Reaching out to a POI you previously turned down?

[cobalt27]

Hi all,

I'm currently in an MS program. I'm enjoying it and like my advisor, but the more work I do, the more I realize that I'm not crazy about my project or my advisor's specific area of research in general.

To be honest, if I'm just doing a MS then this is fine - my original plan was to get in and out in two years, and I'm on track to do that.

However, being back in school and so engrossed in my subject has really reignited my love for it, and I am considering continuing on for a PhD (if it would benefit my long term career goals). I almost accepted at a different school, and the POI there was disappointed when I turned down their offer. In general, how receptive do you think a POI would be to accepting a student for a PhD who has already turned down an offer? 

Thanks in advance for any comments or insight! 

 

[TakeruK]

I interpreted two potential questions in your post:

1. If you are asking whether you have a chance with the other POI in a future application even though you declined the other school's offer once before, then the answer is yes. I don't think future applications will be affected at all. Everyone understands that you need to make the choices that are best for you. Assuming you were professional, they are not going to hold a grudge against you for picking another school for your MS.

2. If you are asking whether or not you can transfer to the other school now (or next year) and continue in their PhD program, then the answer is probably not. Some schools will keep their admission offer valid for a year or so, but it sounds like the best path forward for you is to complete your 2 year MS and then start a PhD program afterwards. 

(I think you are asking about #1 but just wanted to make sure)

[cobalt27]

7 hours ago, TakeruK said:

I interpreted two potential questions in your post:

1. If you are asking whether you have a chance with the other POI in a future application even though you declined the other school's offer once before, then the answer is yes. I don't think future applications will be affected at all. Everyone understands that you need to make the choices that are best for you. Assuming you were professional, they are not going to hold a grudge against you for picking another school for your MS.

2. If you are asking whether or not you can transfer to the other school now (or next year) and continue in their PhD program, then the answer is probably not. Some schools will keep their admission offer valid for a year or so, but it sounds like the best path forward for you is to complete your 2 year MS and then start a PhD program afterwards. 

(I think you are asking about #1 but just wanted to make sure)

Thanks for the response. Yes, I was asking about #1 - finishing up my MS at my current university and potentially continuing on with a PhD at a different school.

That's good to hear! I was professional with all of my interactions, but we're all only human and I wasn't sure if declining would leave a sour taste or make me seem unreliable somehow.