I was admitted to 2 PhD programs (geography and sociology) with decent funding, but after visiting both I cannot see myself being a student there. They are great programs with excellent people, but I realized I applied to programs in the wrong disciplines. I knew before I started my applications that I wanted to do Africana studies, Ethnic studies, or American studies. I major in sociology as an undergrad and many of my professors dissuaded me from applying to ethnic, american, or africana programs because it wasn't "strategic." I was waitlisted at an africana program, but am still waiting to hear back. If I don't get in, I have 2 decisions: 1) I accept the offer from one of the programs because I won't need to move. I will reapply in the fall to programs that I am better suited for. 2) I decline both offers and just reapply. I have no idea about what types of jobs are out there that would be as fulfilling as doing academic work is to me.
I have heard mixed advice. Some people have said that accepting and then reapplying looks really bad, but others said it's fine. Some people said it's hard to reapply while you're in a program because of coursework, but if I do this, I plan to work on my applications before the semester starts. Does anyone have an experience with this? Thank you!