<p>So I recently got an email from a prof at an engineering program after I applied there for the MS program. I wasn’t completely sure about committing to a phD, and my background is in physics not engineering, so I applied to the MS. This prof talked about this current research projects and mentioned he has an RAship available but expects me to be about 80-90% sure I want to commit to the Phd. I told him I needed more time to think and had to hear from other schools as well.</p>
<p>I know profs don’t like it when phD students leave with just an MS. But I heard they could understand if you sincerely quit despite previously being committed to the PhD. If I agree to work with him and am pretty sure about committing to the phD, but then leave with an MS in order to apply for a phD program in another field (such as a science field), would he not want to write me a good LOR?</p>
<p>This question is impossible to answer without knowing the professor and what your relationship with the professor will be like. If you will get along with him well and he is understanding then I see no reason why he wouldn’t write a good letter of recommendation. However, if he is vengeful and you don’t have the best relationship then you might not get the best recommendation.</p>
<p>Hmm, most of the people I went to grad school with were getting only their MSs. I think if I were the prof and I’d made it so clear I wanted you to continue, I’d be unhappy if you left for another field. If he’s counting on you for research, it wouldn’t be good to quit in the middle of the project.</p>
<p>Pulling out would be bad in this situation. Pulling out is best when both parties know beforehand, or it can create an awkward or even angry situation. Personally, I would just talk to the other party and express how you feel about pulling out, maybe even list the pros and cons. If you’re serious about staying in for the entire time and finishing, then do that. I mean, it would feel great to commit to a long enduring affair and know that you finished it. But of course if your heart isn’t in it, then pulling might be your best bet. Good luck.</p>