Reject unfunded offer at my top school?

[anthrostudentcyn]

Hey all, I got an unfunded PhD offer at my top school, really unique program, but as of now its unfunded. They told me I'd get an RA job that would cover part or most of tuition, but I haven't heard anything definite. Should I just outright say no, should I attempt to negotiate with them, should I wait it out, should I ask to defer a year? Friends are pressuring me to take the offer, but I don't know. On the other hand, there's no guarantee I'd get in anywhere else if I apply next year (was reject from 5 other PhD programs, this is my only acceptance). I'm currently an undergrad. 

Either way, this school and group of researchers is my top choice, and I want the opportunity to possibly go here some time in the future, if not this year, so I don't want to burn bridges. Advice?

[svent]

Don't do PhD unfunded. Paying tuition for PhD is sort of like paying tuition for med school, except you'll quite possibly be unemployed at the end instead of making 6 figures.

[anthrostudentcyn]

@svent yup i agree. what im asking is for any tips on negotiating or ways to not burn bridges with this school

[MathCat]

My approach in all negotiation was just being honest. If I were in your situation, I would let them know that I was very interested in their program and would love to attend, but would not be able to without funding (you definitely should not accept an unfunded offer!). If you are polite, professional, and honest, I see no reason for this to lead to burned bridges if you end up having to decline if they can't find funding. 

[fuzzylogician]

In this situation, I would recommend doing exactly what @MathCat is suggesting. There is no reason why polite correspondence on your end should lead to a burnt bridge or really any hurt feelings. I hope it works out, but please do NOT accept an unfunded offer. If you have to, I think a much better choice is to spend the year improving your application and then reapplying. Since you are near the top and they clearly like you, once the application season is over, if necessary, you could try soliciting feedback on your application to see if there is anything in particular that could put you over the top for next year. But, again, I would wait with that until after all the decisions are final and a bit of time has passed. Since you don't have other offers at this point, it seems like you should wait it out until the end, and there is no point in rejecting the offer early. 

[Need Coffee in an IV]

Yeah I wouldn't take an unfunded offer, no matter how good the program is. I would ask your friends if they are willing to foot the bill since they want you to go so badly. I'm also an undergrad too so I get the pressure on trying to figure things out before graduation. But I don't see how you could burn bridges unless you are extremely rude. If it doesn't work out this cycle, there's always next year!

[rising_star]

I would take @MathCat's approach, in all honesty. There's no way I'd accept an offer knowing that I wouldn't be funded. You can and should ask for more funding. Once you have an answer about that, you can decide on what to do about the acceptance. Taking a year or two off to improve your application is also a great idea.

[naomi6]

What field is this in? How much does the school cost? Are you allowed to attend part time (6 credit per semester)? If you really want to attend the PhD program, I would attend as a part-time student** my first year and apply for scholarships to support the next few years. If this is a STEM program, there are a lot of scholarships out there that you can apply to. Or another option, attend part-time and re-apply for PhD programs during the Fall. Most PhD programs allows you to transfer up to 9-12 credits from other school (so you wouldn't lose the first year). 

One thing I hate about PhD admissions process is that there's no direct formula for getting accepted, it's mostly about luck... That's my advice without knowing too much about your program.

I wouldn't advice taken a year off without any job prospect within the field you want to engage in for your phd. 

 

 

 

Edited March 20, 2016 by naomi6

[anthrostudentcyn]

Thanks all, it seems like people are saying various things but all good advice. @fuzzylogician @MathCat @rising_star @naomi6 I contacted the chair, but he says he's not free to meet for two weeks. Optimally, I'd like to meet as soon as possible to ask about deferment, other school scholarships, etc, and feel like waiting to meet until right before the deadline isn't a good sign. Is there any way I should phrase the fact that I'd like to know a bit sooner, or do I just have to wait it out?

[farflung]

3 minutes ago, anthrostudentcyn said:

Thanks all, it seems like people are saying various things but all good advice. @fuzzylogician @MathCat @rising_star @naomi6 I contacted the chair, but he says he's not free to meet for two weeks. Optimally, I'd like to meet as soon as possible to ask about deferment, other school scholarships, etc, and feel like waiting to meet until right before the deadline isn't a good sign. Is there any way I should phrase the fact that I'd like to know a bit sooner, or do I just have to wait it out?

Up to you, but just a heads up that it's spring break this week or next week at most east-coast universities. So, you may just need to wait it out -- working with prospective students is (unfortunately) near the bottom of the priority list for most professors over breaks! That said, you could clarify that you'd be fine with even a short phone or Skype meeting within the next few weeks. 

Edited March 21, 2016 by farflung

[anthrostudentcyn]

Yeah, it was spring break last week! I'm just worried, because if it's a no across the board, I'd rather just say no now and accept other work/intern offers. 

