Is taking to many classes bad for app. to PHd?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of taking multiple classes in a master's program for students intending to apply to PhD programs. Participants explore whether a heavier course load is viewed positively or negatively by graduate admissions committees, considering factors such as depth of study and interdisciplinary coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taking fewer classes may indicate a deeper concentration in a subject, which could be viewed favorably by admissions committees.
  • Others argue that a heavier course load can demonstrate a student's capability and willingness to engage with interdisciplinary studies, potentially enhancing their application.
  • A participant with experience on a graduate selections committee notes that strong performance in related fields can positively influence application evaluations.
  • Concerns are raised about balancing coursework with research experiences, emphasizing that performance in additional classes should not come at the expense of other important application components.
  • One participant expresses agreement with the notion that taking many courses is logical if the student can manage the workload effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of taking multiple classes, with no consensus reached on whether it is beneficial or detrimental for PhD applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying experiences and perspectives regarding graduate admissions criteria, indicating that opinions may depend on specific fields or institutions.

Unassuming
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Somebody told me recently that taking too many class looks bad because "it seems" that taking fewer classes shows that the student is concentrating more in depth.

I want to take 5 this coming semester. I naturally would think that this is helping me become more qualified (taking a harder load). Assuming I get all A's either way, which is better for a student in a masters program right now who wants to apply to a PhD school in a year?

Thanks for your input.
 
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Unassuming said:
Somebody told me recently that taking too many class looks bad because "it seems" that taking fewer classes shows that the student is concentrating more in depth.

I think this is incorrect advice. Lots of presently ongoing research occurs at the overlap of disciplines (ex. materials science). When I was a member of a graduate selections committee, after looking for strong performance in coursework in the primary field, I looked for strong performance in coursework in related fields. I often bumped up my reading of the application by ~0.5-1 points (on a scale of ten) if I saw complementary work (or a minor or major) in a second (or even third) field.

Granted, you should still perform well in those additional courses... and have time for research experiences. More classes won't make up for a poor GRE's, a poor GPA and no research.
 
How do graduate committees usually feel about a low bachelor's GPA (with a couple F's that were repeated so that the GPA did not count) and then a high masters GPA? Say, 3.3 then 3.9 respectively.
 
Unassuming said:
Somebody told me recently that taking too many class looks bad because "it seems" that taking fewer classes shows that the student is concentrating more in depth.

I'm going to agree that this advice isn't only wrong, it's illogical. As long as you have the time to do everything needed, there's no reason NOT to take as many courses as you can handle.

...Duh.
:)-Simply
 
Thank you for your replies. I am taking as many courses as I can right now. I am learning more that way.
 

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