Masters Application - "What are your goals?"

Graduate School
1

<p>I am applying for some masters programs to fall back on in case I don't get into any PhD programs. I remember reading somewhere on a university website that you shouldn't tell masters programs that you plan to do a PhD, or that your goal is to teach at a university level. Sounds ridiculous to me, but I guess maybe saying that might indicate that you're not really interested in pursuing a masters degree? Anyone ever hear this?</p>

<p>My goal is to teach at a university level and to write articles and boring books. Should I say this in my masters applications, or should I say that I want to teach but am not sure at what level? I have having to be dishonest but I would be annoyed if I got rejected for something so silly!</p>

2

<p>Given the information you’ve provided, I will assume you might be in the humanities.</p>

<p>In these cases, it is absolutely a fine idea to state on your MA applications that your goal is the PhD, and an academic career.</p>

<p>Many MA programs in the humanities serve, quite intentionally, as “feeder” programs to top PhD programs. </p>

<p>There is absolutely no reason for you to be dishonest.</p>