MS vs Phd

[sundarrajan]

Hi..

I got this useful information from one of senior... I think it will be relevant to you guys.

Apping and MS Vs Phd » Coffee With Sundar

If you have time, also read this interview with a student who got admit in UIUC.
Coffee With Abhishek Verma - UIUC Phd Admit » Coffee With Sundar

[jehanzeb]

Thank you. nice article

[CalmLogic]

Yes, it was a worthwhile read, especially the part about the GRECS exam.

BTW, the title of this thread reminds me of something I recently read:

If you are fairly certain but not positive you want to obtain a Ph.D., you should probably still apply to the Ph.D. program. Entering a Ph.D. program is not a prison sentence. Should you enroll in our Ph.D. program and then later decide that independent research is not for you, you may leave the program and receive the M.S. degree if you have fulfilled all of the requirements for that degree.

A Guide for Applicants to Graduate Study in Statistics

[MDK]

Nice post, but I don't agree with him when it came to the SOP part, it's as important as the LORs. It's the only way to express yourself for the committee since there will be no interviews for most of the international students.
And the portion I liked the most:

Your best chances are in the universities where your seniors have been in past.