Letting "would-have-been" advisor know I chose elsewhere

[BeaPhD]

Last semester I communicated with a lot of potential advisors at different schools. Some have asked for updates, and I've already chose my school. Should I just tell them where I've finally decided to go for my graduate studies, or just leave it at "I've decided to pursue graduate studies elsewhere".

 

I'm not sure how much detail to provide.

 

Thanks

[PhDerp]

Bumping because I have the same question!

[beccamayworth]

Yup. I have the same question. I don't know how specific to get!

[EngineerGrad]

No need to say where you are going. Just say that you were offered an exceptional package and that you believe it is the right thing to attend the other school.

I wouldn't cite names. I would thank for the offer and opportunity and try not to burn bridges

[TakeruK]

In my official email to the department where I decline the offer, I don't mention any details about where I am going (some places I declined before I made my final choice). However, when emailing specific professors that I had talked to at each school, our relationship was at a point where it made sense for me to say where I was going and what I would be studying etc. 

[phdcandidate022014]

I agree with TakeruK...you don't need to give details in a response to an admissions decision, but if there is a (potential) advisor that you previously corresponded with that specifically reached out to check in on your decision process, I'm not sure there is a harm in telling them where you are ultimately going.  As you probably know, admissions is a big game, and there can be imbalance on both sides - a desirable student may have five or six advisors at different schools that would be thrilled with that student coming and working under them.  On the other side, though, you could have a case where an advisor has six potential admits that would all be great fits, but they may have funding for four (so they're hoping not everyone accepts).  So I think if you consider both sides, odds are you probably fit into the former category in some cases and the latter in others.  So in the end, it probably won't make too much of a difference to simply tell them where you're going.  Being a good, straightforward communicator may help you in four years when you may be applying for a position at one of those schools, too.

Edited March 3, 2014 by phdcandidate022014

[CulturalAnth]

In my case, I feel like I made some good friends and allies in my field with the POIs I have corresponded with and have met in person. I do plan to tell them where I'm going, and what I'll be studying, and also let them know that I hope to be able to work with them on a research project someday in the future, etc. I sincerely like all my POIs and my heart hurts a little that I will have to decline offers from them. 

[Vader Was Framed]

Yup - I plan on being cordial, thankful and will follow up to close the loop with many of these folks who I have corresponded with over the course of the year. Look forward to meeting with them at conferences and hope to work with them in the future ... you never know. 

[gr8pumpkin]

In my case, I feel like I made some good friends and allies in my field with the POIs I have corresponded with and have met in person. I do plan to tell them where I'm going, and what I'll be studying, and also let them know that I hope to be able to work with them on a research project someday in the future, etc. I sincerely like all my POIs and my heart hurts a little that I will have to decline offers from them. 

 

It goes to show, sometimes we get to be the rejecters.  A bit of cold comfort, I suppose.  Rejection sucks on either side of the rejecting.

[daykid]

In my case, I feel like I made some good friends and allies in my field with the POIs I have corresponded with and have met in person. I do plan to tell them where I'm going, and what I'll be studying, and also let them know that I hope to be able to work with them on a research project someday in the future, etc. I sincerely like all my POIs and my heart hurts a little that I will have to decline offers from them. 

 

 

I feel the same way! I feel almost guilty knowing that they have been trying to woo me to come to their schools and I'm probably going to say no!