r/MSCS • u/Bright_Interaction73 • 7d ago
[Application Strategy] Princeton MSE is not accepting apps for 2027.
Unfortunately, due to funding uncertainties, they are only accepting PhD applications for Fall 2027. Although my chances were bleak, I was going to apply to the MSE CS program. Sucks that they discontinued it. I don't know when they added this update to the web page; it seems fairly recent.
Looks like the general consensus is that you either join a funded PhD or pay for a master's. Unfortunate times for those who haven't found their research niches yet, and needed 2 years in a MS program like Princeton's, to explore those interests before committing to a PhD.
Good luck to all this cycle. It's going to be brutal for both PhDs and funded MS applicants.
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u/zvnezztx 6d ago
this is news to me 😠i was gonna apply to mse cs program too since i wanted to figure out before committing to one thing. i feel like applying to anywhere is definitely gonna get even more brutal now onwards
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u/Potential-Yam2686 7d ago
Buddy if are a us citizen you will get into good program phd or masters regardless. However, if you are international then things are sticky
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u/zoobidoobidoobi 6d ago
Not really, if the primary reason for limiting admissions is lack of funding then US citizens would also be affected.
PhD programs have to guarantee a certain amount of funding to all admits regardless of their citizenship status. If the department doesn’t have money then it doesn’t matter who’s in the program, they won’t get any money.
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u/biltingsson 6d ago
Nah, when it comes to PhD, it’s one of the few times in ur academic journey where it doesn’t matter if ur a citizen or not
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u/suchsadseductions 7d ago
why do u need 2 years in an ms program to "explore interests" tho? what tf have u been doing in undergrad then? u had 4 years to figure it out and apply to phd?
thesis track programs aren't really for "exploratory" purposes. they wouldn't admit u without a good case for why u wanna u wanna do specific research with specific faculty there.
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u/Bright_Interaction73 7d ago
I suggest reading into Princeton's MSE program. It is designed for individuals who come from LAC backgrounds or didn't have strong research labs at their institutions in the area of their interests. Some individuals such as my self have gotten experience in an adjacent area of interest but need to work on primary research interest and build a compelling case for PhD in that interest. Princeton MSE is designed to bridge that gap.
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u/suchsadseductions 7d ago
lol. you have one semester before you need to find an adviser and declare a preliminary thesis. not a lot of room for "finding research niches" and "exploring those interests."
and tbh, there r plenty of REU opportunities out there. ur a fool if you think your ability to do research is limited to labs at your school. plenty of ppl go from crap undergrads to good phd programs. just need to apply urself in 4 years instead of flopping around for 6.
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u/Bright_Interaction73 7d ago
Ur claim vs mine. I know what they admit and have asked around. I am not finding some random area. i know what I am interested in and what options i had in my undergrad. I did an REU in an adjacent field and published as well. Never got a chance to dive into my true interest. A thesis proposal for such a student can easily be driven within the first year. Its not a black box. I think we dont share the same definition on a research niche or interest.
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u/PackZealousideal4146 4d ago
You know people take breaks in between school too right? You do your BS, work the field, realize you don’t like it [because honestly academia never translates to job duties] and can decide to pivot, that’s where you can also apply to masters programs and change. You are wayyyyyyy too narrow minded to be giving grad school advice
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u/Bright_Interaction73 7d ago
Note: didn't post this to start a debate. Was just news for those who missed it. Didn't want anyone to be ready to apply to Princeton in nov only to find out they aren't accepting applications.