trustissues

My GRE was like 60 points lower than expected for engineering. I knew it was a problem but I just did not have time to retake it in time for the applications because of the whole ETS "once a month" rule. My GPA was a 3.45 as well at the time, which is not awesome. I have good research, one first author publication, and 2/3 recs are very very strong. However, I found out through talking to a prof at a prospective school that my 3rd rec was a little weird. It was from a prof I had taken 3 classes with and that I TA-ed for. However, apparently the prof mentioned that I did not do very well (B's) in his class except for the last class in which I got an A. I wasn't too happy to hear this because when writing a rec, especially for grad school, you would expect them to write things in a positive manner. I mean this prof knows me for three years - I have gone to so many office hours and I put in so much effort in his classes and always got As in the lab complements of his courses. Why penalize me for my poor test taking skills in his theory sections? I dunno ... I just feel that having one acceptance along with all the mess of my GRE and one rec, I am just not meant to go to grad school this year. I feel I can reapply next year with a lot more confidence and a different rec. I am just nervous to make the decision on this one school when everything seems to be saying DONT. Does that make any sense?

[quote name="Louiselab

No, I know what you're all saying, and it does make sense. The economy is so bad that even these programs are terribly affected. But, I think you misread what I was trying to ask. Its not "how many" acceptances at all like FSIA pointed out. What I meant was that with one acceptance you are sort of FORCED to go there, obviously. And honestly, I applied to 9 schools with similar programs hoping I could end up choosing on the basis of whether I liked the place, the labs, etc when I visited. I have only one choice right now and its frustrating not being able to compare it with anywhere else. I guess thats my concern.

If you have received an accept for a PhD from only one university (out of the 9 you applied to), should you take it or reapply next year to have more options?