How to reject a PI?

[Halcyon32]

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Hey guys, I'm gonna be sending some emails soon to several PIs at my uni to do start doing some research. My question is, if more than one PI accepts me into their lab, how do I tell the other PI(s) that I've chosen another lab to work in. I feel like no matter what it would be rude to email/phone/meet in person with a PI only to tell them "lol nvm" and go somewhere else?

Follow-up question: Would it be a good idea to start contacting PIs now, during break, (as I want to start during the start of next semester) or should I wait until a little closer to the start of the semester/after the semester has already started.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[allantois]

They will usually not accept you via email, but instead invite for chat. Just let them know whatever the situation is, as they have more important things to worry about than "you rejecting them".

 

[philosonista]

If possible, contact one at a time, starting with your top choice, and then contact more only if you do not get your higher choice. You do not want to ruffle any feathers in departments you often frequent. Though Allantois is right, they likely won't care that much.

But do try it just one at a time.

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Hey guys, I'm gonna be sending some emails soon to several PIs at my uni to do start doing some research. My question is, if more than one PI accepts me into their lab, how do I tell the other PI(s) that I've chosen another lab to work in. I feel like no matter what it would be rude to email/phone/meet in person with a PI only to tell them "lol nvm" and go somewhere else?

Follow-up question: Would it be a good idea to start contacting PIs now, during break, (as I want to start during the start of next semester) or should I wait until a little closer to the start of the semester/after the semester has already started.

Thanks in advance for your help

Just be up front about it.

Dear so and so PI,

[Generic words of appreciation for considering you] -> I regret to inform you I will not be able to participate in your study as an undergraduate research assistant blah blah -> [Generic apology]

Kind Regards,
Halcyon32

 

[Catalystik]

To answer the final question: Start contacting PIs now.

 

[Psai]

Don't count your chickens before they've hatched

 

[Halcyon32]

Thank you guys for all your help

 

[Law2Doc]

Hey guys, I'm gonna be sending some emails soon to several PIs at my uni to do start doing some research. My question is, if more than one PI accepts me into their lab, how do I tell the other PI(s) that I've chosen another lab to work in. I feel like no matter what it would be rude to email/phone/meet in person with a PI only to tell them "lol nvm" and go somewhere else?

Follow-up question: Would it be a good idea to start contacting PIs now, during break, (as I want to start during the start of next semester) or should I wait until a little closer to the start of the semester/after the semester has already started.

Thanks in advance for your help

I wouldn't worry about rejecting them. They likely aren't putting all their eggs into one basket either. Just say, thanks for the opportunity but that you have found something else. 99% won't care and by the next day will have found someone else.

 

[ImmunoLove]

Speaking as a PI, I don't care if you reject me. I'm glad you've found a position with better fit (it's actually a pain to train new people and I'd rather not deal with the revolving door of interns if I can manage it).

A simple "hey thanks for taking the time/introducing me to lab/what you do. I've decided to intern at X instead" is fine.

 

[ls2412]

I would ask sooner rather than later. When I was looking for a lab, I sent out a ton of emails and many weren't looking for undergrads or just didn't respond. The lab I've been in for years took a month to send me an email back asking for my resume. It depends on what school you're at, but it can't hurt to start early.

 

[Halcyon32]

I would ask sooner rather than later. When I was looking for a lab, I sent out a ton of emails and many weren't looking for undergrads or just didn't respond. The lab I've been in for years took a month to send me an email back asking for my resume. It depends on what school you're at, but it can't hurt to start early.

Thanks, I'm starting right now. But I'm also curious if my school's system is the same for most schools: my school has a section on the website specifically for research and like hundreds of professors post that their lab is looking for students and give the info and requisites and stuff like that. Do other schools have such a system or how is it done?

 

[ls2412]

Thanks, I'm starting right now. But I'm also curious if my school's system is the same for most schools: my school has a section on the website specifically for research and like hundreds of professors post that their lab is looking for students and give the info and requisites and stuff like that. Do other schools have such a system or how is it done?

Mine doesn't have that, so I just looked at department research pages and emailed PIs that I thought had interesting research. If you know if they're looking for students then your success rate will likely be higher than mine! I wish my school had that

 

[Halcyon32]

Mine doesn't have that, so I just looked at department research pages and emailed PIs that I thought had interesting research. If you know if they're looking for students then your success rate will likely be higher than mine! I wish my school had that

Haha I thought so too but the first professor I emailed immediately replied that he didn't need any assistants. I wish they would just take the postings down if they dont need students. For both our sakes. Whatever, the hunt has only begun