Be an RA if you might transfer? Forum

[boilerplated]

I've been offered an opportunity to work as a summer research assistant for a professor at my school. The thing is, there's a chance I may transfer. His project and timeline are such that I could take the position and still make the transfer if I chose to do so, which will depend entirely on where I get in. I'd really like to take the position, but should I let him know there's a chance I won't be here in the fall? Do you think he'd care?

[OGR3]

I've been offered an opportunity to work as a summer research assistant for a professor at my school. The thing is, there's a chance I may transfer. His project and timeline are such that I could take the position and still make the transfer if I chose to do so, which will depend entirely on where I get in. I'd really like to take the position, but should I let him know there's a chance I won't be here in the fall? Do you think he'd care?

Do you have another job for the summer? If not, I'd say you pretty much have no choice at this point.

[boilerplated]

I have another part-time, unpaid position. This is also part-time but paid. May primary issue is with whether it's appropriate to tell the prof I might be transferring.

[OGR3]

I have another part-time, unpaid position. This is also part-time but paid. May primary issue is with whether it's appropriate to tell the prof I might be transferring.

I wouldn't tell him until you have an acceptance in hand, but other than that, I think it's okay. Chances are very likely that he went to a much better school than you're at right now (unless you're transferring between T14s).