Anyone else only applying to one school?

[flagler20]

If it weren't for having identified the certain professor I wish to work with, whose research interests I wholly share, I probably wouln't even be considering a PhD in the first place. I just wrapped up my masters degree which I completed at the only school I applied to... I understand acceptance into a PhD program is much more contingent on external and unpredictable factors than is a masters program, so I know not to assume I will actually be enrolled somewhere next year, but I was just wondering how many others have put all their eggs in one basket?

[elsie]

I only applied to one school for my masters. It was just a timing issue. (I knew I would need to take time off and this school could accommodate it because they were the quarter system instead of the semester system.) I'd planned to apply more widely the next year but ended up getting accepted so it wasn't necessary. If this is the only school/ the only professor you're interested in then there's no real reason to apply widely. Fingers crossed it works out for you!

[TypeA]

I am (professional master's), but the reason hinges on my job and in- vs. out-of-state/private tuition. I have a full time job, so if I get rejected, I won't be without a plan. And I'm only applying to the in-state program that I'm interested in this year; if I decided to go out of state or private, I would want to work an extra year anyways to afford tuition, as funding is hardly a sure thing.

[ktel]

I only applied to two schools for my Master's and really had no doubt I would get into either of them.

[ladybug3]

For the 2011 Fall start, I applied to only one school. I made the waitlist, but no spots opened up for me. In any case, I am reapplying this year to two schools.

There are only 5 possible schools for my program in my province and only two of them suite my personal interests. I don't think there's a point in applying to additional schools that I do not wish to attend..

I would just recommend that you have a back-up plan. I wish you all the luck, of course, however there is always a chance that you will not make the cut this year. Have a plan, just in case!

[butterfingers2010]

I had a friend who only applied to one program because it was the only program in her field that offered full funding. She ended up not getting accepted, and now she's without a plan or even a job (she got laid off). In my opinion, she definitely should have done some more thinking on this one. I think that if you apply to only one school you should have a definite backup plan that you would be happy with. Yes there is always "next year" but life is short, and do you really want to spend another year waiting around for the future? I'm not trying to sound harsh, but the reality is that grad programs are competitive and if getting in is really what you want, you should put your eggs in more than one basket. I am applying to six different programs. Its a lot of work, not to mention expensive, but I am determined to get in somewhere and I just don't think one application is going to cut it.

[flagler20]

I'm still struggling to find another school to apply to. For a masters program I wouldn't need to be so worried about the fit of my research interests with a professor or department. But mind you this is for a PhD. In addition to the program I'm applying to I've researched 9 other programs and for multiple reasons have had to rule each one out. There simply isn't another professor with the geographic and disciplinary focus that I'm interested in.

Is it that I don't have enough research interests? Those of you who've applied to multiple schools, do you have a different planned focus for each school? Or will you be able to pursue the same research questions regardless of where you get accepted?

[orst11]

Is it that I don't have enough research interests? Those of you who've applied to multiple schools, do you have a different planned focus for each school? Or will you be able to pursue the same research questions regardless of where you get accepted?

I am applying to 6 programs, and possibly adding a 7th, but I am going to wait and see. I plan on studying and researching similar topics at all the programs, but I will note have settled on 2 of them based on expertise within my thematic interests rather than area (geographical) interests that I have. I still would be happy attending these programs. As far as focus, you must realize that when you are in grad school some of your interests may change and who knows you may encounter other things that you find interesting.

No matter what, you must be willing to attend each school you do apply to, so if you only have one program that interests you and are confident about your chances then go ahead only apply to that program. Why would you want t waste the time and money on other apps. With that said, one way you may want to expand your search is by looking at where various POIs and seeing where they studied. You may get a few more options just by doing this.

[flagler20]

You mean look to see where a POI has studied? I don't think that would help. They're much too old for the most part. How specific are your interests anyways? I'm trying to study a certain phenomenon in the management of natural resources that's confined to southern Africa. And when you're only looking at US schools it's pretty limiting.