Deferring PhD for MAPH?

[Fischy]

I'm probably going to get crucified for even asking this, but oh well:

I've been accepted (full funding, assistantship, stipend) to a PhD program in english, but I also just received a decent scholarship to MAPH (Writing Option) and I'm considering asking my PhD for a deferment so that I can do both. I get all the knocks on MAPH but I can afford it, UChicago is pretty darn cool, and if I can have my cake (MAPH) and eat it too (PhD), does it hurt to ask? Or does MAPH exist so exclusively to get people into PhD programs that delaying one to enroll in it is just too stupid to even ask about? 

[Bayesian1701]

I am not in your field  so I don't know what at MAPH is.  How much is a decent scholarship?  I don't think it is generally a good idea to turn down a fully funded PhD offer for a partially funded masters offer though.

[Fischy]

MAPH is a one year Master of Arts in the Humanities degree at University of Chicago. So I wouldn’t have to turn anything down; if I got the deferment, I could complete MAPH in a year and then show up for the PhD in 2019. If they tell me I can’t defer, I’d just say oh well and go straight to the PhD. 

[toear5]

You should find out if deferring the PhD for a year will effect the funding package they've offered you. I know some schools allow deferment for a year, but also can't guarantee the same funding if you decide to go that route. 

[Hermenewtics]

You should really post this on the English lit board. Searching previous posts wouldn't be a bad idea either. 

Frankly, I think the MAPH program is a waste of money, but it's ultimately your choice to make. 

[rising_star]

What do you think you'll get in one year at UChicago that you can't or wouldn't get from the PhD program you were admitted to? Also, as @toear5 has said, you should make sure the funding package would be deferred if you were to get a deferral. It's pretty common for the admission to be deferred but not the funding (which would mean you are basically reapplying for funding along with everyone else trying to get in for fall 2019). Frankly, I would go ahead and do the PhD program unless you're having doubts about that program and are thinking that you might reapply while doing the MAPH.