So, I am in my second year of study at my PhD program. I have full funding through my fourth year and am about to finish my MS within the next few weeks. I wanted to transfer to a more demanding program because, frankly, my current one is not challenging me intellectually and there are some departmental issues that are contributing to an overall negative atmosphere. Further, as my research focus have evolved, my interests do not fit into my departments strengths even remotely. I do have a good advisor and other faculty have expressed interest in working with me even though they do not specialize in my area. I applied to several higher ranked programs with better academic fits this fall but it doesnt seem like I will be admitted into any of them.
The dilemma: Do I complete my PhD at a program that I am not satisfied with, do I apply again next fall while staying in my current program, or do I leave post MS and apply again next fall after gaining some other type of experience. My first inclination is to go with option one or two but would like to hear other perspectives.
Thanks