- #1
Rudra K
- 4
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I started my Ph.D program this year in material science and engineering at a reputed school in the US. After a month I realized that I am more interested in how electrical engineers approach nanotechnology/microelectronics. I liked the idea of applying science to optimize devices and make useful tools out of novel materials.
I realized that most of the work of MSE is focused on synthesizing, characterizing and observing and explaining phenomena in materials, and not really concerned about applications. I also realized that I am not really interested in pursuing a PhD now, and that will not harm my job prospects. However, a job in this field in my country requires an electrical engineering degree.
So I decided to drop out of my program (after 1 month in) since I saw no point in committing to an advisor, and it would be unethical to take funding if my intentions are to leave with a master's degree. I am currently applying to electrical engineering master's programs (self-funded), and I received support from my undergraduate LOR writers.
However, I am not sure how I should frame my situation to admission committees. It seems like no matter how I frame it, it looks bad. How would I frame this in my SOP? Did I ruin my admission chances? I have a good Undergraduate GPA (>3.8) and a year and a half of research experience.
I talked to my UG research advisor and he was not willing to write me a LOR since he believes I had a chance and I below it. I just don't see the point of doing something I am not happy about, let alone wasting others' time and resources. I know my situation is rare but I would really appreciate any advice.
I realized that most of the work of MSE is focused on synthesizing, characterizing and observing and explaining phenomena in materials, and not really concerned about applications. I also realized that I am not really interested in pursuing a PhD now, and that will not harm my job prospects. However, a job in this field in my country requires an electrical engineering degree.
So I decided to drop out of my program (after 1 month in) since I saw no point in committing to an advisor, and it would be unethical to take funding if my intentions are to leave with a master's degree. I am currently applying to electrical engineering master's programs (self-funded), and I received support from my undergraduate LOR writers.
However, I am not sure how I should frame my situation to admission committees. It seems like no matter how I frame it, it looks bad. How would I frame this in my SOP? Did I ruin my admission chances? I have a good Undergraduate GPA (>3.8) and a year and a half of research experience.
I talked to my UG research advisor and he was not willing to write me a LOR since he believes I had a chance and I below it. I just don't see the point of doing something I am not happy about, let alone wasting others' time and resources. I know my situation is rare but I would really appreciate any advice.
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