Former lurking I/O applicant finally posting! I applied to 9 I/O Ph.D. programs. NONE of them are on Top 20 lists or whatever, BUT I am getting antsy not having Plan B, C, D, etc. nailed down.
In the situation that I am rejected across the board, do I stay a 5th year at my undergrad institution, padding my GPA and doing research? OR do I go for a funded-ish Master's? My concern is that I will be pigeon-holed in an applied-centric program and regret taking classes I will ultimately not be able to transfer. I understand experience can't hurt, i.e. research in a master's program is not a waste of time, but...
In the long run, I want to experience consulting and ultimately be able to hold professorship so I want to be in a Ph.D. program to keep my options as open as possible.
Does this make sense? Is it just me?
Thanks, y'all
