Hi,
Here's my situation: I have a PhD admit from a top Atmospheric Science school (Penn State). I have applied to a number of other top schools (UWashington, CU Boulder, Columbia, UMiami) that I haven't heard back from yet.
Now, the problem is that my PI really wants somebody to fill this position, so he's requested me to make a decision in three weeks. This is a very good project, and I'm very tempted to accept. I'm wondering how to handle this situation. Can I ask the other univs to hurry up with their decision? They're all roughly equivalent on my preference list, and I'd like to have a few options before I commit.