Rejected by PhD program of school currently attending for Master's..What to tell other schools?

[phd2010]

I am currently in a Master's degree program at a school whose PhD program is highly ranked, but whose Master's program is only so-so. I managed to get glowing letters of recommendation from numerous professors at my current school, but still got rejected by the PhD program. Up until now, I have had contact with slightly lower ranked PhD programs and they all have expressed concern that I will simply turn them down to attend the school I am currently attending. One of the schools that expressed concern is flying me out soon and I have no idea what to say when they ask me about my current school. How can I say, "Yeah, the school from which I obtained all of my LORs, whose professors supposedly like me, rejected me," without making myself look less attractive? Given that I was rejected by my current school, this other school is one that I would definitely like to attend. Should I just skirt the question? Perhaps say that I haven't made my mind up yet? It seems like I can't win. If I tell them that I was rejected, they might think less of me given that the professors that wrote my LORs ended up going with another candidate. On the other hand, if I tell them that I haven't made up my mind yet, they might not extend an offer because they will assume that I will attend my current school if given the chance.

What do you all think?

[oldlady]

I would not discuss whether you got in or not. Instead, when asked about your current school, I would say something along the lines of how great it's been working with this group of scholars, but that now you are ready to expand your knowledge and learn from others (such as those at the school which you would like to attend).

[res2135]

I don't see why you can't tell them that they're your top choice, because of research fit (or something) and just not discuss whether or not you got into your current school's PhD program.

[phd2010]

I don't see why you can't tell them that they're your top choice, because of research fit (or something) and just not discuss whether or not you got into your current school's PhD program.

That would be kind of tough, as my current school dominates the other school in my field.

[ExeterRiceNowwhat]

As Obama says, "It's time for change!"

[Tiglath-Pileser III]

I wouldn't bring it up. But if they ask you, you might want to say that you plan on going into Academia and you don't want to commit intellectual incest.

Diversity in educational experience is considered a good thing.

[LadyL]

First of all: I feel you on this issue! I have been rejected twice from the school my lab is affiliated with, where two of my letter writers are professors. My boss is poker buddies with the department chair, and not even an interview. At this point I believe the rumors that this school does not like to take people already "in their system" (i.e. undergrads, employees, etc.). Another interviewee at another program said to me, "Oh, you work there, you must be a shoe in!" and I explained how that's not the case due to the academic incest bias. I don't know if this would work for you in interviews. I agree that saying you want a change of pace is a safer bet.

[emutexas]

I wouldn't bring it up. But if they ask you, you might want to say that you plan on going into Academia and you don't want to commit intellectual incest.

Diversity in educational experience is considered a good thing.

Personally, I'd never use the word 'incest' in an interview no matter the context. Keep all your words positive and focused to leave a good impression.

There are plenty of ways to say that you're eager to learn from others, make a change, experience new things, without mentioning that you weren't accepted elsewhere. Find an awesome strength about the program (even if overall it's not as good as the other one) and focus on that. Tell them that's why you're interested.

Edited March 3, 2010 by emutexas

[phd2010]

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I will definitely use it. Hopefully everything works out...

[rising_star]

How can I say, "Yeah, the school from which I obtained all of my LORs, whose professors supposedly like me, rejected me," without making myself look less attractive? Given that I was rejected by my current school, this other school is one that I would definitely like to attend. Should I just skirt the question? Perhaps say that I haven't made my mind up yet? It seems like I can't win. If I tell them that I was rejected, they might think less of me given that the professors that wrote my LORs ended up going with another candidate. On the other hand, if I tell them that I haven't made up my mind yet, they might not extend an offer because they will assume that I will attend my current school if given the chance.

What do you all think?

I would say that you are interested in learning from other academics and working with new people, and that you are fully exploring all of your options to ensure that you choose the right program for you. I would not tell them that you were rejected from the PhD program at your current school (btw, is it common for that to happen? Can you ask your school why you didn't get in?).

[nycrican2]

I would not mention not getting into the other college. Instead, I would only say that I am interested in attending other universities because I am trying to expand my horizons and professional research contacts in my field of study.

[digits2006]

You can say that you school usually doesn't admit their own masters students. They want you to go out and broaden your research.