I slid into a Masters of English program last Fall when I realized there was one available near where I work...in efforts to "stay in school" after my rejections from Philosophy PhD programs. I will have completed 12 credit hours at the end of this semester (Spring 2010) in my current Masters of English program. I earned my BA in Philosophy and German- I actually took no English classes while working on my undergraduate. However, I am looking at applying to the Masters of English program at a school closer to where I live. If admitted, I will be able to transfer six of my credits and begin Fall 2010. This school is also more prestigious.
I have missed the deadline for funding, but this will not be an issue for the time being. I have been paying tuition where I am currently, as their Masters program is not financially developed, and they only offer courses- not TA/GA or teaching opportunities. The program I am currently in is more for professional development than for academic research and teaching. To be blunt, I am looking for a stronger, better respected, and more developed and challenging program.
My question is: how would it look to department reviewers to see my applications to their larger, more "academic" (read: desirable) school while keeping in mind that I have already been admitted to and am pursuing a degree from lower quality Masters program at a university an hour away from where I live?
Also, any tips on how to approach this application and make its idiosyncrasies understandable and my desire to attend this school tangible would be greatly appreciated.
