UMass Boston/advice on waitlist crisis

[carlyb514]

Ok, so I'm not sure if this is outside of the norm of threads on this sort of forum, so I apologize if it seems strange to anyone. I have been waitlisted for UMass boston, which at this point I feel may be the only clinical psychology program I will be hearing from and was also my favorite. However, I have been offered an opportunity to teach and work in a foreign country (and maybe even get research experience), but I have to commit for a year. And it starts, pretty much right now. I am currently in the country and only have a few days more before I have to go in a sign a contract. I waited in the U.S. long enough to attend all the interviews, graduate school is my top priority and if I knew I was in there would be no question of what my choice would be. But I am very worried that if I pass on this job and then don't get into UMass, I am left with nothing. If I take the job and then get into the school, I will also be very upset because that is what I know I would like to do if I had the opportunity. My POI emailled me last week to let me know about my waitlist status and said she hoped to have an answer for me at the end of this week, but she just let me know she has no new information to share. Another member of the administration looked at the waitlist and told me I was "not that high up" and that I should "consider other offers". I know that that should be clear enough, and I have been given advice on what to do but I am EXTREMELY distressed at the idea that I might get an offer at the last minute and not be able to accept. I am incredibly stressed. Does anyone have any advice? Is there anyone who got an acceptance to Umass boston and would be willing to pm me their poi and the likelihood that they are going to accept this offer? Anything would help.

Thanks...

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[Phipps]

Ok, so I'm not sure if this is outside of the norm of threads on this sort of forum, so I apologize if it seems strange to anyone. I have been waitlisted for UMass boston, which at this point I feel may be the only clinical psychology program I will be hearing from and was also my favorite. However, I have been offered an opportunity to teach and work in a foreign country (and maybe even get research experience), but I have to commit for a year. And it starts, pretty much right now. I am currently in the country and only have a few days more before I have to go in a sign a contract. I waited in the U.S. long enough to attend all the interviews, graduate school is my top priority and if I knew I was in there would be no question of what my choice would be. But I am very worried that if I pass on this job and then don't get into UMass, I am left with nothing. If I take the job and then get into the school, I will also be very upset because that is what I know I would like to do if I had the opportunity. My POI emailled me last week to let me know about my waitlist status and said she hoped to have an answer for me at the end of this week, but she just let me know she has no new information to share. Another member of the administration looked at the waitlist and told me I was "not that high up" and that I should "consider other offers". I know that that should be clear enough, and I have been given advice on what to do but I am EXTREMELY distressed at the idea that I might get an offer at the last minute and not be able to accept. I am incredibly stressed. Does anyone have any advice? Is there anyone who got an acceptance to Umass boston and would be willing to pm me their poi and the likelihood that they are going to accept this offer? Anything would help.

Thanks...

Do you want UMass? 100%? If so I'd wait for the POI etc. to get back. If you think you can increase your chances/experience I'd go with the alternative option and reapply next year.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

Consider pulling your application. Then, you'll never know if you got in off the waitlist, you can start your job with no regrets, and apply next year.

 

[PsychApps2009]

What are the consequences if you break the contract for the job (e.g., if you accepted the job and then got into UMass and decided to go)? My understanding is that you're already in the country where the job would be correct? So you wouldn't necessarily lose the heavy cost of airfare. You would potentially anger or disappointment some people.... but unless there's a hefty fine to breaking the contract... it'd be something I would consider. I would rather take the job and then quit if I was offered a spot, than turn down the job and be left with nothing. So take the job... I can't see any job contract being so hardcore that the consequences of quitting would be too heavy to shoulder. But I could be wrong.

 

[g0708]

What are the consequences if you break the contract for the job (e.g., if you accepted the job and then got into UMass and decided to go)? My understanding is that you're already in the country where the job would be correct? So you wouldn't necessarily lose the heavy cost of airfare. You would potentially anger or disappointment some people.... but unless there's a hefty fine to breaking the contract... it'd be something I would consider. I would rather take the job and then quit if I was offered a spot, than turn down the job and be left with nothing. So take the job... I can't see any job contract being so hardcore that the consequences of quitting would be too heavy to shoulder. But I could be wrong.

I second this. Good luck 🙂

 

[Kappadocia]

If you decide to pass on the job and you end up not getting into UMass, it's a lose-lose.

I think you should take the job and remove yourself from the waitlist (unless you are 110% sure you want to wait for UMass). You will only improve your application for next time if you decide to take the teaching position. This is also a great way to immerse yourself in a different culture and have a great experience to talk about in your interviews next time around.

I do not recommend leaving the contact early because it's not just about a job...you are teaching people who will rely on you to follow through on your commitments and instruct them on their subject(s). I don't think it would be fair to them or to your employer to go into the job with an exit plan in hand.

 

[deliciousgoose]

What are the consequences if you break the contract for the job (e.g., if you accepted the job and then got into UMass and decided to go)? My understanding is that you're already in the country where the job would be correct? So you wouldn't necessarily lose the heavy cost of airfare. You would potentially anger or disappointment some people.... but unless there's a hefty fine to breaking the contract... it'd be something I would consider. I would rather take the job and then quit if I was offered a spot, than turn down the job and be left with nothing. So take the job... I can't see any job contract being so hardcore that the consequences of quitting would be too heavy to shoulder. But I could be wrong.

This is what I would do as well.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I do not recommend leaving the contact early because it's not just about a job...you are teaching people who will rely on you to follow through on your commitments and instruct them on their subject(s). I don't think it would be fair to them or to your employer to go into the job with an exit plan in hand.

Not fair or mature, AND potentially damaging to the OP to break a contract. OP: Think 10 times before taking advice to break a contract from people you don't know on the internet!!

 

[O Gurl]

If you decide to pass on the job and you end up not getting into UMass, it's a lose-lose.

I think you should take the job and remove yourself from the waitlist (unless you are 110% sure you want to wait for UMass). You will only improve your application for next time if you decide to take the teaching position. This is also a great way to immerse yourself in a different culture and have a great experience to talk about in your interviews next time around.

I do not recommend leaving the contact early because it's not just about a job...you are teaching people who will rely on you to follow through on your commitments and instruct them on their subject(s). I don't think it would be fair to them or to your employer to go into the job with an exit plan in hand.

I want to second this option. As you already suspect, being told by someone at the program that you are not high on the list and to "consider other options" is a pretty clear indication that barring some bizarre series of events, you will not receive an offer this time. Taking the job (with the intent on seeing it through) can only benefit you. Withdrawing your name shows the site that you are respectful and take your commitments seriously. They clearly liked you this time around. Handling this like a professional and getting good teaching experience will make them like you even more when you reapply.

Congrats on the job offer and best of luck!

 

[carlyb514]

Thanks for all the advice. I agree that although I have considered breaking the job once I arrive, it certainly isn't very professional, and I would feel too bad arriving under false pretenses and then leaving them in a poor position.