Elephant in the Room: What To Do If You Don't Get In?

[swizzle24]

So I guess this is the big question: What do you do if you don't get into any of the schools you apply to?

My friend is pretty dead set on getting a PhD in order to become a professor, specializing in Logic. However, his grades aren't too strong and he's not the best at "selling himself." So far, he's debating applying just to Masters programs so as to improve his chances of getting in. Yet what should he do if he doesn't get in anywhere? Philosophy is sort of a weird subject in that it's unclear if "work experience" is actually helpful.

What's the best backup plan when you don't get in anywhere?

[123student]

If he/she has already done applications this season and is concerned about getting into none of his/her target schools, then this person should stay connected to the academic environment as much as possible by reading as much as they can--both contemporary and historical issues--attending lectures and conferences, sitting in on classes, and other such things to make their next season's applications sound as informed and professionally academic as possible.

If he/she is beginning to put together applications for next season, the best strategy would be to consider a range of schools, from "dreams" to "safeties," so that he/she goes to grad school somewhere. If this person doesn't get into their ideal PhD program, then they will retain the option of earning an MA at a good school, then applying to better PhD programs from there.

[UnbearableNausea]

If he/she is beginning to put together applications for next season, the best strategy would be to consider a range of schools, from "dreams" to "safeties," so that he/she goes to grad school somewhere. If this person doesn't get into their ideal PhD program, then they will retain the option of earning an MA at a good school, then applying to better PhD programs from there.

I especially second this part of ECG's response, but I would say that given this round of applications was particularly brutal for a lot of people (although that's the trend) one would be wise to choose a few extra "safeties" as programs are becoming less safe as the market becomes more competitive.

With respect to your friend, M.A.s are a great way to jump into a better PhD program than you might otherwise be able to attend and are certainly a great place for students with one or two weaknesses in their applications to bolster their next attempt at PhD programs.