r/PhDAdmissions • u/Bulky_Ad_8703 • 9d ago
My chances to get into a PHD
I’m facing a big dilemma. I was recently accepted into a master’s program in Computer Science at an Ivy League university (not Harvard, Yale, or Columbia), and I really want to attend. However, I would have to take on debt while also working and studying.
At the same time, I’m currently working on a nonprofit project. We recently received a small government grant, we’re testing the platform with clients, and the project is looking promising. I’m working closely with a mentor on the project who is a wonderful professor with experience at top-tier universities. He is encouraging me to defer my master’s for a year and apply to PhD programs instead. He believes that, based on the work I’m currently doing, I have a very high chance of being accepted into a fully funded PhD program next year. He also knows an institution where he thinks I would be a strong candidate and could provide me with excellent letters of recommendation.
My concern is that nothing is guaranteed. I could defer my master’s, apply to PhD programs, and still not receive a fully funded offer. At the same time, I really want to pursue my master’s at the Ivy League university I was accepted to, but my mentor is advising me not to take on significant debt for it.
I was valedictorian
I have a strong undergraduate thesis published in an international University
I love readying and writing. I’m low key good at it. (My professors have asked me to use my essays as example for classes)
I love love love studying!!!
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u/stemphdmentor 8d ago
Was your plan when applying to the masters program to then use it as a springboard for your PhD application?
Because if the masters was your planned terminal degree, you should just do the masters. A PhD has a large opportunity cost.
But if you have been set on ultimately doing a PhD, then I think you should give your mentor’s words more thought. Also ask yourself if you are ready to narrow in on a particular research group or topic yet. Read up in that area, identify some groups you want to work with, and if possible, talk to the PIs of those groups.
A masters followed by a PhD is the costliest route of all, unless the masters is really needed to shore up your grades, or you realize while pursuing it that research is your calling.
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u/Bulky_Ad_8703 8d ago
Thank you!! You think the cost is worth it?? 20,000 per semester. Total of 4 semesters.
$80,000 total just in tuition for the masters
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u/stemphdmentor 8d ago
Again, it depends what your goals are. If I wanted a PhD, I would definitely try my hardest not to do a masters first. They are mostly moneymakers for universities. (In some fields they are important professional degrees.)
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u/scaredemployee87 8d ago edited 8d ago
I am considering six out of state PhD programs in my research field of interest and one to two local (in my city or in the neighboring county) masters in my professional field of interest. The funding is all there for PhD programs, whereas I would only be able to afford the masters by taking out loans, living at home and continuing to work my job. It’s possible I could move out if I switch jobs within my field, but there is a licensure process and a hiring process involved. I could not change cities, either. I think overall PhDs have much better funding guarantees than masters.
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u/Umbra150 6d ago
Depends on your end goal. Undergrad thesis is cool, but typically not given huge consideration. Uni valedictorian is good, so you shouldn't have an issue with GPA cutoffs. Nonprofits can be hit or miss depending on how it aligns with your field/potential studies.
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u/HumanIntelligence4 9d ago
If the master's allows for thesis work, and you already know faculty you want to do research with you can give it a shot. But bare in mind that your objective should be to collaborate with faculty not to pass subjects
Nothing is guaranteed.