What are the implications for my PhD applications if I previously was offered a position but declined last-minute due to family health reasons?

Question

I work as a teaching and research associate at a university in Pakistan. I applied for PhD (Management) programs at 5 universities in the US last year. I was rejected by 1, wait listed by 2, almost accepted (had 2 interviews with 4 professors) by 1 and accepted by 1. The university that accepted me also gave me a full tuition scholarship, a stipend to cover the cost of living and health insurance. I was able to get my F1 visa.

Unfortunately, my father's health deteriorated just a few weeks before I was to leave. He has had long-term health problems and my family needed support at that time. I requested deferral but the university said that won’t be possible. I did not travel and my I20 was cancelled.

I would still like to pursue my doctoral education in the US and plan to apply again in Fall 2024. Therefore, I would like to get advice on what the implications of this situation will be for my future PhD applications. Will it significantly lower my probability of being accepted? And are there any visa implications?

Answer 1

I don't think it matters how many times you applied. If anything, the fact that you got already accepted once after sending out only 5 application is great!

If I were you, I would discuss the situation with the university that has accepted you and see if you can start later, or maybe, if possible, arrange some sort of collaboration between them and a uni in your hometown. You still may use the time to read up on the topic anyways, right. Just make sure that visa won't be an issue later on.

Answer 2

Regarding the visa, in my experience obtaining a visa and having it cancelled for external reasons (in my case, travel restrictions due to the Covid pandemic) did not prevent me from obtaining the same visa again later.

Regarding the PhD position, in theory it shouldn’t be a problem either. Mention it in the statement if you feel like it would support your application.

Lastly, if you apply in fall 24 then almost a year will pass. What you do in that year might influence your chances: try to do something that would strengthen your application, for example publishing papers or learning techniques relevant to the future PhD.