math_applicant wrote:From what I hear from professors, in the US, it is frowned upon to leave one phd school to go to another, by both schools. They told me the reason they have a masters degree given along the way to the phd is that people who don't do well on their qualifying exams and won't be able to continue their phd can get some degree before they leave the school. Another point, which is my own opinion, is that when you leave your phd program at some point, you will need to get recommendation letters from your professors there, and they might not be very happy about you "wasting" the department's funding for a couple of years without going on to a phd. That being said, I believe if you really intend to go to a phd at a different school, it's much better to enroll as masters for now. If you like the school and, later, would like to continue your phd there, I think it will be easy for you to get in.
Hey thanks for reply. Makes sense.
One thing is, that they are funding me anyway, master or phd, kind of complicated decision for me with complicated profile.
I hope advisor does not get mad at me.
Any other inputs?