Accepting a lower choice versus reapplying to a higher choice next year?

[essequamvideri]

So, I know that in general you shouldn't apply to programs you wouldn't ultimately attend, but I was rejected from my top choice programs and accepted to one of my lower choices (which, after having thought about it, I am less set on attending than I was initially). On top of this, a POI at one of my top choices has told me I would have a good chance if I reapplied next year. The program I was accepted to is still very good by most "objective" measures, but I am beginning to lean toward not being that excited to attend there.

 

Is taking a chance on reapplying next year an unwise decision? It would mean starting another year later and there is no guarantee of getting in a second time, but on the flip side, grad school is a very long process and you should be satisfied with the program you're attending.

 

Particularly interested in hearing from others who have had this dilemma, but any input appreciated.

[rising_star]

Can you defer your admission to the lower ranked program? If so, then it might not be as risky to apply again next year since you'll have a backup plan already. Whether or not you should go to the lower ranked school also depends on what your career ambitions are.

[MathCat]

I don't think one should settle for a PhD program that won't get them what they want - e.g. a program ranked in the 100s is probably not wise for somebody who wants to go into academia. There shouldn't really be "backup"/safety programs like that, since I think in that situation it's better to just reapply next year. It's not clear to me what your situation is, though. What do you not like about your lower choice school? Could you defer?

[velua]

Unless you can defer (and if defer means you're not actually committing to them next year), they'll probably reject your application next year if they know they're your safety. I don't have any issue with calling schools safeties either... everyone seems to take issue with it, but it's not like the schools don't admit safety students after some of their top choices decline.

Edited March 15, 2015 by velua

[MathCat]

Unless you can defer (and if defer means you're not actually committing to them next year), they'll probably reject your application next year if they know they're your safety. I don't have any issue with calling schools safeties either... everyone seems to take issue with it, but it's not like the schools don't admit safety students after some of their top choices decline.

I just don't think it's a good idea to have a safety that isn't going to give you the career you aim for. I still chose some "safer bet" schools, and some back up (funded) Masters programs. But if you are going to commit to a PhD, it should be a program worth attending (for your own personal goals).

[Sigaba]

The reason why the concept of safety schools is controversial is because it implies that there are sure things when it comes to getting into graduate school.

Yet, each year some members of this BB get rejected by all the programs to which they apply - - even the "safe" ones.

Edited March 15, 2015 by Sigaba

[MathCat]

Another question: why does your POI think you'll have a better chance next year? What will be different?

[essequamvideri]

Another question: why does your POI think you'll have a better chance next year? What will be different?

 

The funding situation will be different, which is apparently the main reason I didn't get it this year.

 

Deferring is a decent idea, but in the relatively unlikely chance that would be possible, you probably need to make a definite commitment to attend (which would obviously defeat the purpose of reapplying). I think offering to defer without even giving a commitment to attend later would be a very hard sell. (I don't know though; has anyone done this?)

 

Another thing is that I am not comparing programs which are top 10 versus lower than top 100 in the "rankings", they are actually quite comparable in terms of rankings, but my top choices are more due to a better fit (from my perspective) with the department, and other personal reasons. They are all good programs and I don't think my career would "suffer" directly by choosing my lower choice (though it may for indirect reasons). But for me, the fit and the other personal factors (location, and others) are a big deal.

[bsharpe269]

If the fit and location aren't good then I think I would decline the offer. I was accepted to a handful of schools that I would probably decline if they were my only offer.... not related to rank but related to fit or environment. Schools that seems like a great fit on paper can seem like not such great fits after visiting in person.

 

Honestly after all of my visits, there is only 1 school that I am super, over the top excited about. The environment and research fit are perfect there. If I wasn't accepted to that school, especially for something like funding, then I think I would try again next year instead of settling.

[velua]

It's easy to have that mindset to just decline the offer when you got into 6/8 or 8/10 schools. Not so easy if you get into 1 school and have no job lined up after graduation in a post-2008 world.

[Gradx]

For me it would depend on much lower it was on my wish list.