<p>So I have a bit of a dilemma...
I just finished my first year as a PhD student in psychology. As an undergraduate I was actually a double major in psych and international relations, both of which I really loved. I reallllllllly wanted to go to grad school because I really enjoy being in school and at the time of my applying I thought that I would be happier with psychology as well as have a better chance of getting in due to past research/volunteering experiences. However, ever since I've been in this program I've lost the passion that I used to have. It's not the work or class difficulty or anything, I honestly think that I just made the wrong decision and should've applied for IR (international relations) programs all along! I know this sounds terrible because if you're going to apply for a PhD you should be darn sure that that is what you want with your future... Still, I loved them both equally and I had to choose. Unfortunately I seem to have chosen wrong, but hindsight is 20/20 of course. Well, I'm still sure that I want to go for a PhD because the learning opportunities are much more appealing to me as well as the research that I can conduct under such a program. I'm terrified though that if I try to transfer it will look horrible because I didn't commit to my original program. I read a few forums about people changing schools WITHIN the discipline and apparently it's intensely looked down upon by the schools that they try to apply to. In my case, however, my current institution doesn't actually have a PhD program for IR, or poli sci, or anything of the sort; they only have a Master's. I understand that that makes my transferring more justifiable. Still, how can I prove and explain to my prospective schools that I know for sure and without a doubt that changing is the right decision and that I'm not just flaky? Also, what are my chances of being accepted considering I'm reapplying after only my first year of study?
I know this was stupid on my part but I honestly believe that if I stay in this program I will have a fairly unhappy 4 years and will lose out on doing something that I want to do so badly. It was a bad mistake but I just don't want to think that the situation is irreversible and the damage is permanently done.
Does anyone have any advice/suggestions/personal experience with a similar situation?</p>
<p>What subfield of psych? You could probably make a better arguement moving to IR from, say, social than from something like clinical and cognitive.</p>
<p>I’m in developmental right now and conducting research on bilingualism. Not very IR but yes, you’re right, more-so IR than a clinical program. I’m mostly worried that I’ll look either flaky or irresponsible for leaving a program that I should have committed to… Like I said, I know that I made a very dumb mistake by doing so but now that it’s done, do I really have no chance of switching? Are prospective schools going to be really put off by this? How can I get it across to them that I am still a good candidate despite such a mishap?</p>
<p>I think it will be difficult but not insurmountable. Everyone has taken a class or a job or a date that in retrospect they wish they had not. The best way to show prospective schools that you are still viable is to (a) excel at your current program (as the SEAL’s say “it pays to be a winner”) and (b) thoroughly investigate prospective schools before applying, searching for all those things that make your current program unacceptable.</p>
<p>Thanks! I hope so… I’m going in to talk to my adviser today and I’m so nervous… It would be terrible to burn bridges (especially if I am not accepted anywhere but just in general too). I hope she is understanding but she’s a tough lady so I kind of doubt it.
I’m glad to hear that the damage may not be irreversible! This is just such a bad situation and I wish I’d known then what I know now…</p>
<p>I would not talk to your department yet!!! Once you do that there is no going back! Wait until you have had some discussions with IR profs at prospective schools, and have a better understanding of your possibilities.</p>
<p>Hmm… OK that is a good point… Yeah maybe I will hold off on this. I’ve been thinking for days how I was going to broach the subject but maybe if I said that I’ve already had some discussions with other programs it would make me seem more serious and less petulant. Of course, there is also the matter of how interested they would be so yes, you’re right I think I will hold off. Thanks cosmicfish!
Now it’s a just a matter of figuring out how to present myself and this situation in a decent light. Do you think I’d be better off emailing the professors I’d be interested to work with or just contacting the department for now?</p>
<p>I would contact professors, and I would not use this as the lead off. At first just introduce yourself as someone interested in a PhD in IR. If they respond in a receptive manner, then broach the subject.</p>
<p>OK I’ll try it… Thanks again, you’ve both been very helpful!</p>