ktm9bar

Thanks for the advice. I'm likely not going to try it, mostly because I am too much of a wimp to actually go through with it and I can totally see myself getting caught in the act.

Only heard one acceptance so far, but will be chatting with DGS tomorrow. Is there any risk in saying "I'm weighing your offer with another offer. Does the department have any flexibility in funding?" Or is the ghost offer risking potentially being exposed for a fraud?!?

Thank you all. Good advice all around, and much appreciated.

Interested in some advice from you all. Long time reader, first time poster. I applied to seven schools, all top 30 (if those rankings mean anything). Still one more to hear back from but I've been rejected from all but one, which was ironically my top choice and by far the best fit for my research interests. Although I'm pleased with the acceptance and the package is fantastic, should I take the five (probably soon to be six) rejections as a sign that I'm not at the level that I need to be at? I've heard a lot of talk about it being a "crapshoot" but I feel like most of the folks on this board have either received multiple acceptances or all rejections, making their standing fairly clear. Anybody in a similar situation or have any advice? I am well too aware of the state of the profession and don't want to set myself up for failure solely on a mistakenly perceived sense of validation.