Recommendation Issue

[Switching Geertz]

I'm applying to master's programs in religion. One of my recommenders (my advisor) just emailed me to tell me he submitted his letters and had recommended me as a PhD candidate. There had been an ongoing discussion of what kinds of programs I would apply to, but I had made it clear that I had settled on MA programs. Does anyone think this is going to be a problem?

[rising_star]

Maybe but there's also nothing you can do about it so, why worry about it?

[Bearcat1]

Generally, PhD programs are more selective than MA programs, so recommending you as a PhD student would definitely convey that you'd be a great MA student. If it was the other way around, I'd say you were screwed, but this might actually help you. And it also very likely says that it's an MA program on the emailed request (a couple of my recommenders forwarded me the requests and they all said PhD very specifically) so no one will think you screwed up. It will be clear that he didn't read carefully, but also that he thinks very highly of you. In terms of mistakes on apps, I think this is a good one.