judicial

I might be able to offer some personal advice that might be helpful. But, I've heard I was a special case from some other students, so you might want to take it with a grain of salt. After applying to ten schools, I had five offers from programs with far different reputation--some top-5, and some top-10/15. Eventually, I accepted an offer from a top-15 program, because they also were willing to make some accommodations for my fiance, whose also applied to the same school, but different program. I began to have doubts right away (and even searched this forum for some recommendations or advice), but I thought I was locked in. Then, after the first week of classes, I emailed a prof. at one of the top-5 schools I was originally accepted to about the prospects of transferring next fall. He responded immediately, saying I could enroll this year (with my original funding offer) if I wished. I only needed a release from the institution I was enrolled in at the time. Luckily, the top-5 school began classes a little later in the year, so I could move down without missing classes. Plus, the top-15 program wasn't really interested if I was enrolled or not (attrition was pretty common there), and my faculty advisors was in full support of me transferring: there were just too many reasons not to stay, like job prospects, research resources, and becoming apart of a cohort. So, we packed up and left. Generally, I think it all depends on the insitution, program, and what kind of work you've done in the past. I think the school I "transferred" to has taken on plenty of transfer students from other universities in the past. For example, there were a surprising number of transfers attending the recruitment trip and at least four in my cohort. However, I'm not sure if I could point to any charateristics about this program that would lend it to be more disposed to accepting transfer students. If I could venture a guess, it would stem from its status as a large R-1 university, where my program stands as one of the flagship programs here, giving them a larger budget in respect to other programs at other universities. But, that's just a guess. I DO know of a few transfers students at other schools as well. They usually came from less well-known programs and had fairly strong academic credentials, suggesting that if you do well this semester and apply again it's possible to get into one of the programs you applied to the first time or another program all together. Judging from my personal experiences, I don't think it would hurt to re-contact the director of graduate studies or particular faculty member (or both) at one of the schools you were accepted to earlier this year. But, I would suggest that you do it sooner, rather than later. As for being blacklisted, I think it's a realistic possibility, but, ultimately, it's up to you. If your work is good and academic record strong, that's going to say far more about you as a professional than an episode like this. I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you would like more details. bests, J.