applied for one program, accepted by another

[karent]

Hello comrades!

 

I've noticed that some people have posted about the above phenomenon and I wanted to know how often and why this happens.  Anyone know?

 

All best,

K

[Vincenzo]

I expect that this is extremely rare, and probably only happens if a particular professor from the alternative program is already familiar with/interested in the student. There are some applications that have a section like, "If you would like us to share your application with another department please list it here: " but I don't put much stock in it. Given that, for many or most of us, we're looking at about a 5% chance (on average) of getting into the programs that we do apply to, I'd say it's much much less for having one program essentially advocate for us enough to get our applications some consideration with another that we didn't apply to.

 

Believe me, that's not the response I want to give to this inquiry. For all our sakes I wish I could say yeah, they review the applications thoroughly and if it seems like we'd be a good fit with another department they make sure we get seen, but I can't.

[karent]

That makes sense.  I'm looking for any reason to be slightly more hopeful! 

 

All best,

K

[sansao]

I could see it happening in the case of a brand new department. For example, if you were applying to chemistry with a concentration in cosmochem, and they had just opened a "space science" department or something, then that might make sense. I also saw some options where you could choose to be considered for a semi-related masters. Other than that, I can't imagine what circumstances would cause another department to receive and consider an application beyond extraordinary good luck.

[karent]

Another quick, but related, question.  When you apply for a dual degree program, you need to be accepted by both departments.  Does that mean that one dept can accept you while another does not?  I'm too tired to think this through, so please excuse me if this is a totally dumb question.

[dendy]

I would assume they would have a single admissions committee because otherwise that would be a massive headache for all involved.

[sr0304]

It happens more often that those who apply for a PhD program are invited to join their MA program. Which I think is programs just trying to rake in more money (unless they still offer you funding).

 

This happening? er....does it? How bizarre...