Stay or go???

[awonen]

So I have been admitted to two Ph.d's, waitlisted at another, and still waiting on the school that I really want to go to. One of my admits is at my current institution and the other is at my super safety school that I am not really that excited about and I'm not to thrilled about where it is located. I like my current institution but it is generally frowned upon getting a Ph.d at the same place as your undergrad in my field (physics). Should I just bail for a year and get a job and apply again next year? Do you think this will burn bridges at my current school and make it tough to get LORs next time around seeing how they are pushing for me to stay? Well I'm just hoping for my last number one option to come through but at this point....I'm pretty much screwed

[johndiligent]

I agree with the above. I think you should have a frank talk with a trusted advisor at your current school, ask him/her about academic incest, and ask if he/she honestly feels such a move would be detrimental to your career. Then make your decision from there. Depending on which school you're attending, it might not be the worst thing in the world, but you need someone with experience to help you gauge what it'll mean for you down the road.