What degree should I select when applying for grad school: Masters or PhD?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for selecting a degree type (Masters or PhD) when applying for graduate school in physics. Participants share their concerns and experiences regarding admissions criteria and the implications of their choices on funding and application completeness.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that selecting PhD might imply a need for a prior Masters degree, potentially complicating their application.
  • Another participant suggests that US admission committees prefer candidates who are fresh out of undergraduate programs, indicating that a Masters degree may not be necessary.
  • A later reply reassures that selecting PhD should not lead to an incomplete application status, questioning whether the original poster's worries are justified.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the relevance of being in the US to the admissions process and expectations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that selecting PhD is appropriate for someone without a Masters degree, but there remains uncertainty about how admissions committees perceive such applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of selecting a degree type on application completeness or funding opportunities, and there are assumptions about the admissions process that remain unexamined.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate school in physics, particularly those unsure about the implications of their degree selection on admissions and funding.

guitarguy314
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Hi everyone. Just for a bit of background info, I earned my B.S. in Physics in May.

I'm applying for grad school (for next year), but I'm kinda stuck on part of the application. It's kind of silly, but I'm a worrier.

There's a spot on the application for you to select what degree you are seeking, masters, or PhD. Which should I select?

I'd like to go for my PhD, but my worry is that if I select that, they'll be looking for me to already have a Masters degree, and I won't get in because they'll think that my resume will be incomplete.

My worry if I select masters degree is that they won't think to sign me up for tuition waivers, and the stipend that PhD students get.

Do you guys have any thoughts?
 
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You should select PhD. In the US admission committees are looking for people fresh out of undergrad, not people with masters degrees.
 
I'm, worried that I wasn't clear. I am planning to go for PhD, but I do not have a masters degree. My worry is that selecting PhD will put me in an incomplete application limbo. The idea being that they will be waiting for proof of my masters degree from somewhere.

Or am I just worrying for nothing, and the department will figure it out?
 
In the US admission committees are looking for people fresh out of undergrad, not people with masters degrees. Does this make sense? Are you in the US?
 
it makes perfect sense, I was just making sure that I worded the question correctly. Thanks for your response.
 

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