[Nirvik]

On 3/19/2016 at 11:27 PM, anthrostudentcyn said:

Hey all, I got an unfunded PhD offer at my top school, really unique program, but as of now its unfunded. They told me I'd get an RA job that would cover part or most of tuition, but I haven't heard anything definite. Should I just outright say no, should I attempt to negotiate with them, should I wait it out, should I ask to defer a year? Friends are pressuring me to take the offer, but I don't know. On the other hand, there's no guarantee I'd get in anywhere else if I apply next year (was reject from 5 other PhD programs, this is my only acceptance). I'm currently an undergrad. 

Either way, this school and group of researchers is my top choice, and I want the opportunity to possibly go here some time in the future, if not this year, so I don't want to burn bridges. Advice?

Hey! I am in a similar boat as you. I have been offered a PhD position from one school and no further acceptances as well. The one school I got into is one of my top choices and the program ranks at #67 in the US. My POI told me that I would have to take up a teaching position if I enroll, which means I should receiving a TA. However, I have not been made any such offers. I was told that funding decisions are on going and will be declared by September. 

I have received the official letter of acceptance from the department, and they have stated that it's a self-funded offer and that I should let them know by April 15. What I plan on doing is waiting longer than April 15 and not letting them know of my decision. Since, those applicants who would not be attending this Fall are likely to decline the offer, funds are supposed to be relieved from them and reassigned to the unfunded ones like us. So, right now I am inquiring for the deadline extension for making a decision on the offer and then accordingly decide if I would go there or not. If not, then I would ask them to confirm funding for the next year and defer my admission.

[blacknighterrant]

I agree with what everyone else said, but wanted to add that I don't think you should try to rush to make your decision before the deadline. Even if they have nothing for you now, as April 15th approaches more of those they offered money will start rejecting the offer and they will possibly offer you late funding, you lose nothing waiting a bit longer, you can still start making plans to go somewhere else in case it doesn't work out.

[anthrostudentcyn]

@farflung @rising_star @fuzzylogician @MathCat So I am having coffee with the DGS today (he asked). Any tips for staying professional but firm in my expectations and need for funding? I've never had a full time job so haven't really ever had "salary negotiations" or anything. 

[GradSchoolTruther]

You won't break the DGS's heart by stating your funding needs. You aren't negotiating anything. At least you'll get to pick the DGS's brain for a bit regarding doctoral studies

[TakeruK]

I agree--this is not really a negotiation. A negotiation requires both parties to want the deal to work out, but it does not seem like the case here. Instead, this conversation is purely information gathering---you want to find out what the actual support is so then you can decide whether or not you can attend. I think @MathCat original advice still applies---be honest and clear on the fact that you cannot attend without better funding and ask for it politely. Express how interested you are in their program and see what they say is possible. You don't have to worry about being "firm" because there is no way you will walk out of this conversation being "forced" to take an unfunded offer: the worst case scenario is that you walk away knowing that you cannot attend this school with the offered package. You also don't have to worry about burning bridges because you aren't going to be making demands either (since this is not a negotiation). Think about it as getting clarification and details on what the funding package really means and what the future possibilities are (i.e. is there a chance that you'll get a different offer closer to April 15? etc.)

Another important factor is comparing this offer to the norms of your field. Is your field one where fully funded PhDs are normal? (by fully funded, I mean all tuition is waived AND you get a paid al living stipend). If this is true, then I would actually consider unfunded (or partially funded like this offer) offers to be soft rejections. Basically, they did not accept you but want to give you a chance to still attend if you are somehow willing or able to pay for it yourself. In this case, I'd echo the above advice---don't do an unfunded PhD.

Also related is whether or not this offer is the same for all accepted PhD students at this program. If all of the other PhD students have fully funded offers but you do not, then you are essentially a second-class student. Again, I would not advise taking such an offer and I would consider this "offer" as a soft rejection.

However, if this type of offer is normal in your field and all incoming students have similar partial funded offers, then it's up to you whether or not this offer is worth the cost of grad school. I personally would not pay for graduate education, but I know fully funded offers don't exist in other fields. At least if you take a partially funded offer in this case, you know you are not in the "soft rejection" case and unfortunately this is just how the field is and you have to decide if you want to be a part of it. 

[anthrostudentcyn]

hey all, just wondering, would it be better to reapply next year or in two years? is there a major difference/would next year be too soon?

[GradSchoolTruther]

Reapplying to the same school might not be the best choice. If they aren't going to fund you now, what will change in the future?

[anthrostudentcyn]

@GradSchoolTruther I mean idk they didn't outright reject me so obviously me app was decent. Things I could do to improve are work opportunities in my field and publications or conference presentations. But yes that may not be enough. They encouraged me to reapply. 

[fuzzylogician]

4 hours ago, anthrostudentcyn said:

hey all, just wondering, would it be better to reapply next year or in two years? is there a major difference/would next year be too soon?

I don't think there is any harm in applying again next year. You never know what circumstances led to the unfunded offer and it's possible that next year will be different. It's better if you have more to show for your year, if not much has changed then the chances of a different outcome are lower. But I don't think there is anything to lose by trying. 

[anthrostudentcyn]

@fuzzylogician thanks! I actually have a bunch of really great job experience prospects for next year. Plus I may take advanced courses in my proposed area of study, something that id been lacking. I applied right from a BA so I think a gap year would be great!