user4224

It is more common than you'd think. That's what I was told by the graduate director at UNC. However, they will likely expect you have a good justification for your reason to change. I think they will be skeptical if they see you are trying to leave a Ph.D. program and don't have a strong recommendation from someone at your original program. Programs don't want to admit a person who was difficult in another program and is just looking to start over because they couldn't get along with anyone. I'm currently a Ph.D. student who is also reapplying because of some issue in my department, but they were beyond my control, and my current graduate director gave me a glowing recommendation and explained the extenuating circumstances that necessitated my consideration of other programs. I only applied to five programs, and have been accepted to three so far, still waiting on the other two. So, again, if you have a good justification that can be supported by your current department, I don't think you'd have any trouble. But they may be more wary if they have reason to believe you're just trying to get away because you don't get along with anyone.

Hey, so I know this is a super anxious time for everyone. I know that many of us have put a lot of effort into our schooling and it's also one way that we seek validation for our efforts and sometimes, even our worth. That being said, I think it's important to not build your identity on this. Whether or not you're accepted to your tops picks or even any programs this cycle, just remember that things are going to be okay. Things will work out. My best friend and I both applied last year. I got accepted into most programs I applied to while my best friend (who was just as capable and intelligent as I was) was rejected from every program he applied to. I was so confused. The only program I didn't get accepted to was my "safety" school, which was even more confusing to me. I chose a program where I had dreamed of working with a specific advisor for several years. It didn't go as I had planned. He was a problematic advisor and faculty member, and he was fired/under investigation the week I moved across the country to work with him. I was devastated, feeling that all the work I had put into getting to that place was for naught. But it wasn't I've learned a lot about myself, my research directions, and the type of researcher I want to be through all of this. This crushing blow became a foundation that has put me in an entirely new mindset, and one I feel we need in academia. Sometimes it's going to such. So much time you put into one project or another will seem like a total waste, and if you're anything like me, you'll blame yourself, and shame yourself for not being "good enough". My friend who didn't get accepted anywhere last year had five offers already this year; four of them from programs that rejected him last year. Sometimes it's just a matter of fit or timing. Yet, regardless of what happens, don't give up on yourself or your goals. Allow yourself to feel bad for a bit because, let's be honest, it sucks when things don't go the way we planned. But it will work out if we keep working at it (one way or another). Wishing all of you the best this season, but we're all here for you, even if this round isn't going your way. Some of us have been there and we feel it all with you.

@Soc&Edu, did you get any clarification on this?

Has anyone received any funding information from Penn State?

Anybody claiming the first duke acceptance?