Should I apply to research positions before I hear back from fellowships that I really really want,

[DevelopmentaIsh97]

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So I'm a senior in undergrad studying psychology. The plan is to take a gap year or two before applying to graduate school for clinical psych or developmental psych. I have a massive list of labs and research hospitals to apply to for research positions; however, I recently learned of two fellowships that are extremely relevant to my ultimate career goals. These fellowships have deadlines in early January and I likely won't hear back till March. If I email labs in November, and am offered a position, what do I do? I would hate to accept a position and then decline it months later. That would be really annoying and frustrating for a lab. So do I have to wait till I hear back from the fellowships to apply to other positions? I will definitely take either of the fellowships over just an RA position.

 

[MTLDR]

So I'm a senior in undergrad studying psychology. The plan is to take a gap year or two before applying to graduate school for clinical psych or developmental psych. I have a massive list of labs and research hospitals to apply to for research positions; however, I recently learned of two fellowships that are extremely relevant to my ultimate career goals. These fellowships have deadlines in early January and I likely won't hear back till March. If I email labs in November, and am offered a position, what do I do? I would hate to accept a position and then decline it months later. That would be really annoying and frustrating for a lab. So do I have to wait till I hear back from the fellowships to apply to other positions? I will definitely take either of the fellowships over just an RA position.

Probably the most ethical thing to do would be to apply to the fellowships and research positions but warn the labs that you may have to leave after 4 months or so. It would diminish your chances but it would be honest. Another option is to just volunteer in a lab to build experience while you wait for news on the fellowships.