Classy_Nerd

yes it is possible for you to attend workshop on B-1/B-2 and then change status to F-1 if that is a hassle or you have the time and can afford it, a short trip to Mexico or Canada can be another option

Thank you all for the great responses and valuable advice I accepted the deferred offer . It has already changed dynamics between me and my boyfriend. He is supportive but I know it pains him that I voluntarily chose to spend at least 5 years apart especially that I did not even apply to the school near him. He said he can try to transfer closer when I start the program but I know it is hard. In addition to his career, he has family, friends and property where he is and I don't think he can just uproot that easily, I don't know if it is the right decision. He is the greatest guy I ever knew and as cliche as it may sound I believe he is my soul mate. I don't know what will happen between now and August when I start the program, but I fear that I will either weaken and leave the program for him then later resent him for it. Or he will be bitter that I chose this program over the chance of us being together when I could have a good chance at a PhD nearby. As Telkanuru said , I cannot have my cake and eat it too! no matter how much I want that Anyways that is life...... Happy New Year everyone !

Ok so this is a tricky one. I got accepted to a great PhD program last year but could not enroll for several reasons and deferred for a year. Now I want to start next August but I am still torn. The thing is I met this great guy six month ago and I think it is going well although we are doing long distance. At some point though we will need to commit and move to same location (he already proposed and I said I am not ready yet) Although he is ready to move to the city where I want to start my PhD , he cannot stay there for five years since it means career suicide for him (he has one of the most envied jobs on the planet, and all the big companies in his field are located in the same location he is now) So if I decline the PhD offer, I am losing all hope at this school forever for a relation that I am not still sure about its future, and if I accept and then decide I want to marry this guy I cannot see how we can continue with a whole continent between us. So my question, after this long winded explanation, can I accept this PhD offer and see how it goes with my boyfriend this year. And if we decide to get married, try and transfer to a really good school that is 1 hour from his location? Did anyone go through a transfer process like this? how and when did you apply? who recommended you? and were you able to transfer credits? Don't tell me to apply for the school next to him from now, since I am really not ready to give up on the offer I already have at this great school especially since I already deferred once, I cannot refuse them again. Thanks