Mr. Vivek Kumar, a young and well-paid marine engineer, was an applicant to the Doctoral Programme of IIMA. Based on his performance in aptitude tests and personal interview, he was offered admission to the programme starting 1992. He does not accept the Institute's offer of admission and writes a letter to the Doctoral Programme Chairman giving reasons for his choice. The case throws light on underlying processes of making important personal/career decisions as well as residual emotions associated with them.