Applying to PhD from MA at same school/same program (Advice?)

[insnowss]

Hi all-Just wanted to get your opinions on a situation, if you don't mind: If you are in a MA program and want to continue and do the PhD there, and when it's time to apply for the PhD you decide to ask for letters of recommendations from your current professors who teach there, is it a bad idea to also ask them for letters for other schools too?

Comments

[tisiphone]

Ask them for all the letters you need at once. They will understand that you're not guaranteed admission at your school, and it will be much easier for them just to write one letter now.

[kahlan_amnell]

Seconding this advice. Professors understand that most students will apply to multiple programs.

[coaldustcanary]

Yes yes this. You should *actually* be considering going elsewhere, not just for back-up purposes, unless your specialty is ridiculously specific and the current department you're in is the only place you can pursue your research.

My own department is never able to offer PhD admission to every MA student who applies internally and your profs will 100% expect you to apply to multiple programs.

[insnowss]

Thanks