Switching or reapplying?

[chemtocs]

Currently, I am a first year Ph.D. student in a university. But I can't join the two groups that interest me because they don't have funding to support new students. So I want to transfer to another school.

 

Now, I am facing a difficult choice. I have planed to reapply several schools. But there is a professor in another school want to take me this spring. Although it is a really good news, it is also really unexpected. And I want to go to a better ranking school. But if I reapply other schools, I don't know the possibility of being accepted. Especially, when considering that I am not a new applier.

[chemtocs]

And does AAU matter? Because I am in an AAU school but the other one is not an AAU. And I have talked with the professor. I agreed if they gave an offer, I will accept it. But right now, I think I should make careful decision.

[Chai_latte]

Are you interested in academia afterwards?  If so, you'll want the strongest, "good-fit" school you can get into.  It's not about convenience/switching in time for next semester.  Focus on reapplying to programs that are good fits (cool research, funding, great PIs/advisors in your subfield).  

Fit is more important than any AAU label.  

 

*I don't think the AAU label means much, but that designation generally corresponds with stronger, research-oriented schools.  Most likely, if you're moving from an AAU to a non-AAU, you're moving to a lesser known/respected program*   

[chemtocs]

Yes. Thank you! The adviser is needing students now, so I think he will find a way to let me in this spring as he said in the telephone. That's why I am anxious. I don't want let the professor waste his effort to let me in. 

 

 

Are you interested in academia afterwards?  If so, you'll want the strongest, "good-fit" school you can get into.  It's not about convenience/switching in time for next semester.  Focus on reapplying to programs that are good fits (cool research, funding, great PIs/advisors in your subfield).  

Fit is more important than any AAU label.  

 

*I don't think the AAU label means much, but that designation generally corresponds with stronger, research-oriented schools.  Most likely, if you're moving from an AAU to a non-AAU, you're moving to a lesser known/respected program*   

[SymmetryOfImperfection]

I think you should try to negotiate a bit with the current school to see if they will let you join a group unofficially now, and to officially add you next year. Meanwhile, at the same time, apply to other schools, especially the strongest programs that you are realistically a chance for. Remember that AAU is pretty damn prestigious and there are a limited number of schools on that list. A non AAU school is often weaker academically than an AAU school. Also, be careful what conditions the professor puts on you for bringing you over.

Edited December 1, 2014 by SymmetryOfImperfection

[chemtocs]

I like his research. That's why I contact him. But when considering the ranking and location, I think this school is not that satisfying. And I didn't expect that he will respond me so quick.

Edited December 1, 2014 by chemtocs

[chemtocs]

Thank you!

 

I asked if i could join the groups next year. Right now, they just let me to broaden my interests... But I already have my interests and have been in that area for two years.

 

If i tell the professor my concerns, I think he will be very mad i guess...

I think you should try to negotiate a bit with the current school to see if they will let you join a group unofficially now, and to officially add you next year. Meanwhile, at the same time, apply to other schools, especially the strongest programs that you are realistically a chance for. Remember that AAU is pretty damn prestigious and there are a limited number of schools on that list. A non AAU school is often weaker academically than an AAU school. Also, be careful what conditions the professor puts on you for bringing you over.

[chemtocs]

I also have a question. If I care about the AAU label and do not want to go to this school now, what should I tell the professor? Just tell him the truth? Or do you have some other good reasons?

[Chai_latte]

I wouldn't mention AAU.  I'd just say that I was working things out with my current institution, or something like that.  

 

@symmetry- I agree.  But, the bottom line is that there are some AAU schools that aren't very highly rated in chemistry (I know one or two AAUs are ranked in the 90s and several others are in the 70s/80s).  Just because a school is AAU, doesn't mean it's better than (or even equal to) a non-AAU in your field.  It usually is, but not always. 

[chemtocs]

I just receive a new that I was accepted for the spring semester... They are processing the documents... I don't know it's a good news or bad news.