Explaining reasons for choosing my masters university in SOP for PhD application

[tip3r]

Hi all,

When I was applying for Master's degree programs (in Mechanical Engineering) I applied to about 11 places and I was admitted to about half of them. I had admissions without funding from two top 15 universities and admissions with full funding from a couple of top 25-30 universities. However, I selected to go to a university which is ranked about 80th. At the time I thought that despite its ranking the program was at a level not much lower than the other two universities I received funding from (sadly this did not turn out to be true). My main reason was that my wife had also received full-funding from this school. It was the worst ranked school in the 11 I had applied to.

Now, my wife will graduate soon after fall 2013 and I wish to enroll in a PhD program beginning in fall 2013. So I will not really be bound to a specific program because of my wife. I am hoping to get into a top 10-20 program.

My question is should I explain why I did not go to a better program for my master's?

Since I was coming from a foreign country I feel like it would seem like the institute I attended was the best I was able to get into and that since the schools I am trying to get into are considerably better ranked they may feel like I may not be well suited for them (unfortunately I was not able to do anything during my master's education which would be impressive enough to compensate for other weaknesses in my application).

Yet, explaining the matter is a bit tricky. I don't want it to sound like I look down upon my previous institution. I also don't want to make it seem like family matters may keep me from eventually attending any of these schools. The truth is if I have a choice, I will attend the school I believe will be the best fit for me. No other matter is important enough to affect my decision.

Any ideas about what I should say?

Thanks,

[ohgoodness]

Yet, explaining the matter is a bit tricky. I don't want it to sound like I look down upon my previous institution. I also don't want to make it seem like family matters may keep me from eventually attending any of these schools. The truth is if I have a choice, I will attend the school I believe will be the best fit for me. No other matter is important enough to affect my decision.

Any ideas about what I should say?

Thanks,

Focus on the positives and the now. Lingering on a decision made two years ago only suggests that you regret your decision and could connote that you see doctoral studies as a retake. Just focus on the positive things about your MA and ignore the rest.

If good schools saw you as a fit for a MA then they should be equally interested in you today. You have the same qualities plus a full MA - never a bad thing.

Edited November 25, 2012 by cherub

[cyberwulf]

I think saying a few words about this could be quite compelling. Your decision at the time was completely understandable, but I agree that you might need to offer an explanation for why it's reasonable to think you could keep up with PhD students at a (much?) higher-ranked department.

Faculty are likely to be understanding of your situation; for instance, it is commonplace in the faculty hiring process to see candidates who are clearly way too good to be at their current school, but were there for a variety of personal reasons and are finally seeking to 'upgrade' to a stronger department.

Edited November 26, 2012 by cyberwulf