Checking the box that asks if you want to be considered for a masters?

[ay761]

Hello everyone, I'm facing a huge dilemma here and I'd like some feedback. What are your thoughts in regards to checking the box that says you would like to be considered for a masters if you don't get accepted into the PhD (or in my case, EdD)? In truth, I really want to do a PhD / EdD. I have heard that if you check the box, it means your application will likely be considered for a masters rather than the PhD (heard that from both a current grad student at an Ivy and also from one of my professors). I therefore didn't check the box at Stanford, but tomorrow I have to submit Harvard's application and I am really tempted to check it, because I really want to at least go to an MA program I'm excited about if I don't get into a PhD program (and then reapply for PhD while doing the MA).

I am really confident about my SOP, background experience, undergrad work, letters of rec. etc., but my GRE scores make me worry that I might not make the cut for EdD at Harvard (159 v 149 q, 4.5 AW).

My question is, is there anyone out there who has checked the box that they wanted to be considered for an MA if rejected by the EdD / PhD... but then got accepted into the EdD / PhD program anyway? Or is there anyone out there who has received useful advice on this issue, one way or the other?

Furthermore, do you think there is any chance that if I don't check the box... if I am close to making the cut, they just might ask if I'd be interested in doing the MA anyway?

I have 24 hours to make a decision, and I've been struggling with it for months :\

Thanks!

[Quant_Liz_Lemon]

If they want you for the EdD, they'll take you for the EdD. If they don't think you're ready, checking a box won't impact your chances. In otherwords, I would check the box.

[ay761]

Hmm, ok, it's nice to get another opinion. Basically, a friend of mine applied to 7 different top programs and only checked the box at one school. At that one school, his application got deferred to the masters program, but got accepted into phd programs with generous fellowships everywhere else. His theory is that they get so many applications they are looking for reasons to reject people...and if you state that you are open to paying for yourself to be there, rather than them paying for you, why wouldn't they choose that option?

[Quant_Liz_Lemon]

I don't think you have a large enough sample to draw that kind of inference, even though your hypothesis seems sound.