0

I need some help writing a polite email to a professor from a different department at my university. A while back I emailed him because I was interested in doing graduate studies at his department (I'm at a department in a pretty similar field). I asked him about the entrance exams and all the subjects I would be required to take before officially applying to do graduate studies. He answered back very politely recommending me some courses and also telling me which courses I would be required to take before officially applying. Unfortunately, it was far more than I'd expected, and I realized I'd have to do an extra year of undergraduate studies in order to do it.

Since I'm currently in a field that's very demanding, I think I wouldn't manage to pass all those extra courses (there's more than 10), and would probably just end up having a burnout. Now I don't know how to politely and considerately tell him I appreciate all the effort, but that I've changed my mind and I won't be applying to do graduate studies at his department. I feel like I just wasted his time because he seems to have put a lot of time in this, discussing it with his colleagues at the department and answering all my questions shortly.

I should say I'm at a small and not at all famous university in Europe, and they probably don't get many admissions or questions about graduate studies...

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    You didn't waste his time. Responding to you is part of his job, part of what he is paid for. He won't be sad or hurt. This happens all the time.
    – GrotesqueSI
    Sep 9, 2019 at 8:39
  • "Thank you for the detailed list of actions to move into Umptifratz Studies grad school. I have decided to stick with Thisthar Studies for my Ph.D. as it is a better fit with my undergrad. Perhaps our paths will cross in the future--I still retain some interest in Umptifratz applications."
    – guest
    Sep 9, 2019 at 13:07

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

As others have said, keep it short and straightforward. Like this:

Dear Professor,

Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, this list of courses is far longer than I expected. Given my other commitments, I'll probably not be able to pursue this further. Still, your response was very helpful in making an informed decision, thanks for taking the time.

--Name

Improve this answer
0
2

The important part is to thank him for his interest. Beyond that just say what you say here, that you now think it better to ... whatever. I suspect that he will just wish you luck and move on himself. Not every contact with a professor results in an advisory situation. He doesn't expect that.

He may be sad you aren't coming, but is unlikely to be angry. Don't obsess over it. Thanks... wish me luck...

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    And keep it short. Much shorter than the original question here.
    – Bryan Krause ♦
    Sep 8, 2019 at 22:18

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .