coastazure

I have searched some articles on the forum and it seems people don't encourage those in dilemma to transfer. I am just a first semester phd student and i really regret my choice, mainly because of the gap of research interest of my advisor and i. (it is a long story why I would have come here. it is also impossible to change the advisor.) so I am thinking to transfer but it looks difficult. Can anyone share with me his/her experience? Is it okay to contact those schools which I rejectted their offers last spring? What is the best reason to transfer (somepeople told me family is the best excuse but i am poorly single.) My area is a small circle so I am also worried about being blacklisted. thanks for your opinions.

Hello eveyone, I was rejected by my dream schools. Although I have 3 choices at hand, it is very hard to decide which one to go for. Could you share with me your opinions about what factors are important and their respective weights when making a decision? I have school A, B and C to consider, all of which are phd programs. 1. Overall reputation of the school: School A has better overall reputation (around top 40) than school B (Top 80), and school C (third tier). 2. Research activities/number of faculty of the department: There is no ranking in my field ( a very narrow specialisation). From the website, I would say school C > School B > School A. 3. Famous scholars in the field (though not really my advisor): School C=School B> School A. 4. Safety/aesthetics of the campus: school B > school A>school C If you were me, which one would you choose or what criterion will you make your decision upon? I really appreciate your opinions, so confused now. Thanks a lot!