sb29

In March, I was accepted at a good European PhD program in business (consumer psychology) with full funding. They asked me to accept within a week and I did that even though I was yet to hear back from all the other places I had applied and I mentioned this in my acceptance email. I had also sent a signed copy of the letter to this school. After that a series of rejections came and I had almost prepared myself to join this school. Last week, out of the blue, I received an interview offer from a top Singapore PhD program and they will get back to me by the end of this week. Singapore is 'closer to home' compared to Europe. Also, the school being a part of a University offers courses in psychology which I would love to take during the coursework phase. Finally, I find the research being done at this school more in-line with what I would want to do in future. At the same time, I have been told that since there are so many schools in Europe, there is proper research collaboration between the various schools and I would benefit a lot from this network. Both are fully funded offers. I wanted some general opinion about the two places in terms of research environment and cost of living. I can tell you the names of the schools on PM. Now my question is (and I know this has been asked several times),if I get through the Singapore program and choose to join that, what would be the consequences of withdrawing from the other program so late in the season? I know I would be burning bridges in the specific European school, but would it also affect my chances at other European schools too given that the academic community is small?

Couple of days back, I had my interview for the doctoral (fellow) program at "Indian School of Business". The program is in collaboration with INSEAD. The coursework phase is entirely with INSEAD PhD students (60% videoconferenced and 40% at INSEAD campuses, similar to INSEAD Singapore). The research phase is with ISB faculty (but INSEAD professors may be on the committee). The funding is extremely attractive (comparable to a mid-tier MBA salary in India!). AACSB accredited. But, ...The program is just a year old. Infact, I will be the first student in my area. ...The profs are PhD's from top places like Kellog, Boston, Tepper, but mostly young (maybe inexperienced at guiding doctoral students) The other admit I have is from a good European school. Stipend is normal gradschool level (but most of my savings will go into paying for Flight tickets to India). Some very senior professors. And a great city to live in. This program is 6 yrs old. I am also looking at marriage 2 years down the line and may have to support my spouse if in Europe. Does it make sense to consider the ISB program if I get an admit? I want an international academic career post my PhD. Will doing it from a brand new program prove to be a hindrance? Will the fact that the course-work is at INSEAD matter a lot?

I was rejected after a (good) interview at one of the top European business schools for PhD and was accepted at another top European program without an interview. Highly subjective.

Thanks for your replies. I will tell them that I am waiting for other schools.

My first post here. I have been offered a PhD position in one of my top 3 schools. I have to let them know about my decision by 2nd March ie. by the end of this week. I am waiting to hear from the other 2 schools (better than this one). They have informed me that their decision will be informed to me by 3rd week of March. Should I go ahead and accept this offer? In case I do so and later decide not to join this program if I get in the other 2 schools, will it create a bad impression? Also, while accepting this offer, should I tell them that I am waiting to hear from the other 2 schools?