hamster553

I think it depends on a few things...here are some things I would wonder about (as you know I am in a similar situation so I can't help too much but will try): 1. Is the advisor you would be working with in this program big in your field? I am guessing so bc you said your field is small... 2. Maybe you could see if the other school that you didn't pick would still accept you 3. If they will accept you, and you really don't want to go to the school you originally chose, maybe just blame it on husband's job etc. No one can really argue with personal reasons..but make sure to do it in a way that does not alienate anyone and leaves the door open to working with them in the future. 4. If the other school will not accept you..maybe the PhD you chose is the best option, since if you don't go to either program I'm not sure how likely it is that either will accept you in the future. On the other hand, maybe there are other schools that would accept you in the future depending on your field and preferred geographic location. 5. I don't know about what your field is but in my field a job is pretty much impossible without a PhD...just something to consider

I decided between 2 PhD programs on April 15. Hardest decision of my life. The choice was between a prestigious program where I could continue working with an amazing advisor who I love, but not many others in the program showed interest in working with me; or I could move cross country to another prestigious program where my advisor seems like they will be amazing and everyone in the department really wanted to have me there and work with me, and many more professional opportunities are available there. I chose the one located across the country. In the end I think both were great choices, just very different ones. My issue is that I am just so, so sad to leave, despite the new opportunities that seem great at the place I chose. Did I make the right decision if I am this sad about it? I love the city I live in now, have built a community here and my advisor has been so great to me. The school across the country is in a totally new place that I only visited once and now I am having fears, i.e. what if my new advisor isn't as great as they seemed? what if I hate the new city? what if they were dishonest about the number/quality of professional opportunities? etc. I know I probably can't go back on this decision as it would alienate key people in my field. Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly appreciated.