How to address unsatisfactory meeting?

[m-ttl]

I went to a very informal meeting with a POI and administrator for an MA program I was interested in. This was really a school I had high on my list.... until I got there.

 

Quick summary:

 

• POI doesn't know what students are doing (just that two MA graduates got into harvard for their PhD...)
• + POI doesn't have their own students
• Most people don't study what POI teaches
• one of the optional focuses of the program is COMPLETELY and grossly misrepresented (e.g. "comparative ___" means they just have 3 scholars who work on ____ in different countries who don't actually really work with each other. One is only a fellow and won't stay after the next two years.) Most students don't do this. Actually studying comparatively is difficult. The professor who studies ___ seemed surprised I was interested in this. 
• he also seemed surprised I asked about what kinds of projects students assist faculty on and that i asked about how much actual interaction with the studies students get (surprised in that the answer is they don't, and not much.) 
• the POI explained that admits are ranked and given money based on the merits they rank (e.g. top 5 are fully funded, etc) but the administrator afterwards said I would have to ask the Dean about financial aid because he was uncomfortable with discussing it with me (and on second thought he added he didn't know how it worked which seemed bizarre given that he works for the Dean). 
• they both stressed should I be selected for interview it would be highly recommended to purchase and plan a flight/trip/stay across country in the two weeks of turnaround time between interview offers and the interview week. ("We understand it can sometimes be a hassle, but we prefer it. If you absolutely can't we can skype you in.") 

I've already spent $20 on transcripts and sent my GRE scores but I'm no longer sure this is worth a $70 application fee. The program was misrepresented and I can't afford to buy a flight and hotel room two weeks out much less be uncomfortable with discussing finances. It felt clear to me they were marketing to someone not in my range at all -- this was more penthouse suite occupant than pell grant student. 

 

My question is this:

 

1.) Should I still apply and see if I'm super competitive/able to make the top five with a skype interview?

2.) Should I not apply at all, and if I don't apply should I email them and explain exactly why (while thanking them both for meeting with me)? 

 

I sort of feel like this should be something they know. Am I overreacting or are these all the informal visit red flags I think they are?

 

[Canis]

They want you to fly in for an interview, for a masters program? Madness. Also, if your impression was that bad imagine what you'll see if you're studying there.

Not sure which discipline, school, etc. but most MA programs exist to collect money not to take care of students. Why not apply for funded PhD programs?

[Lisa44201]

If you choose not to apply, I do not think e-mailing them is necessary.

[m-ttl]

They want you to fly in for an interview, for a masters program? Madness. Also, if your impression was that bad imagine what you'll see if you're studying there.

Not sure which discipline, school, etc. but most MA programs exist to collect money not to take care of students. Why not apply for funded PhD programs?

 

I am applying for funded PhDs. And funded MAs. I have two other fully funded MAs on my list plus 4 PhDs. So now that I definitely know this is the weakest program in that respect... it seems pointless. 

 

If you choose not to apply, I do not think e-mailing them is necessary.

 

Even if they have my application "in-progress"? I know they will email me about it. 

[meowth]

They might e-mail reminders about the application, but once the due date is past and your application fee isn't paid, they should stop. I've started a few applications that I never finished because I decided I was no longer interested in the program.

[m-ttl]

They might e-mail reminders about the application, but once the due date is past and your application fee isn't paid, they should stop. I've started a few applications that I never finished because I decided I was no longer interested in the program.

 

I was told by the administrator that about a week after the due date they personally notify everyone if their things are all in/have arrived. I would think an unfinished application would look odd given that I personally told them I was applying. But if it's not impolite to message and say I am uninterested now, I won't. I just don't want to appear rude, although I do think it's unfair how they market their program. 

[TakeruK]

I would also categorize the things you mention as red flags! If the visit made you no longer interested in this prof and there is no one else and/or you are no longer interested in the school, then you can withdraw your online application. There is usually a button somewhere to cancel it. You can also just leave it incomplete.

 

If you didn't provide payment information, then they won't charge you. When I applied, I did not provide them with my credit card/payment information until the day I was actually submitting the application, which was usually the day of or a few days before the deadline. This gives you the flexibility to change your mind!

 

If you actually cancel or withdraw your application, you should not get any automated reminders or anything. I changed my mind about one school too. Since I did talk to a prof from that school in person (at a conference), I did send a courtesy email just before the application deadline. It was just a simple email, saying something like:

 

"Thank you for talking to me about your program earlier this term. I have been thinking about grad school applications a lot over the past few weeks and in the end, I've decided to not to apply to University of X. I really appreciate your time discussing [Research Topic Y] with me. [some closing statement]."

 

Definitely do not criticize or explain why you did not like your visit. I think this advice goes for anyone who eventually has to decline some offers to accept others. Always be professional and courteous in your official email/letter declining the offer. Don't even say where you are going instead, unless you know the person well or if they ask. Just say that you decided to accept somewhere else and thank them for whatever they did for you, even if you think it was horrible. Save all the reasons why and comments for the exit-survey that the Graduate School will no doubt email to you shortly after they receive your email/letter declining the offer.