The admissions committee may not be certain of a student's research capability, or may not want to
commit to funding a student for five years.  The committee may elect to admit a student as an
MS student who applied for a PhD.

Further, students who applied for an MS and decide to upgrade to PhD should have a clear path.
They shall do an informal application due no later than January 15 of the year in which they want
to begin their PhD studies.  The application shall consist of a letter detailing why they
wish to upgrade to a PhD.  What their tentative research plans/advisor are, if any, and
discussing any other positive information that they have to report since being admitted to an
MS.  They may solicit letters of recommendation to the admissions committee chair, but this
is not required.   The admissions committee, in its regular meeting, shall consider the upgrade
application.  If granted, the new status will occur in August of the year of application.