Accepting Before Hearing from Another School?

[tardisblue]

I know this is a really common dilemma, but I wanted to get some input anyway. I've been accepted into a masters program with a good financial package (full funding + stipend), but have yet to hear from my last PhD program. I've been rejected from the other PhD programs I've applied to, so the last I've yet to hear from is my safety school and so, I guess, there's a little more of a likelihood that I'll get in. I like my potential advisor at the masters program and I really want to accept, but would it be completely risky/dumb to do so before I hear from the PhD program? I figure that if I go to a masters program this year, I could go to a better school in the next two years anyway, but that might just be wishful thinking.

[snowies]

If you wouldn't go to the PhD program if you got accepted, it would not be risky or dumb to make a decision without waiting. I can't say that much to the master's vs. PhD thing, but I imagine that having a master's would make you more competitive for future PhD programs. The funding part is definitely helpful, and if you would choose the master's program anyways, go for it. If you're still unsure until you hear their package, you might as well wait.

[Semester Photon]

Wait! As someone who didn't and is now looking at possibly asking to rescind my acceptance (they wanted a decision right away), it's incredibly awkward. If you have the time to wait, I would at least wait until the deadline! Even ask for an extension if they are pushing for your decision. Even if you think you want to go, see what the Ph.D. program says so you can weigh your options thoroughly.