I applied to master's programs because I wasn't sure that I was going to get a PhD. It was a mistake. Top schools don't like master's students, and don't fund them by default. Some professors were confused as to why I didn't apply for a PhD after reading my application. One professor told me to never mention that I wanted a master's degree. Some top schools consider master's students to be a lower form of life than PhD students, and they have to reapply to switch to PhD status. Professors don't take you seriously if you're a master's student. I got accepted into my top choice, but it meant absolutely nothing because there was no funding and little chance of professors acknowledging a master's student's existence.
It's a silly game, and you have to play it right. If you want a master's degree and are unsure about the PhD, apply to a PhD program. If you just want a master's, apply to a PhD program. If you would rather stab yourself than stick around for a PhD, apply to a PhD program. If you want to be treated decently, have research opportunities and perhaps some money, apply to a PhD program.
In a nutshell, if you want to go to grad school, apply to a PhD program.
Luckily I was accepted into a decent school with an assistantship and the ability to switch to PhD if I want to.
It's a silly game, and you have to play it right. If you want a master's degree and are unsure about the PhD, apply to a PhD program. If you just want a master's, apply to a PhD program. If you would rather stab yourself than stick around for a PhD, apply to a PhD program. If you want to be treated decently, have research opportunities and perhaps some money, apply to a PhD program.
In a nutshell, if you want to go to grad school, apply to a PhD program.
Luckily I was accepted into a decent school with an assistantship and the ability to switch to PhD if I want to.