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Unsuccessful but promising PhD apps forwarded to MAs?


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Posted (edited)

My goal is to get a PhD. However, I'm worried my background may not be strong enough and that an MA may be needed for the programs I want to get into.

 

For the upcoming cycle, I have about 10-15 different programs I'm very interested in. Many of these programs also have strong MA programs in which I'm interested.

 

My question:

 

If I apply to a PhD program and the committee sees me as promising but not yet ready for a PhD, will they automatically forward me to the relevant MA program, or, should I apply to both?

 

Clearly, applying to both programs makes more work and potentially higher application fees.

 

I also think it would be a bit strange writing one SOP which states I'm clearly ready for a PhD, but then another for an MA (for the same university and potentially same readers!) stating that an MA would be beneficial prior to starting a PhD. I also wouldn't want to write in an MA SOP that I'm only applying to the MA as a back-up.

 

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Edited by kdavid
Posted

I think you need to call each school you want to apply to and ask as the practices and policies will probably vary from school to school.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Yes, there are schools that automatically forward applications, but they tend to forward them to their general humanities MA programs. For example, Chicago may offer you a place in its MAPH program, or NYU in the Draper program. Other schools allow you to check a box on your PhD application that will give you the option of having the application forwarded. I second jenste's advice to look into each school individually to see how they do this.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

I would also recommend looking into BA to PhD programs if you haven't already since you get a masters along the way in the same program.

Posted (edited)

Yes, there are schools that automatically forward applications, but they tend to forward them to their general humanities MA programs. For example, Chicago may offer you a place in its MAPH program, or NYU in the Draper program. Other schools allow you to check a box on your PhD application that will give you the option of having the application forwarded. I second jenste's advice to look into each school individually to see how they do this.

 

Small correction: UChicago forwards its PhD apps for History to its MAPSS program, not the MAPH. I mention this because there is significant difference in how these programs are perceived and represented on the interwebs.

Edited by telkanuru
Posted

After my PhD app was rejected (years ago), I called for it to be forward to another dept for their MA program (which my adviser was a chair of) so I could have another shot at working with her.  Worked out just fine :)

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