Go for a master's program or try again or...?

[kchana]

Hi there-

 

I am having a hard time making a decision for this fall and would appreciate any advice you might have...

 

I am an international student who applied for PhD programs in clinical psychology but did not get any offers for Fall 2015. Then one of the programs admitted me into their master's program (no funding in the 1st year/TA or RA opportunities in the 2nd year). I accepted the offer because at that time it seemed to be the only choice... and a reasonable decision as it could boost my chance getting into a doctoral program later. However, attending the program would cost me approximately $50k/year (tuition + life expenses) and although I said yes to the offer, I still feel unsure. I have asked the POI, the program, and school for funding information but nothing seems available for this fall. Also I am not eligible for financial aid, and foreign scholarships I applied for would not be enough to cover tuition... So if I go, I will have to take out student loans to attend the program on top of my $60k undergrad student loan. Without this financial concern, I would not hesitate to go...

 

Besides going this fall, I am currently thinking of these options: 

• Apply for PhD programs in the hope to receive funding and start next fall
• Apply for master's programs that have funding opportunities
• Apply for English-taught master's programs in a non-US country that offer scholarships (and try my luck with US doctoral programs again in the future).

If I attend the master's program, money is going to be a big issue but at least I will be working towards a master's degree. If I choose to put off going this fall, I might be able to get an offer with funding but of course there is no guarantee.

 

I understand this is a personal choice and there is no single "correct" answer... but just for reference, what would you do if you were in my position and how would you approach decision-making like this? Any advice will be appreciated!

Edited June 6, 2015 by kchana

[artsy16]

I would look for a job for the interim and apply again next year. $120k loans is entirely too much unless you're going to be a doctor and even then it's risky.

[lyrehc]

I would not take out loans of over 50k for a single year. I don't think the US allows you to take out that much unless you get private loans as well.

I would probably look at something that would give me experience in my field and reapply next round for both doctoral programs and funded master's programs.

Edited June 6, 2015 by lyrehc

[rising_star]

I would definitely not go to that master's program. Instead, boost your application (ask schools what your weaknesses were and see if you can bolster those with more research experience, stronger rec letters, etc.). $50K is way too expensive for one year and especially for a master's program.

[kchana]

Thank you all for your responses. I feel $50k is too much as well and am gravitating toward reapplying this fall... I will think about it a bit more time. Thanks again for your inputs!   

[Desi_Mama]

I was in a similar situation thinking about MS CS from Stanford (which means loan of ~$50K) and PhD from a lower ranked (albeit top 15) school. I was wrestling with the decision for a very long time (well into May) and finally went with the latter. One reason was the money (which in my case wasn't a big problem since my undergrad was free ride). However, there are much bigger reasons you need to worry about:

• You will not get funding for MS. I talked to many people who went this paid MS followed by PhD route who were totally disgruntled. The logic is simple, if they had money, they would have taken you for PhD! Don't expect to get any funding. If you are super lucky, then maybe yes. But its wise not to count on it. You may get a TA for a semester but good luck making time for research with courses and teaching duties.
   
• You may not get a good adviser - This to me was the clincher. As an MS student, its very hard to find a good professor for RA. You may want to work with a star faculty. Being an MS student you walk up to him, and ask for RA. There will be a queue of PhD students with fellowship waiting to work with him (meaning he doesn't have to pay). Why should he/she pick you over them? You may feel that you are a better fit or a better student, then why didn't you get into the PhD program? Such questions will come up, and it is very unlikely that you will work with the top 2-3 faculty of your choice.

In short, you spend $50K, do sub par research with a not-so-good faculty, take courses, and do teaching while trying very hard to make time for research. In short, this is a classic recipe for a horrible grad school experience.

My recommendation: If you are interested in PhD, don't go for an unfunded MS, even if it is from MIT/Stanford/Harvard etc. (whichever is the top school in your field). You are likely to be much more succesful and happy going to a PhD program that wants you (i.e. funds you). I highly recommend that you apply again next year, to possible a better mix of universities. In the meantime try to gain some research experience in a university or a setting appropriate to your field. Without any courses and other distractions, you may be very productive in the next 6 months or so before applications are due which can improve your chances.

Edited June 17, 2015 by Desi_Mama