<p>I am applying to the same university as my undergrad. Does anyone know how this usually works out? Would it be harder to get into the same school and is it discouraged? Or would it be easier because you are an alumni?</p>
<p>It depends entirely on your program and your individual department. In some fields I’ve noticed that it’s relatively common for students to attend the same university for their PhD as they did their BA, especially at the top programs in those fields (economics and philosophy are two I’ve observed). In others, people typically go elsewhere. It’s typically not easier because you’re an alumnus; if it is easier, it’s because the professors know you and know your work, and they are confident in your abilities to succeed as a graduate student and a scholar/professional in the field.</p>
<p>Whether it’s discouraged depends on your department and program, too. In my field, people who happened to get a BA at Stanford or Michigan or Princeton won’t be looked down upon because they stayed there to get a PhD - those are some of the top programs in my field, so why would you not go there? But at a mid-ranked program, people might wonder. However, your research output and other things (conference presentations, fellowships at other places, a postdoc) would definitely balance that out.</p>
<p>In CS, it isn’t unusual to go for your Master’s at the same Uni, and some offer a 5 year program. for that. I do believe it is easier to get an acceptance. But for PhD you usually go elsewhere. Why don’t you talk to your professors about this?</p>