Grad School Question?

Question

Is it true that Ph.D. programs at prestigious institutions tend to pass on folks who earned their MA degrees from another institution?

(I'm interested in studying political science)

Answer 1

I would totally disagree with this, in fact I think it's just the opposite. Many times you have a better shot of getting into these schools with a master's because of your dissertation and graduate work. If you go to a half decent graduate school and get a 3.6gpa or so and have a good dissertation, good internship, and good recommendations, then your chances of getting in a pretty decent. I have seen many people use a master's program as a stepping stone to a PHD and it has usually worked well, so I wouldn't worry about that if i were you. Check out Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Virginia, and other public schools. Sure, they arent ivy league, but these schools are ranked extremely high in poli sci and let in a large amount of students each year, so you have a great shot there. Also, Harvard's Gov't program lets in a large amount of people too and many of them have master's and a fair amount of work experience rather than just a BA. Honestly, I dont know who told you this but its an odd question and really not true. I suggest you look at some top schools, like princeton or stanford. They usually put a list of their grad students on their dept's website and you can check out their vita. Many of them have gotten an MA somewhere else and its no big deal. Work extremely hard and write a hardcore dissertation and you will have your choice of schools. Good luck

Answer 2

I had several classmates who got their masters from my program (state school - firmly second tier) and went on the good (though not Ivy) schools - Duke, for instance - with really good funding offers.

I will take exception to another element of one of the answers you already got. A 3.6 is a good undergrad GPA but just okay at the graduate level. At the masters level, a 3.0 is just passing. A stellar GPA is more in the 3.9-4.0 range.

Answer 3

No, not uniformly true, but some do behave this way; can depend on department, too. If you already have a PSci masters, you can find another school that will accept you for a PhD.

Answer 4

You didn't need to make a new question because some @sshole commented on your use of the word there.

Anyway, it completely depends on your record. Your less likely to get in but if your grades and or internship history is good enough you'll likely get in. I'm assuming you havn't graduated with your MA yet?

Answer 5

I know someone who got his master's in one state, then tried to get his Phd. in California. It didn't happen. He regrets going out west and believes if he stayed in Indiana he would have earned his Phd.