Transferring for Masters

[thoughtfulbutconfused]

I slid into a Masters of English program last Fall when I realized there was one available near where I work...in efforts to "stay in school" after my rejections from Philosophy PhD programs. I will have completed 12 credit hours at the end of this semester (Spring 2010) in my current Masters of English program. I earned my BA in Philosophy and German- I actually took no English classes while working on my undergraduate. However, I am looking at applying to the Masters of English program at a school closer to where I live. If admitted, I will be able to transfer six of my credits and begin Fall 2010. This school is also more prestigious.

I have missed the deadline for funding, but this will not be an issue for the time being. I have been paying tuition where I am currently, as their Masters program is not financially developed, and they only offer courses- not TA/GA or teaching opportunities. The program I am currently in is more for professional development than for academic research and teaching. To be blunt, I am looking for a stronger, better respected, and more developed and challenging program.

My question is: how would it look to department reviewers to see my applications to their larger, more "academic" (read: desirable) school while keeping in mind that I have already been admitted to and am pursuing a degree from lower quality Masters program at a university an hour away from where I live?

Also, any tips on how to approach this application and make its idiosyncrasies understandable and my desire to attend this school tangible would be greatly appreciated.

[piccgeek]

The SOP is the place to deal with the concerns you're voicing here. I actually had to deal with this in my current application to MIT--I'm already in a master's of English program, and I would be leaving that program to pursue the science writing MS. My entire statement of purpose was centered around explaining why I think transferring is the right move for me, why I want it, what I love about the program I am in but why I am not completely satisfied when I know the possibility of dream program X is available. So, I think you can make the transfer situation a strong argument for your commitment and all that, rather than just trying to make an excuse. Of course, I guess I won't actually know that until I hear back from MIT...but you know. The point is that, in my opinion, if you own up to your situation and really ground your SOP in your academic/career goals and the reasons your research interests draw you to Desirable University, you can explain and support your decision to transfer.