To accept or not to accept?

[Swurtle]

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Here is my dilemma:

This was my first year applying. I applied to 11 programs, and I had one interview at American in February. I had not specified a POI on the application, as it was not requested. At the interview, I met with 'random' professors who seemed confused as to why I had not chosen a POI. I did have two in mind and introduced myself to them and said that I would be interested in working for them.

I heard from a professor I had not met this past friday, who accepted me to study with him. Great! However, the position is 100% un-funded, and without a chance to find a paid T.A. position. I asked him what his research projects entailed and they were very interesting to me, but part of me is not totally thrilled about this offer.

American was not one of my top choices. In addition, I would have to move to DC from Boston where my family is. I was also offered a new job here in Boston doing research administration for a medical study. If I took the job, I would be able to make a much better salary than my current position in psychiatric hospital and save up money for the future. Also, I would have the chance to author research papers, which I have not yet done. I feel like this would improve my chances of getting into a good program next year.

Is it worth it to accept the position, knowing full well that I will have years of loans to pay off if I do, or should I take the chance and wait another year and apply again, hoping to get into a fully-paid program that I am actually excited about? Or is it totally stupid to pass this up?

Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated!!!!!!

 

[Ollie123]

This is a very personal decision - I mean, chances of getting into a program in Boston are not THAT great (though there are plenty of schools...), so you might end up having to move anyways.

For me, unfunded in DC would be a terrible decision, but that's based off my current financial situation and isn't the case for everyone. I'd think twice before taking on that much debt. As long as you expect you will be improving your application and chances of going to a program with another year or two off - that seems worth the wait to me.

 

[psychanon]

This is a tough one, but if it were me I would not accept the offer, primarily because it is unfunded (and I'm assuming you'd have to pay high private school tuition + high DC cost of living), but also because it sounds like the research area is not what you truly want to study, and this is something that will have a long term impact on your career. It also sounds like you'll be able to put yourself in a better position for next time. Of course, this leaves you open to a lot of uncertainty about whether you'll get in again, but as long as you're comfortable with that (and with the prospect of possibly having to apply again more than once) it'd probably be worth it to avoid the debt. I would not make a decision based on wanting to stay in Boston, because you'll have to leave eventually (unless you can get one of the very few coveted spots at one of the very few programs on Boston, and don't count on that). But it sounds like you have enough other reasons to do this anyway.

 

[NewPsychStudent]

While it's a personal decision, I retain my right to give you my opinion. Do not do this. You and I both know your gut is telling you this is a bad idea. Take the new job, save up, improve that CV and apply again next year. You will have learned more about the ins and outs of this intolerable process and you will be better for it with more cash in your pocket---try and find a funded position next year...you have your whole life ahead of you, losing one year is nothing!

 

[clinpsychjack]

My opinion: take the job. From your description, it sounds like you're leaning toward that option anyway. Also, it's your first time applying, and I'm sure next time around your application will be so stellar (with added experience from the job) that you'll get to choose between many funded offers. You'd probably also be able to secure additional letters of recommendation from people in the field. Is this job in your research interest area?

Also, the fact that you didn't apply to American with a POI in mind initially is concerning. I only applied to the schools I did because of the research match with my POI. The decision to attend my school was largely based on my mentor and the strength of the research match. I think that's one of the most important (if not, the most important) factors in deciding where to attend. However, others disagree I'm sure. I just know I would be miserable attending grad school for 4-5 years researching something that was only slightly interesting to me. Also, funding is another major consideration. I don't know what American's deal is, but an 100% non-funded program doesn't sound great---particularly when 90% (or higher) of clinical phd programs are fully funded with stipends.

 

[bigdodge53]

It really sounds like you have already made up your mind because you had such an easier time describing the positive reasons for you to stay in Boston. I am unaware of the exact number of programs in the Boston area but I agree with some of the others that you might be pigeonholing yourself by applying to only programs in that area. I am pretty sure that there are some other programs that are within a day's drive that might also be attractive.