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Accepted to MS instead of PhD??!!


mmzee

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I applied to a program that I really wanted to attend. But, they rejected my PhD application and accepted me into their masters program instead. The MS program is fully funded (same stipend and tuition scholarship as the PhD program). 

 

They said that I could ask to enter the PhD program after the first year if everything goes well. Does that really happen? Do you think it would really be possible to enter the PhD program later on or are they just saying that? 

 

I currently do not have a maters, I applied straight out of undergrad.

 

I'm still waiting on some other universities that I interviewed, but if I do not get any other offers, I will accept the one for the MS program. So I would just like to know if it is, in fact, possible to enter a PhD program when already enrolled in the MS. 

 

Thank you!

 

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I applied to a program that I really wanted to attend. But, they rejected my PhD application and accepted me into their masters program instead. The MS program is fully funded (same stipend and tuition scholarship as the PhD program). 

 

They said that I could ask to enter the PhD program after the first year if everything goes well. Does that really happen? Do you think it would really be possible to enter the PhD program later on or are they just saying that? 

 

I currently do not have a maters, I applied straight out of undergrad.

 

I'm still waiting on some other universities that I interviewed, but if I do not get any other offers, I will accept the one for the MS program. So I would just like to know if it is, in fact, possible to enter a PhD program when already enrolled in the MS. 

 

Thank you!

 

Another thing is that you may find that you dont like what you are doing, don't like where you live ect and you can then change programs after your MS, and your application will only be stronger! Thats assuming you do well. 

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It does happen, for sure. I'd ask them for specific numbers on how many do successfully transfer to PhD.

 

I'll definitly ask them.

 

 

Another thing is that you may find that you dont like what you are doing, don't like where you live ect and you can then change programs after your MS, and your application will only be stronger! Thats assuming you do well. 

 

That's true!

 

 

Thank you

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I think doing a fully funded master is also great. Because you can use this two-year master period to strengthen your research skill and prepare the PhD application. It does not necessary for you to do the PhD research in the same school. I believe after two years' research, you will definetely go to a better PhD program.

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I think doing a fully funded master is also great. Because you can use this two-year master period to strengthen your research skill and prepare the PhD application. It does not necessary for you to do the PhD research in the same school. I believe after two years' research, you will definetely go to a better PhD program.

 

I think so too and will happily accept their offer if I don't receive a better one.

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I think so too and will happily accept their offer if I don't receive a better one.

If this is a school on the top of your list and transferring to PhD while doing your MS is streamlined (some schools it is just a petition signed by you and your adviser. Then it is given to the graduate office and you are converted to a PhD student) I think this is a pretty good offer.

 

If your only path from MS to PhD student at that school is applying for admission again though, waiting for a better offer is prudent (admissions season is much more stressful than I thought it would be, doing this all again is an overwhelming thought).

 

Getting the information on converting is the next, best step. Grats though.

Edited by <ian>
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At the UC I applied to, MS students can and do move into Ph.D. either within the same program or into a different program.  My understanding is that all it takes is for the student to fill out a one-page form and for the PI to say yes.  The only thing that would stop this from happening is that the PI does not have the funding. 

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This school is not my first choice (but I still would be really happy to attend their program), so that's why I'm still waiting before I accept their offer.

 

And it is a fairly easy process to go from the MS program to the Ph.D., which is definitely a relief!

 

Thank you all for the help.

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