding as some other professional degrees (e.g.law, medicine). However, it is very rewarding in terms of the technical exposure and growth you achieve going through this journey. Now if you’re still interested in PhD, finances won’t be a decisive factor here. Almost every student in PhD program has financial aid that consist of full tuition and a stipend, which in most schools range from 22 to 28K but there may be some outliers. Based on this, I can’t find a reason finances would be a limiting factor for your decision. I can tell you that you have a GPA that won’t make you attractive at top schools, so you will need quite a good GRE score. But you will still be able to get into respectable schools such as UMASS, Rutgers, and University of Maryland between those that you mentioned. I also encourage you to look at other schools that are doing well although they are not top such as University of South Carolina, University of Cinncinati, and Virginia Tech.</p>
<p>Thanks. That really helped.</p>
<p>Isn’t it still possible to get a TA or RA position if you are going for an M.S. or an M. Eng?</p>