Anyone in the science field...a question for you (An update, post 22)

[wildeflowers]

I am not in the field personally, but have quite a few friends/acquaintances who are. Get the BS, and if I can offer further advice, go directly to a master's program. The sciences are EXTREMELY competitive, and if a school or company is looking at two resumes that are nearly the same, one has a BS and one has a BA, guess which one they'll pick? In addition, I agree about the difference of a BA from a school that also offers a BS. Companies and schools do take not of who went for the heftier degree. The only reason I can see not to go for the BS is if you were already accepted to a master's program somewhere, but clearly you have not applied or chosen.

Also, sometimes it is extremely difficult for women to get ahead in the sciences. Unfortunately, in some areas, it's still a man's world. Every single little thing you can do to get ahead will mean you are that much closer. If this is your passion, why not go for it? Any extra money spent on school is an investment in your future.

I do believe that you are getting skewed and possibly poor advice from your current counselor as well. He/she does not have a vested interest in your life/career. I would NEVER take a counselors advice at face value, even if they are the nicest, most caring person in the world.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

So this is what I've decided after doing about six hours of job/grad school/internship research:

I'm going to stay for an extra semester, but instead of taking six classes (And four completely random bio courses that would fit into my schedule) next semester, I'm going to come back in the Fall and take three classes. I figure I can take classes like Anatomy and Physiology, Nuerobiology, and statistics. It seems like these are classes required for many post graduate degrees and certifications that I'm interested in. That way I can keep the classes I have now (And still take the food and ag class I want to take!) and I will still meet the requirements for a BS.

I will most likely have to pay for the extra classes myself and I am planning to live in a single dorm. I may even look into becoming an RA for the last semester so that my housing will be paid for. My dad said not to worry about the extra money because we will figure something out. He said he may even be able to help me pay for most of the housing expensese, but we always have extra financial aid.

This gives me an extra semester to study for GREs and also extra time to figure out grad school arrangements. From my research, it seems like grad school is one of only a few options for advancement with a degree in bio. I figured as much, but now I can decide if I'd rather do med school or regular grad school. I'll also have a very good chance of getting in either with a BS in bio, research experience (and an extra semester to do more of that as well!) and a 3.88 GPA.

I'll also have an extra summer to do a student internship. Disney actually offers some really awesome biology internships to work in their research or animal facilities. I think I may definitely keep this open as an option. However, it looks like there are endless internship opportunities I can do. I will use this winter to apply for these.

I feel a lot better about this arrangement. It may not be what I was originally planning, but its really not that big of a deal in the long run. Even if that last semester costs me $10,000 it will still be a lot less of a debt than other people have. I can most likely pay that off with about six months of working and living at home.

 

[dacjohns]

Consider working for the Forest Service or another government agency during the summer. You can get some good experience if you are interested in wildlife or another outdoor field, the pay is decent, and you can see some nice country. You might even accidently enjoy the work. The government also has some good programs for college students planning on going into the Park Service or Forest Service. BLM and Fish and Wildlife probably have the same the thing.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Quote:
I'm definitely going to check out those options. I remember researching them a few summers back but opted to get a full time job close to home instead because I wanted to be with my horses. At this point I think it would be kind of neat to travel. I just have to figure out what internships are out there, how much they pay, and whether or not they offer housing.

I came across a bunch of other neat options for my future, like getting certified as a Pathologists Assistant, or possibly even going to med school for pathology. However, I also came across some Masters and certification programs I didn't even know existed, but are crucial right now even in this bad economy.

I feel pretty good now. An extra semester gives me a lot of time to think more about my future.

 

[babylady4]

Oh the GRE is not too bad; you will be just fine!

 

[debilorrah]

You will not regret your decision!!!!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Quote:
I'm sooo worried about the GREs! I did ok on the SATs, but not THAT well. I think I got an 1190. Math has never been my strong point on standardized tests. Language, reading, and english I always excel at, but not math!

The MCATs have me even more scared. I keep saying I'll study, but then I keep putting it off! I'm definitely planning to study over winter break and next semester though. Hopefully that will relieve me of my anxieties a little bit!

 

[ultasol]

Also State and Federal fish and Wildlife, as well as Fisheries Commissions, often have awesome internships. I did some seasonal work for them last year and loved it.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

You can re-take the GREs if you're not happy with the score you get. Just the last one you take is reported to the schools to which you'll apply. Knowing that can reduce some of the stress and anxiety. You just have to plan ahead and be mindful of when the tests will be given and when you need them to be sent to schools.

 

[babylady4]

Took the GRE, and the PCAT. Just study up and you will do just fine. Those books for helping on those tests are worth the purchase.