Stanford EECS Acceptance - MS Instead of PhD?

[EngiNerd-12]

This seems to have happened to a few people (not just me), so I figured I would start this topic here.

 

I had applied to the EECS (Bio-EE) program at Stanford. I just got a letter congratulating me for being accepting to the MS program (even though I already have a MS). Is this their way of saying they want certain students to come but they lack the funding for those students (I am guessing so because PhD students are typically funded 3 quarters rather than full tuition)? Based on past years' results, students do get rejected from PhD programs, which makes me believe not everyone rejected gets this automatic transfer to MS.

 

What are your thoughts?

[Ezzy]

This happened to me too! I specifically checked "no" to whether I'd settle for an MS. A part of me is hoping they just clicked the wrong button and we were accepted for PhDs. Anyway... the admissions acceptance/rejection login takes 24 hours to activate, and they've closed up shop till tomorrow. But you can bet I'll be calling them at 9AM PST on the fucking dot.

 

Edit: A mistake kinda makes sense, too. Sure, they might be lazy and ignore my application choice, but you already *have* a master's! Either they're unbearable undiscerning, or there was some mixup.

Edited February 21, 2013 by Ezzy

[EngiNerd-12]

I think most of us will be calling them! Time for the EECS admins to prep up, haha.

 

I personally think it is because they no longer have funding available, so they pick a few students they want and put them for MS instead of PhD (since PhD is typically paid, even though it is only 3 quarters at Stanford). But who knows. We're all confused.

[uromastyx]

First, congrats! Certainly you've met the criteria for admission. There is NO question there. That's excellent.

But you probably weren't a 'priority' student. Sometimes it seems to be a matter of, they will take you, but don't want to (or can't, depending on how one sees it) pay for you. Some people will turn this down because it seems insulting (and often pricey!). Others feel that it's nothing personal. Of the people that I know that this has happened to none ended up taking the offer.

It could also simply mean that they want a candidate to complete the master's first, to prove oneself, in a way.

Best of luck with your decision.

[orly85]

This happens every year it seems (according to the results found from previous years on gradcafe).  
I'm going to chalk this up as Hubby's first rejection. The whole thing is just silly.
And not silly "ha ha".  
 

[JimmyK4542]

I got this letter as well. I did check the "consider me for the MS program" box, and I have no research experience and an average SOP. So, this probably isn't an error. It was kinda annoying to get the excitement of being accepted and then realize it was only to the MS program, but it's still better than a flat rejection.

Out of curiosity, how hard is it to get a TA or RA position as an MS student? I know TA positions are only offered to students who have been at Stanford for 1 quarter, but I have no idea what my chances are of getting such a position.

[EngiNerd-12]

I'm wondering if this is an automatic thing.. you don't make it to the PhD then you are immediately transferred to a MS.

[orly85]

I'm wondering if this is an automatic thing.. you don't make it to the PhD then you are immediately transferred to a MS.

 

Yeah, that's my guess... but then why do they even have those check boxes?  

 

Edited February 21, 2013 by orly85