The doctorate and masters degrees do different sorts of things:

http://www.gradschools.com/article-d...ters-or-phd-89

I've known lots of people who got a PhD instead of a masters, it depends on your personal needs. I think if you did well in your undergraduate studies that you have a good shot; I wouldn't worry about your personal statement that much, if it came from your heart it is what you want, but hope you have good references/recommendations, too :-)

Yes, do keep us informed how you do. I know of a lot of masters degree programs that are pretty much "automatic" acceptance (the one I was in), they are happy to get what money they can and let the program keep/lose you as it falls out as you go along, since a doctorate is mostly research/writing thesis and lots of people never quite finish because they can't get done with that part, I don't see why they would not let you "try." I'd assume I would get in and start figuring out what I want to learn/research/write about, etc. so I can hit the ground running.

With all the online options and changes in the educational world in the last 12-30 years, I think anyone reasonably qualified can get in almost any program, it's staying there that is more difficult. One has to be a lot more of a self-starter these days I think, more savvy what's what.