explain reasons for leaving current program in SOP?

[gubidal092]

Hi Guys, 

 

I'm currently enrolled in a PhD program where I am not funded, I'm just coming to the point at the end of next spring where I'll be able to earn an masters-in-passing, and I am putting out applications this fall for other PhD programs where I might get funding (as well as being a better fit to my interests). I'm wondering what I should say about why I am leaving my current program. I don't want to seem like I'm complaining about lack of funding too much, but I want to make clear that I'm not leaving because I've messed up somehow and now have to find a new program (which I've heard is a concern some departments have when they see a phd candidate switching schools). Any advice? 

 

Also, since I haven't been funded, I haven't had the opportunity to teach or do research, but I've done my best to approximate these experiences as I can; I took my department's year long TA training (not required for non-TAs), and now I'm working on my grad school's teacher training, and I worked as a teacher for all ages last summer (440 hours class time). I also have found a professor (in another department) who I am working with on her research, but I'm not officially an "RA". Am I going to look ridiculous if I spend a bit of time talking about these in my SOP or an additional document? I'm hoping to show that I found opportunities to expose myself to normal funded PhD student staples like teaching and research even though the opportunities weren't handed to me. 

 

[TakeruK]

I would mention it -- after all, no funding (and thus no chance to do research, one of the main reasons to do a PhD) is a perfectly fine reason to want to leave and go somewhere else where you can be funded and do research! I would keep it brief and very direct--don't make excuses. Something like "I am currently in an unfunded PhD program where I am not eligible for an RAship. I am planning to graduate with a Masters in Spring 2015 and I hope to start a PhD program in Fall 2015. I am applying to University of X .... etc etc" and then along with the standard reasons you give for wanting to go to X, you can emphasize the fact that you are looking for a chance to do research in topic Y etc. etc.

 

Maybe those sentences could be worded better but I think you just need 2 or 3 sentences before transitioning to what you want to do in the new PhD program instead of dwelling on why the old program isn't good for you. 

 

In my opinion, I would not want to do an unfunded PhD program so I don't normally mind if people look down upon me when I directly seek funded offers. But if this is a worry (i.e. you would prefer to get an unfunded offer rather than no offer at all), then I guess you could make sure you don't come off as sounding you want funded offers only?

[gubidal092]

Thanks TakeruK! It's just hard to know how to word these sorts of things. 

I don't think I would accept another unfunded offer, especially having the experience of not being funded (the number of times I have slipped through the cracks; I didn't even know my advisor was going to be on leave this semester ahead of time); I would likely just stay where I am now and keep pursuing outside funding (which I am also applying for this semester). 

[TakeruK]

Thanks TakeruK! It's just hard to know how to word these sorts of things. 

I don't think I would accept another unfunded offer, especially having the experience of not being funded (the number of times I have slipped through the cracks; I didn't even know my advisor was going to be on leave this semester ahead of time); I would likely just stay where I am now and keep pursuing outside funding (which I am also applying for this semester). 

 

What I mean is that you shouldn't be afraid to sound like you would only go if you are funded if that is actually true. But I'm not saying you should go right out and say that "I must have funding or else I can't attend!" Just to clarify I think if you discuss the lack of funding as one reason for seeking a new program then that is enough.