<p>Hi guys, </p>
<p>I have received several admission offers for MS in CS and I finally decided to go to UC Irvine. I wish to get in a PhD program after MS (thesis option) and my first choice is also UC Irvine. </p>
<p>Say, if apply to the PhD program in the same school, is my chance for admission going to be "largely" increased (assuming I do well in their MS program)? </p>
<p>Is it possible that, if a professor agrees to take an MS students as his/hers future PhD student then, you just...advance to the PhD program? </p>
<p>Any insight is appreciated!</p>
<p>A lot depends on the individual program. Often, though, programs are happy to move their best master’s students to the PhD track. The good news for you is that all of your master’s courses should count toward your PhD course requirements – unless the requirements are vastly different for each. </p>
<p>As for whether you have to apply, that also depends on how the program works. Some require a formal application while others use the application as a mere formality. Still others just file the paperwork necessary to move the student from one kind of degree to the other. You should talk to the program director at the end of your first year. If you can move directly into the PhD track, then you won’t have to pay for your second year and should also get a stipend, although you may need a specific professor who is willing to fund you.</p>
<p>Usually it’s a possibility, but you typically have to demonstrate that you are capable of doing research first. Some students who start a Masters are not given the opportunity to continue on for a variety of reasons: program isn’t a good fit, advisor doesn’t feel they’re progressing fast enough, student is struggling, etc. </p>
<p>IMO, if you want to pursue a PhD then you should tell your adviser as soon as possible. Don’t waste your time with a MS.</p>