Graduate School?

[Kma]

Hi I am a second year student at UBC, and today I had a second interview with a Doctor concerning a Summer Research Position.

 

Basically it went really well and she wants to hire me. However she also wants me continue working with her, in both Directed Studies and Graduate School. I am excited about the idea of Directed Studies but am hesitant about Graduate school, its what is keeping her from saying a definite yes. She wants to train someone that can stay for a while. I have never really given Grad school a thought, and I want to enter Med School a bit after I finish my undergraduate degree. However I also really want this position and thus need some advice. What are the pros and cons in entering Grad school before med school?

 

She said she will still consider hiring me even if I do not agree but I'm afraid she might give the position to someone who is willing to go into Grad School.

 

Thanks in advance!

[MedPen]

I went through a similar situation. In fact, my supervisor flat out asked me if the only reason I wanted the position was to put it on my CV in order to impress medical schools. I answered honestly, albeit diplomatically. I told him that yes, I am interested in medical school and that yes, I do think that it would be a plus on my application but that I wanted the position because I was genuinely interested in the research. I also told him that I have a sense of what it's like to be a doctor since I've worked in many hospitals but that I've never experienced what it's like to be a grad student and that I'd like to try it out before committing to anything, be it med or grad school.

 

I suggest that you be honest with the doctor and tell her what you said in the post. You could also tell her what I told my supervisor: that basically while you're inclined towards medical school, you do not want to rule anything out yet.

 

Whatever you do, don't lie and say that yes, you will be her grad student for sure. That will not end well.

[daryn]

I think since you are only in your second year, you should not have to decide now whether you want to go to graduate school.

 

Also, (I know I am a broken record), I really think that "doing a summer NSERC or what not to look good on your med school app" is less than ideal.

 

I'll list my reasons but I think I have done that enough times.

 

I think it should be "I am doing summer research because I am interested in the field and want to know what it's like."

[Kma]

Thanks for the response guys.

 

@ Daryn

 

actually the main reason I want to do research is to get experience in the field. I am not completely dedicated yet to Med school, I need to explore other possibilities first.

 

Also I did end up telling her that I cannot decide and she understands. I'm supposed to get the answer Monday. It dosent rule me out, but agreeing to do a Masters Degree with her as my supervisor strengthens my chances. Once again thanks for the replies.