Crossroads

[chardee_macdennis]

This is my first post (so far I have just obsessively refreshed the results ) 

I have had a rough go round this application cycle with regards to top 25 programs (0/8/2 accepted/rejected/waiting). I believe my biggest weakness was not having a degree from a prestigious university. I was able to get into 2 "safe" schools and am sort of at a crossroads: Should I apply to prestigious masters programs and reapply PhD after completion or accept admission to "safe" school? Can you transfer out of a PhD program with a masters after qualifying exams (I assume this is very unprofessional). Any advice is much appreciated!

A little background on myself:

I have a BS in Physics and a BA in Econ from Rutgers-Camden.

My GRE is 159/167/4 (V/Q/A)

I have multiple publications and conference presentations in materials science.

I have taught courses at Rutgers for the Physics department.

P.S.

I'd like to congratulate all of those that were accepted into their top choice(s). 

[rising_star]

You probably just need research experience in the field you plan to go into. Why not contact your POIs or the DGS at places you weren't admitted to see what you could do to strengthen your application?

[chardee_macdennis]

1 hour ago, rising_star said:

You probably just need research experience in the field you plan to go into. Why not contact your POIs or the DGS at places you weren't admitted to see what you could do to strengthen your application?

Do you think I should do this at a masters level?

Thanks for the reply

Edited February 24, 2016 by chardee_macdennis

[rising_star]

 

16 minutes ago, chardee_macdennis said:

Do you think I should do this at a masters level?

Thanks for the reply

All you can do is ask. If they don't reply, you'll be in the same place you are now.