decision

[asdfgh]

I am an international student and I received 2 offers by April, 15th. I accepted one but then I visited the school this month and I did not like the facilities. moreover, many of the current students said that probably I should have accepted the other offer. I just knew today about the CGS but I want to revoke my commitment and study at the other institution. what should I do?

[fuzzylogician]

I am an international student and I received 2 offers by April, 15th. I accepted one but then I visited the school this month and I did not like the facilities. moreover, many of the current students said that probably I should have accepted the other offer. I just knew today about the CGS but I want to revoke my commitment and study at the other institution. what should I do?

Before you express any wish to back out of going to your current school, make sure that the other offer is still available. Most likely that spot is no longer open to you.

If you find out that you still have the option of accepting the other offer, you need a waiver from the school whose offer you accepted. You can't go to another school without it.

Obtain the other school's permission to back out, and accept the other offer.

Again, I doubt you'll be able to do this. In most places funding decisions will have been made some time ago.

Also keep in mind that you will burn your bridges at your current school. They won't like it that you backed out in the last minute, and most probably they will not be able to reuse your funding and accept someone to replace you in your incoming cohort.

[asdfgh]

Before you express any wish to back out of going to your current school, make sure that the other offer is still available. Most likely that spot is no longer open to you.

If you find out that you still have the option of accepting the other offer, you need a waiver from the school whose offer you accepted. You can't go to another school without it.

Obtain the other school's permission to back out, and accept the other offer.

Again, I doubt you'll be able to do this. In most places funding decisions will have been made some time ago.

Also keep in mind that you will burn your bridges at your current school. They won't like it that you backed out in the last minute, and most probably they will not be able to reuse your funding and accept someone to replace you in your incoming cohort.

Thanks for replying. I actually like the other department because it offers a better program with a wider variety of specializations. I read that it is difficult to transfer from one PhD program to another. Thus, I thought it is better to start with one where I think I will be happy.

I do not know how can I get the waiver, should I contact the head of the department or is it arranged by the CGS? What if the school rejects to giving this permission, do I have to pay the fees?

I had no idea about the US system, does this make it easier for me to get the permission?

[asdfgh]

Before you express any wish to back out of going to your current school, make sure that the other offer is still available. Most likely that spot is no longer open to you.

If you find out that you still have the option of accepting the other offer, you need a waiver from the school whose offer you accepted. You can't go to another school without it.

Obtain the other school's permission to back out, and accept the other offer.

Again, I doubt you'll be able to do this. In most places funding decisions will have been made some time ago.

Also keep in mind that you will burn your bridges at your current school. They won't like it that you backed out in the last minute, and most probably they will not be able to reuse your funding and accept someone to replace you in your incoming cohort.

Thank you for replying. I contacted the other department's secretary and she told me that there are spots but without any financial support to me for the first year.

Now, I am wondering if it is usual to transfer from one PhD to another after a year or two. I understand that I will have to start the new program because PhD programs have different course requirements.

As I said, I do not feel I am happy becuase it seems that not only have I turned down a better program with better research capabilities, but also my current program lacks the research variety I thoght it might provide. Would this be a good excuse for applying to join another program?

I am also concerned that I might need recommendation letters from the program's mentors for a new application, would this be easy or will they be unhappy about it?

[hubris]

Thank you for replying. I contacted the other department's secretary and she told me that there are spots but without any financial support to me for the first year.

Now, I am wondering if it is usual to transfer from one PhD to another after a year or two. I understand that I will have to start the new program because PhD programs have different course requirements.

As I said, I do not feel I am happy becuase it seems that not only have I turned down a better program with better research capabilities, but also my current program lacks the research variety I thoght it might provide. Would this be a good excuse for applying to join another program?

I am also concerned that I might need recommendation letters from the program's mentors for a new application, would this be easy or will they be unhappy about it?

Playing with fire there.

I think you know the answer to the question. It might be possible to get recommendations, but you would placing yourself in an awkward situation.

Also, there is no guarantee that you would get accepted next year. So you have a huge risk there.

Let go....you will be happier if you do.

Edited August 1, 2010 by hubris

[asdfgh]

Playing with fire there.

I think you know the answer to the question. It might be possible to get recommendations, but you would placing yourself in an awkward situation.

Also, there is no guarantee that you would get accepted next year. So you have a huge risk there.

Let go....you will be happier if you do.

Thanks, I do not understand what do you mean by let go,

I thought that students might transfer if they show a good potential in their program and the professors are satisfied with their performance

[ineedcaffeine]

Thanks, I do not understand what do you mean by let go,

I thought that students might transfer if they show a good potential in their program and the professors are satisfied with their performance

I transferred from one phd program to another. To be honest, it is a scary and difficult process. And yes, there is a chance that you might need letters of recommendation from that school that you are leaving.

Here is what I did. I was very honest and strategic with who I asked for letters of recommendation. There will be professors that will take offense, and there will be others that will understand and help you. So be really strategic and careful. And don't go around telling people in the department about your intent to transfer. Gossip is pretty prevalent in higher ed. Lastly, you need to address this transfer in your personal statement. This is important because the other school might assume that you are not in good standing.

Good luck