Applying to a PhD program while already in a different program

[Nothung]

I was wonder what the protocol was on this: say I begin a PhD program somewhere and decide after a year that I'd like to explore other options; can I submit applications to other programs while remaining in my current program just in case?

Was just sort of hypothetically curious about this. Thank you.

[fuzzylogician]

In principle, there is nothing stopping you from submitting applications to other programs and starting over. However -- first, you'd need to get letters of recommendation and that might be hard to do since I assume you wouldn't want to let the current program know you're thinking of jumping ship so you'd have to go to your old undergrad professors. Second, you'd have to disclose in your applications that you're currently in school and submit grades, etc. You'll need to have a pretty compelling reason for wanting to quit and change to a new program, otherwise schools will worry about your commitment level; no one wants to waste precious resources (time, money, a spot that could have gone to a better applicant) on someone who will drop out half way through. Third (and perhaps most importantly) you have to be careful not to burn bridges with your current school, assuming that you want to stay in the same field. This is related to the second point -- using up a school's resources when you have no intention of graduating won't go over very well. You'd need a better reason - e.g. a change in research interests that make your fit with the current program less than ideal. However, planning to do this before you even begin the program means that there is something very wrong here.

[juilletmercredi]

^I agree with everything Fuzzy said.  To what they said, I also want to add that if you do apply to another PhD program from your current one, most new advisors are going to want a letter from your current PhD program - ideally your advisor - explaining why you want to move and assuring them that you aren't a terrible student who is trying to move laterally because you caused issues in the program or whatnot.

 

I think that hypothetical questions are often...spurred by something.  So why is it that you ask this hypothetical question?  Are you just trying to prepare for all options or are you having second thoughts about your program?