So, I apologize for sounding harsh, and yes, I may need some perspective. I have known many people from diverse families. My best friend is an Arab Muslim. My husband is a Russian Jew. However, I obviously live in America and I have never had to deal with not having my freedom of choice or even witnessing it here. My perspective is one that an American university may have or maybe even not. I have been through graduate school for my Master's and I am well aware of the politics. What I can tell you is that I have heard talk before about potential graduate students and concern about an applicant and their family. I have heard someone say that they will not take on a graduate student if they believe they are too close to their family. Yes, it may be harsh, but it is politics. I was merely giving advice on how to handle your communications with this university (if it is in America or even anywhere else) and I am sorry for being harsh. Politics are always involved and you do not want to cut your ties with a school because you are not interested in them at the moment even though you applied. You may be later or you may be looking for a faculty position down the road. You should always assume you may need that connection later. You should also assume that faculty from one school may communicate with faculty from another. That was why I suggested that you wait to see what they say. If you call them up and tell them you didn't want to apply, you burn that bridge. You do not want to burn any bridges, especially so early in the game. So I am sorry. I only meant to give advice and I did come out looking like a complete jerk.