mobilemayhem

From your other post it looks like you applied to pretty much all of the top 10 EE programs in America. These schools are hard enough for even Americans to get into let alone international students. As for going from MS to PhD, you would have been in a better position if you had just applied for MS programs to begin with. At least if you come in as a MS student at a university, a Professor will know that you aren't going to be around long. It wouldn't be as damaging if you came in as a PhD student. Also it is really really TOUGH to go from a MS program a different university into a top EE program. If I were you, I would either reapply next year or keep what you have and make the best out of it.

Their MS program is unfunded. Be prepared to take out some hefty loans to cover the costs. I think full-time tution alone is around ~$40,000/year and on top of that life in Palo Alto is very expensive. I honestly don't think their MS program is worth the debt. I could never forgive myself for pulling out a $80,000 loan.

I have a question regarding admissions. If you applied for the PhD track and were offered MS admission, does this mean you are waitlisted for the PhD? If this is the case, what are the odds of being offered a PhD seat before April 15? There are bound to be PhD admits who are going to decline Stanford's offer and go else where. Right? Can someone please elaborate on this?