lorenzen

Choose the funded option. Even if the MA is funded, I'd go with a PhD. You can always leave with the master's on the way if you don't like the program.

You've got mail!

I see! Have you heard of any acceptances yet? And thank you.

Hey! I see rutgers waitlisted you. When did you find out?

Invited to a recruitment weekend. What can I expect? How can I prepare? Thank you!

And is there a diplomatic way to answer this?

In my first semester at a phd program, they got rid of my specialization and people whom I wanted to work with left. As a result of these changes, I only completed one semester and left. Some have told me to not mention this on my SOP and let the transcripts do the talking. Others have told me to explain myself. If I opt for the latter (and if you agree that I should include a reference to the situation on my SOP), how does this sound: After explaining my undergrad and master's experience (two different institutions), I touch upon my time in the PhD in this paragraph: During this past semester at ABC University's program, I have gained valuable ABC research experience through working with the statistical package ABC and by designing and administering ABCs. While these experiences have helped prepare me to conduct rigorous research, the program eradicated its specialization in ABC shortly after my arrival, which also coincided with the departure of a number of faculty I had been greatly interested in learning from and collaborating with on research. ( I then go on to re-state how a PhD from the new institution fits my research goals, and present my broad career goals, and state briefly again my dissertation goal at the new university).

Hello! I have an interview for a doctoral position tied to a very specific research project. It would involve qualitative research on an environmental issue in the global south. What are your thoughts on conducting preliminary research on the topic to present in the interview? For example, conducting an in-depth interview, transcribing it, and writing up a memo?

Sorry for my late response. Thank you so, so much for your comment. It is extremely helpful.

So do not mention the current school at all? Did you send your transcripts from the previous school you left?

How wonderful that you are happy in your new program. And thanks for this thoughtful and super helpful reply. Could you discuss your SOP and how you discussed the transfer situation? Did you mention it? Some people are telling me to avoid discussing the current place I'm trying to leave. Others disagree, suggesting I should certainly discuss the reasons for leaving in an appropriate and diplomatic way.

Sorry you are in the same position, but it sounds like you know what you're doing. Are you mentioning your current institution in the SOP? And if so, how will you mention that? Thanks!

Thank you, Ikaitlyn. You brought up a topic I had not really considered. What I am curious about is how the people you mentioned went about getting those letters. I imagine it would be very awkward, and what if you do not get accepted into the new program and stay at your current place? Wouldn't you be a persona non grata, and perhaps even be kicked out?

Edited

I qualify for most application fee waivers because of my income. However, I worry that asking for one could create a bad impression among the graduate committee. What do you think?