<p>Hello,</p>
<p>Here's my background information. I just graduated with my BS in Biology from a small university with a GPA of 3.71. I have a little more than one year of research experience, resulting in one paper accepted as a co author. I am currently working on two other projects, all in the field of Microbiology/Immunology, which is the area in which I hope to attain a Ph.D. My research is being done at a university different than the one I am currently attending; this university is a top tier university which houses a top 20 biomolecular umbrella program. I did apply last fall to 2 in-state schools; of those two I got to attend an interview weekend with one, but they said I need a lot more research experience that I currently have (obviously). Also, I am only 16, which I of course must state on whatever application I send in (most people think I am in my early to mid 20s unless they are told otherwise). This age difference appears to have a negative impact on me getting into programs. </p>
<p>I am hoping some one can give me good advice about whether or not to pursue an MS (thesis) first at my undergraduate school (while doing all my thesis research from the aformentioned top tier university) or to skip the MS due to lack of funds, and only do research for two more years before applying to top Ph.D. programs. One more byte of information: my GRE was sort of average when I took it last summer (610 for the verbal, and 700 quantitative) so I will definitely take it again before applying, along with a subject GRE.</p>
<p>I think your GRE scores are just fine, and don’t worry too much about your age. At some schools, your age will be an issue, in others, it won’t. I would go ahead and apply again for some Ph.D. programs for the Fall of 2013, once the applications open up. This time, however, expand the number of schools you apply to maybe six schools instead of two, and have your list include some not-so-top-tier schools as well – as long as at least one professor in said schools does research you are interested in. Definitely apply to the same two schools you applied to last year, as this tells them you are serious. Just out of curiosity, and also so that some of us could provide additional feedback, which schools did you apply to?</p>
<p>In the meantime, continue doing research. The more experience you have, the better.</p>
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your insight; the two schools I have applied to are Michigan State University and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); the latter school is where I am currently doing research at. Do you think it wouldn’t be necessary to persue the masters program?</p>
<p>I don’t know about Biology, but Ph.D. students in Engineering usually pick up a Masters degree along the way, even if they apply as Ph.D. students. I would be surprised if it’s different for Biology, but I’ve been wrong before.</p>
<p>Anyway, if your intent is to go for a Ph.D., apply as a Ph.D. student. This gives you the best chance for funding. Grad school is expensive if you have to pay for it, yourself.</p>
<p>Skip the MS. Your GPA is fine and doesn’t need any boosting, so I’m pretty sure there aren’t concerns about your classroom performance. If these programs told you it’s your research experience, then it’s your research experience. So get some research experience by working in a lab for 2-3 years. Apply again after a year.</p>
<p>Two schools isn’t enough, too, so that may be part of the reason.</p>
<p>If you feel concerned about proving you can handle graduate level classes, then I might take one or two as a non-degree student.</p>