mastering out of PhD program...looking to apply to other PhD programs. Has anyone done this before?

[acidrain]

Hello. So I recently decided to master out of my PhD program by the end of summer 2018. I would like to enter different PhD programs which are more suited for me. However, I need to apply in the fall of 2018 for admission for fall 2019 and I would not like to waste a year. Is there any non traditional routes to getting into a PhD program while not applying during a traditional season? aka through professors, contacting departments, etc...?  I have an NSF GRFP also so I think that may help...

[rising_star]

Do you have good contacts with any PIs you'd like to work with? If so, I would reach out to them directly, explain your situation, and ask about the possibility. You never know what can happen unless you ask!