Back-up options

[zeira]

I was just wondering what kind of back-up options people have. Hopefully, come march, we'll all be admitted into our top choices programs with nice fellowships and all the perks . However, especially as an international student, I have to take into consideration the small chance that this might not happen. I have some job offers now, but I doubt they would wait until March to know my final decision, and I'd rather not lie about my preferences... Hence, I'm really confused as to how to handle this.

Any suggestions? How is everyone else dealing with this possibility?

[user_name]

The Australians have a different academic calendar, so I guess that'll be a pretty decent backup option. But I like the idea of taking a year off too. Never done that in my life.

[nasshi]

Doing exactly what you said (not lying about your preferences) is what you need to do. You need to explain your circumstances to your potential employer, and if the employer is not flexible enough, they will say three things:

1. We'll wait on you to make a decision.
2. Contact us when you know more, and we may or may not have a spot for you.
3. We have to rescind our offer.

Hopefully they won't say the latter, but they might. Again, don't commit to anything that may burn bridges with employers at a later date. Likewise, don't pretend that lack of funding isn't an option (which you don't seem to be doing ). Just be completely honest, and things will work out for the best.

Edit: My "backup" for not getting into a top program is staying at my current institution and completing a masters in mathematics with a thesis.

[zeira]

Thanks for the advice, nasshi! Good luck with everything.

[butler blue]

Scramble like mad to find employment. That's my backup plan.

[jahizbarlas]

my plan is to have a good safety net. im sure there are schools you can easily get into.
im not the 9-5 kind of guy, so jobs are out (i say this now, i might have to eat my own words if things go badddd).
some people apply to their own schools for phds cuz youre pretty much gonna get admitted, as long as you have decent scores. maybe you should try that...
ultimately it all depends on HOW much you want to stay a student

[zeira]

Well, I would take one of the job offers over some of the schools I am applying to, but as of now I don't have that option anymore. Being honest doesn't work sometimes . Let's hope grad school will work out.

[abababba]

So this may be way too late, but most job offers for corporate positions in the US are completely reversable. You can sign the contract and then pull out by resigning at any time. You just have to give back the signing bonus or a pro rata portion if you work for part of the contracted time.

[Jhai]

I'll relocate to San Jose, which is where my fiance lives, and apply for San Jose State's master's program in math - applications are open until July. Or maybe just get a job at some start-up for the year.