Chaitanya90

1. I wish to complete my PhD and really don't want to quit after MS, but if circumstances force (due to financial reasons), I might have to back out with an MS (for time being) and later apply for PhD. 2. I have accepted the offer for a PhD but I have not revealed my prof. about my MS/PhD plans. Is this wrong to not let him know of my intentions right now? 3. One of his students told me that there was a boy who did the same due to lack of funds. He switched to an other lab for his PhD after MS......... so I thought that this option is the worst case. Is it alright to think this way?? 4. TA is a compulsory job for PhDs and they are not paid for it.... this is what the prof. says 5. I will ask him about his wait for any kind of funds. Thank you, Chaitanya

<br /><br /><br /> Thank you all of your advice. I had actually contacted the prof. about the funding aspect. He told me that: "If we get new funding in your project, you would be funded after 1st year for sure. But, I can't promise funding after 1 year right now since funding situations are very tough in USA these days and it takes long time to get new funding. Therefore, it is your decision to take that risk or not, and you should have a financial backup solution yourself if there is no new funding." I had actually told him that I am trying to find out alternatives for funding and that I am ready to accept his offer. Can I drop out with an MS after 2 years in case of lack of funding and then continue when I get funding? Should I tell the prof. at this point of time about my MS/PhD plans (or) will he understand my position if I let him know of this after my 1st year of study at the university? (He is ready to fund me fully for the first year). Please reply soon. Truly, Chaitanya

I have found out some ways to attack this problem.... can someone give me your valuable opinions on these? 1. Can I ask the prof. if I could join for an MS/PhD and commit myself atleast for an MS (2 years with 1 year financial support as he said) and depending on the scenario decide for a PhD later under same/different advisor/department? 2. One more prof B had replied that he doesn't have any open positions for fall 2011. He told me that he will consider my application for fall 2012 (but he won't be able to guarentee a position). Can I contact both the profs and let them knw of my situation and ask them if both of them combined would be able to fund me and can I jointly work under both of them for a PhD? 3. Should I ask Prof. A (the one who is willing to fund me for 1st year) if he can defer my case to the next fall so that I could get some financial support as well? (Last mail if nothing turns out positive) 4. Is it also possible that if he is impressed with my work in the first year, would he fund me (or) is he fixed in not giving me any funding in the consequent years no matter what the situation might me ? Thank you, Chaitanya

Thank you v.much for the insightful reply. No, I don't have any master's degree . Can you please tell me if the placements are good, can I repay the amount back in 2 years or so? @others: should you wish to give me some advice, please do it kindly... Regards, Chaitanya

I mailed a prof. at CMU mechanical engineering department and he replied me back as follows: I wish to accept this offer (as the area of work is v.good...CMU is the best in robotics) but am really worried about the finances. By the way, is this an admit for sure?? Can someone kindly comment on the following? 1. How much money would I need to spend as per the above calculation? 2. How is the placement scenario after Phd in mech at CMU, can I pay back such a huge amount? 3. Please also suggest me what could I reply to the prof. (can I persuade him for a TA?) 4. Are there some ways by which I can manage atleast some part of funding for 2nd and 3rd years. Seeking help from both seniors and equals as early as possible....coz I need to reply back the prof. within 1-2 days frm now. Thank you all v.much in advance, Chaitanya PS. I also have unfunded MS Aerospace offer from UIUC and MS Robotics, systems and control from ETH Zurich (unfunded for 1st year), but I prefer a direct PhD mech admit my ultimate objective is a PhD in mech as aero requires security clearance to work.