insane to re-apply?

[mallow]

I just got into one program (top program, waiting to hear on funding), rejected from one, and waiting to hear on two. The program I got into won't allow deferrals but said I could re-apply in the future. They wouldn't committ to re-accepting me, but said that if they wanted me once, there's a decent chance they would again.

I'm still waiting on other answers, but am wondering if it's worth taking the risk of re-applying. In the past months I've realized I really want to gain more work experience abroad at this stage in my career. It's not something I was able to do in the last couple of years because I had a major illness in my family (and then death). Leaving the country just wasn't feasible during that period.

Would appreciate any insight and/or hearing from anyone who's had a similar situation.

[Guest]

I'm sorry I never had a similar situation, but I can at least offer some empathetic insight...

I would say go with your heart on this one. On the one hand it is nice to get into a top program, but if you really aren't ready then go and work a little while longer. On the other hand is getting an additional year of work experience really a game-changing addition to your resumé and future goals or can you somehow mix some of your overseas journalist work (that was you, right?) throughout your PhD program (summers)? That seems to be the two basic options.

If you really don't feel right about it, regardless of what program it is, you probably shouldn't go. Forget prestige and keep in mind your own goals and your own convictions about how you want to conduct your life this coming year. I think you may be overly-concerned, though.

If you want my observation, I would say you seem to be experiencing a very common decision-making challenge that practically all of us go through. I myself have a similar scenario because, in my field, it's highly recommended to do a year or two of work before pursuing graduate work even at the masters level. If you want to know my own conclusions for my life, I know my heart is telling me to go to graduate school now. Besides, I'll be doing a lot of work in my field throughout my studies in the form of internships, volunteer positions, and even a possible paid position. I have a feeling something similar could work out for you.

Just for reference my field is theology and pastoral ministry, but I think the general idea being addressed here transcends fields since work experience is desired everywhere and a nice argument can be made for having work experience before graduate school. Personally I think those arguments can be valid for some people but everyone's particular circumstances are different and you hardly need to concern yourself with trying to do things the way most others do it. I personally wouldn't fret over the extra year idea, at least from what I know of your situation from posts on this forum.

Bottom line: it is not insane to re-apply, but it's not necessarily going to be the best option for you either. Definitely consider other ways of approaching the situation; perhaps a year off isn't necessary and maybe doing the PhD now will be the way to go!

Hope that helps a little!

Edited March 15, 2012 by Windfish

[emmm]

Probably no more insane than to apply in the first place. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm loving graduate school, but I'm in the middle of finals week and operating on way too little sleep Plus, I had to deal with more than a few people last year who thought I was crazy to be applying to grad school at my age.

[mallow]

Thank you both for the very thoughtful answers. WIndfish, I appreciate your suggestion that I look at this from more than one angle in terms of my options and also that I get more in touch with my heart and intuition. I agree with you about the prestige issue - it's a tricky thing to put into perspective, but it's necessary.

I might add that I'm getting a little concerned with my decision for a couple of other factors: one is my age (40) and the fact that I have considerable work experience and I am not 100% sure that a PhD is absolutely necessary for the types of jobs I want (I am interested in working for an international organization). I'm going to do as much research as I can as quickly as I can by speaking to current and former students in the program as well as others in the field.

[kbui]

I think you can reapply, but you must have some other plans to do during your year. If you're just taking the year to lay around and watch TV, it's probably not the best idea to wait on the offer. However, if it's a year where you are getting involved in a potential future field to gain insight into if you really want it or not, then by all means, go for it. It's better to figure it out now rather than 4-6 years down the road once you've finished your Ph.D.

I've met countless professionals who went to graduate school and medical school who wished they had taken some time off after undergrad.

I hope this helps

[mallow]

Yes, thanks It helps to consider an alternative plan, though I am far, far away from just having finished undergrad . I took time off before both of my other graduate degrees and am glad I did.

[emmm]

Don't let your age hold you back if you DO decide you really want to pursue the PhD. As your admissions results show, the departments you applied to are confident you can do it. I'm around your age, and I have no regrets about having just started my PhD program. However, I did not have very appealing employment options before returning to school, so it sounds as though our situations are very different. Still . . . I am having a blast learning all this new material and gaining skills I never imagined I'd have.

Edited March 16, 2012 by emmm

[mallow]

Thank you for the encouragement. I have a couple of other issues I'm dealing with related to this decision. One is that the program I was accepted to is in a city I've been living in for 8 years, and I feel ready to move. The other issue is that I am wary of coming out of the program older and not really far ahead of where I am now. I am beginning to feel that my top choice might be a university abroad I applied to, but I don't know if they will inform me of their decision in due time.

[mallow]

I have done a lot of research into the program I've been accepted into and I still feel deferral would be my best option. I am wondering if I should explain my case to the program director and see what the reaction is. The university's official policy makes the applicant re-apply.

[rose1]

Applying is a pain in the ass, but I think it is very unlikely that you would be denied admission if you did apply again. If you gain some new experiences to put on your resume, you might even get some funding. That said, you'd have to start the application process all over again just as you're adjusting to your new life abroad.