refriedbeans

I would be extremely appreciative if somebody who has first-hand experience with Columbia's MA program would PM me. Thanks!

Hi guys, I haven't posted on this forum before but I have been reading often throughout my application process. I'm having a really difficult time with my decision and thought I might ask y'all for some advice. The PhD program to which I have been accepted is fairly low-ranked. However, they have offered me substantial funding and a graduate assistantship. I was also accepted to Columbia's terminal MA program and the New School's MA program with 30% tuition remission. My ultimate goal is teaching and researching at the university level, so I would ideally like to get my PhD at a highly ranked institution so I have the best chance of being employable. I also want to avoid debt where possible. I have been advised to go to the low-ranked school, get my MA, and apply for PhD programs at a better university (now with an MA degree, research experience, a thesis, possibly publications, and little-to-no debt). My question is this: how common is it for people to get their MA when accepted to a PhD program and then apply elsewhere to earn their PhD? Does this risk leaving a bad impression at the university you decide to leave? feedback would be greatly appreciated!