<p>How difficult is it to go straight to PhD from undergrad as an Engineering student? Is it more tough to get accepted than if you were applying as an MS student?
This is assuming you have a 3.8, good GRE, 2 years research etc</p>
<p>One last thing - Is it pretty much impossible to get into schools like Stanford for PhD straight out of undergrad unless you are Mr. Fabulous?</p>
<p>BS to PhD is pretty common in engineering, most people who to masters programs (in my experience) do NOT go on to the PhD. Usually the reason to the masters in-between is to bolster your resume - improve a mediocre gpa, improve the “quality” of your school, get some previously unobtained research time, etc. I would not recommend doing this unless you are dissatisfied with the types of schools for which you currently have a shot.</p>
<p>With a 3.8 gpa, “good” gre, and 2 years of research I would say you already have a decent chance at Stanford and similar schools. At that point all that really matters is your fit with the program and strength of your LOR’s. If you are interested in that level, I would heartily recommend applying to several - even with great numbers admissions at that level is a bit of a crapshoot.</p>
<p>What is your field?</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply
Petroleum - I am going to be a junior</p>
<p>I don’t know if I will be published (or in the process of) when I apply
I am looking at A&M, Stanford etc</p>
<p>I would ideally like to work right out of undergrad and get a distance education masters, but with the hiring freeze if that does not happen, I want to go for PhD</p>
<p>Do NOT go for the PhD just because of the job market!!!</p>
<p>PhD study and research is a major commitment, and as an engineer has a major, even limiting effect on your future career.</p>
<p>If you want to go into the job market, then do so. They will most likely have some kind of tuition reimbursement which may be applicable to an online masters. If you cannot get a job, then go for a regular masters degree - it will make you more marketable without any of the downsides of the PhD. The only real problem is the cost - a year or two of tuition - but that is much less than the long-term costs of a PhD to someone who does not really want one.</p>
<p>Well its actually a bit more than just the job market
It’s the educational thrill, the satisfaction of becoming a Dr., and also because I want to dedicate myself to the field. But I had no idea it has a limiting effect on your career.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for all your help; I have a bit of thinking to do.</p>