Name

Robin Soares

School

Rice University

Degree Program

First year Master of Science student in Bioscience Research and Health Policy

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Baylor University, 2009

Research Interests

Cancer and stem cells

Advisor

Kirstin Matthews

Hobbies

Soccer

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose to earn my masters degree at Rice University initially because I liked the environmental research program, but I switched to the bioscience research and health policy track this semester. After earning my bachelors degree, I taught high school and I became interested in environmental and health policy research after I taught a class on those subjects.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

The best thing I did to prepare for graduate school was work in the field. Although I did not have a strong environmental science background, I had taught a high school class on the subject and that helped prepare me to enter the program and also helped my application stand out.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, when I applied to Rice University, I was required to submit GRE test scores. To prepare for the test, I bought practice books and studied a lot using those. I had previously taken the MCAT, or the Medical College Admission Test, and the GRE was considerably easier.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I wrote about myself and my experiences. I explained why I was interested in the environmental science field and I described how I was a good fit for both the field of environmental science and for the program itself.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For letters of recommendation, I chose faculty from my undergraduate program who knew me well. I had become close to those professors and they knew me as a person, rather than just another student.

What types of questions were asked in your admissions interview?

My admissions interview was a quick phone interview. I was asked to elaborate on my personal statement, and I was also asked about how I saw myself fitting into the environmental science program.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in bioscience research and health policy?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in bioscience research and health policy, you should be prepared for a lot of public speaking. At least in my program at Rice University, I have had to get over my fear of public speaking because there are a great deal of business banquets, internship seminars and other gatherings. This program brought me out of my shell.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My masters degree program in bioscience research and health policy takes 2 years to complete. There is a required internship and the distribution of the curriculum depends on the internship. There is no set time in the program to complete the internship, and students plan their coursework around the internship. There is no thesis component in my program, so aside from the internship, students attend classes through the entire program.

Does your program have an internship component?

Yes, my masters degree program at Rice University requires an internship instead of a thesis. There is no specific point in the program when students are required to do the internship, but it does need to be 1 semester long. I have not completed my internship yet, but I am currently looking for one. I hope to intern with some sort of medical ethics board or an advocacy group. I might also do a research-based internship in epidemiology.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays an important role in my education. I turn to her when I need any help, or when I need information about classes and curriculum. My advisor helps me search for internships, and also helps me to plan my courses.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

The biggest difference is that I spent more time in classes during my undergraduate study, but in my masters program I do a lot more work. In my undergraduate program, I took a lot of multiple choice tests, but as a grad student, I write essays, complete projects and read medical journals. My masters program is much more difficult and stressful than my undergraduate study was.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters degree program cost?

My masters degree program at Rice University costs around $30,000 each year. I do not have many additional fees, though I occasionally need to buy books.

How are you funding your education?

I am paying for my education with loans. I also have the chance to work as a teaching assistant, and I plan to take advantage of that opportunity next semester.

How difficult do you anticipate it will be to pay off your loans after graduation?

I am not especially concerned about paying my loans after graduation. Securing a job is the difficult part, but I have many opportunities for internships that will likely lead to permanent employment. As long as I can find a steady job, I am not worried about my ability to pay off my loans.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in bioscience research and health policy?

The time commitment for my masters degree program is extreme. I spend about 12 hours in class each week, and at least that much time on projects outside class. This program is like my undergraduate study but with more work. I take a lot of undergraduate-level classes in which I complete all of the normal assignments and take the tests, but in addition I usually have to do an additional paper or project. Keeping up with the workload is intense.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has not had a negative effect on my personal life. In fact, the benefit is that I have been able to meet new people. Although my program is grueling, I make sure to fit in time for recreation and socializing.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I plan to work at a hospital in the medical ethics area in some capacity. Ideally, I would like to work at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. I would like to work on the medical board, or I could work as an advocate or even a lobbyist. I am considering adding an additional year onto my masters degree program to also pursue an MBA. With an MBA, I would be able to work in hospital administration.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in bioscience research and health policy?

If you are interested in pursuing a masters degree in bioscience research and health policy, the best advice I can offer is not to be afraid to ask for help. You will take fewer classes than you did during undergraduate study but you will have to work a lot harder. Just remember that there are people and resources available to help you as a masters student, and don’t hesitate to use those resources when you need them.