english_MA

Hello, I've applied to 5 English MA programs and been accepted into Georgetown, American, and UMass Boston, declined by UPenn, and heard nothing back from Penn State. Today's 3/31 and some of my other offers include funding and have an April 15 deadline. I spoke to one school about taking more time to decide and they were very gracious and awesome and said I could take more time and the offer would still stand. But I'm not sure how typical that is? And I felt a little sheepish asking in the first place. Today, I called Penn State as I had done about a week ago and they said "the department is still deliberating, decisions haven't been made." Then they said a letter should go out in the next week or two. So obviously, that will be cutting it quite close. In the results forum, I see that about 3 people have reported offers from Penn State - one person saying they were accepted off the wait-list. I never heard any news about being wait-listed. So should I not hold my breath, is no news necessarily bad news in this scenario? And, what are people's thoughts on pressing for more information? Is it appropriate to e-mail or call and reiterate my interest in the program and stress the fact that I need a decision by April 15th? I thought that was sort of an unofficial deadline anyway. Is it appropriate to ask other programs for more time? Thanks!