<p>So I only applied to a few grad programs in my field because I made a very late decision to apply. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do or where to apply. As stupid as this may sound, I only applied to about 5 schools in my (now) main research interest but about 10 more in areas that (aren't) now my main interest. I got into a few schools, but only about one that does the research I'm most interested in. I don't like the location and it has only 1 prof researching in that area, so its risky if that prof doesn't take on new students or we can't get along personally. Thus, I'm seriously considering reapplying </p>
<p>If I reapply, I plan to spend the rest of this year doing research in my (now) main research area with a new prof, since I didn't get to as an undergrad, and to work maybe 60 hrs/wk in it. </p>
<p>My 1st previous research advisor told me he won't write me LORs again. My 2nd research advisor didn't even respond to my email when I notified him about where I got accepted to and how I hinted that I may want to reapply next year. Maybe he also won't want to write another LOR if I reapply? </p>
<p>Anyways, I was thinking of being upfront and directly telling him that I'm very strongly considering reapplying and asking if he'll write me another LOR if I reapply. He has sometimes ignored my emails in the past, but for something as significant as telling him where I got accepted to, he usually responds to those kinds of emails. So I took it as a very bad sign that he ignored that. Should I ask him by email or phone?</p>
<p>On a side note, come to think about it, I guess I can't really blame my 1st advisor who wrote the LORs. He's written them for me about 3 times before. The first time, I turned down the offers I got for summer research programs because I accepted an internship offer that was closer to home (my father was seriously ill). The 2nd, I again turned down an offer for a research program to take care of my father who passed away shortly afterwards (this really sucked. That was almost a dream internship). The 3rd, I applied to 1 MS grad program last year, but turned it down since it wasn't funded and because it was a last second backup plan. So I can see why he'd be irritated that I turned down more acceptances from his LORs this yr. But OTOH, i don't know if I explained that I turned down the offers the first 2 times BECAUSE of my father's serious illness. If I did, I can see why he forgot, as he's busy with other things and I haven't seen him in person in 3 yrs since hes at another university </p>
<p>My 2nd advisor wrote me LORs for 2 of those 3 times I mentioned in the paragraph above</p>