How to send a rejection email

[eamiller12]

Maybe someone can give me some advice on this:

I went on an 'unofficial' visit to a school of interest a few months ago and was basically recruited by one of the professors there. I really like him and his research, but I decided that I didn't like the school or the town. However, I haven't told this professor yet because I guess a part of me is hoping I will change my mind (I won't) or that I'll get in somewhere else (I won't) and can use that as an excuse. The application deadline is February 1st and the professor has already contacted me asking if I have made any decisions yet. I don't see the point in finishing the application, but I really think I owe this person an explanation as to why, after leading him on for several months, I'm not even going to bother finishing my application. Anyone have a suggestion on how to phrase an email to this person?

[twocosmicfish]

There is not really a good way to do this, but on the bright side professors are used to "Dear John" letters from prospective grad students. Simply tell him that you have changed your research area and will not be applying to school "X". It happens, he will get over it.

[eikko]

Yep, don't worry too much about it. Just say you liked meeting the prof and hope to be in touch about research in the future. You don't really owe him a reason for not applying, just let him know.

[jordy]

Maybe someone can give me some advice on this:

I went on an 'unofficial' visit to a school of interest a few months ago and was basically recruited by one of the professors there. I really like him and his research, but I decided that I didn't like the school or the town. However, I haven't told this professor yet because I guess a part of me is hoping I will change my mind (I won't) or that I'll get in somewhere else (I won't) and can use that as an excuse. The application deadline is February 1st and the professor has already contacted me asking if I have made any decisions yet. I don't see the point in finishing the application, but I really think I owe this person an explanation as to why, after leading him on for several months, I'm not even going to bother finishing my application. Anyone have a suggestion on how to phrase an email to this person?

Wait, I'm confused. You liked his research and you clicked well, and you said you won't get in anywhere else. So are you opting not to go to grad school at all or to go through the process all over again because you weren't fond of the city or school as a whole? Not trying to pass judgment, I'm just wondering how bad the city and school really were to make you pass up an opportunity for graduate work (if I'm understanding this correctly).