Apply to multiple programs at same school?

[blueyonder]

I know schools may prefer that applicants have a very narrow focus of what type of program they would like to pursue, but will it look bad if I apply to similar programs at the same school? I'm looking at Cell/molecular/micro/genetics programs which are all quite interrelated. One would think your chances would be higher if you were applying to a few programs at each school, but maybe professors would see that you applied to other programs and not like that -- I really don't know. Any thoughts? Will I make my self look unfocused by applying to several programs at the same school, or do they not care?

[kaz]

I know schools may prefer that applicants have a very narrow focus of what type of program they would like to pursue, but will it look bad if I apply to similar programs at the same school? I'm looking at Cell/molecular/micro/genetics programs which are all quite interrelated. One would think your chances would be higher if you were applying to a few programs at each school, but maybe professors would see that you applied to other programs and not like that -- I really don't know. Any thoughts? Will I make my self look unfocused by applying to several programs at the same school, or do they not care?

Maybe indirectly explain why on your sop? I think its reasonable to be interested in a broad area of research, after all, in 10 years you might be working on something different (assuming you're still in research).

[gurumaster8899]

If you're interested in the faculty of more than one department and can explain it in your SOP, then i think its fine....but some schools only allow the application to only one department

[tskinner]

Like Kaz says, most schools (in fact, all that I came across in my application process) do not allow you to apply to more than one department per application cycle.