Poncho

I happened to call today. I was told by the office that I had been made placed into the second round, and that they were currently determining how many students in my division would admitted, but it sounds like a wait-list to me. I applied for Materials Chem.

I'm in the same boat @coldplay32. Don't be too disappointed about it, consider it their loss!

@someyoungkid - I believe YaBoyAR was referencing how Minnesota was in comparison to UIUC. I'm sure both programs are good all around, but Illinois has a much better reputation IMO.

Personally, I'd like to work with a younger faculty member who has just received tenure but it still looking to further their career and depending highly on motivated graduate students. Sort of a cheap way out, but easily the most ideal. I think too old, and too established groups are easier to get lost in, and I've heard horror stories about being a disposable worker and never have a good connection to the faculty member who will be writing you a very personal LOR once you graduate. It also scares the hell out of me to pick an assistant professor with some awesome research, only to have him/her leave in the middle of my studies and leaving me struggling to stay afloat.

I don't think you'll necessarily need to give them the exact details of the why you are choosing not to accept their offer. I think you had it right by saying, "Thank you, but I will not be attending in the Fall due to other opportunities." If they really want to follow up for more details they will do so. But I'm in the same boat as you applying for Fall 2014, so this is just my two cents.