Greece

I was in the exact same situation last year. I accepted the offer mainly because I'd have visa problems had I decided to wait for another year (I am international). I do regret my decision a lot and feel stuck. I'd say don't do it unless you absolutely have to. I know many people who did not get to the places they wanted, or did not get anywhere at all, the first time applying (some even the second time), but did eventually get into their top programs. To me, it is well worth the effort.

Why wouldn't you go with SIPA?

Hello, I am in my first year of a PhD program in Business Management. At first, I liked my program but I am getting more and more dissatisfied with it. I do not think I am getting a solid training when it comes to coursework. I believe my current research interests are no longer a good fit with that of the faculty. I do not feel motivated and challenged. In addition, there is a substantial TAing requirement which places extra constraint on the time I could spend on developing my research skills and my own research projects. That being said, I am grateful to my department for the opportunity to work and study here; I just believe my career goals would be better served somewhere else. My advisor is also a very nice person and I have tons of respect for him but I do not feel like staying here only because of this. I have decided to apply to other PhD programs in fall, and would very much appreciate advice on how to go about this. How and when should I tell my advisor? Will he be offended? Will he still write me a strong letter of recommendation? How will other programs look at it? Has anyone successfully done it? I have a 4.0 GPA in my current program, good grades from undergrad, strong rec. letters from undergrad professors, solid research experience. I'd greatly appreciate any help!