EarsToHear

What are the thoughts on accepting an offer off the waiting list? Is it irrational to feel like a second-rate admit?

<BR><BR><BR>I want to call the department and give them a lesson on good manners.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know they aren't intentionally being rude, but I can't help feeling slighted when they tell me that I <I>may</I> hear a decision by April 15, but that they could not guarantee it!&nbsp;&nbsp;Deep, calming breaths people.

I was confident that I would hear from my first choice program, School A, by now. My second choice, School B, had graciously given me until April 2 to decide. However, when I called School A just now they told me that I may hear back before April 15, but they weren't sure. This is so frustrating! And the most annoying thing is that I know I can't really speed the process! If I don't accept School B's offer and then receive a rejection from School A, I'm out of luck for this year. OR I will have to accept School B's offer and then, if School A does in fact accept me, cross that bridge. And I keep hearing that backing out of a decision is a big deal. Ay yay yay, does anyone have insight? By the way, I don't feel comfortable asking for a second extension from School B, especially because School A cannot give me any timeline whatsoever. Thanks everyone!

How do I ask for an extension at the last moment? I was trying to wait a few days to hear back from my first choice, but I have heard nothing. I would like to ask for one additional week to make my decision, as it is a big one! Should I email or call the department? Any thoughts on wording my request? By the way, tomorrow is the deadline for letting them know my decision (yikes!). Any help would be appreciated!

I have yet to hear back from my first choice program, and I have a feeling that I will hear something towards the end of next week. Meanwhile, I have been accepted to my second choice, and have been given a deadline of March 19 (this Friday) to decide. I really do not want to ask school B for an extension, as I don't want them to think I am ungrateful or selfish, or that I don't want to go to their school. At this point I feel that the best thing to do would be to call school A and ask politely when I can expect to hear back from the department. So, my question is this: Is it shady to accept school B's offer, and then change my decision if school A accepts me? It sounds wrong just typing it, but I honestly don't know what else to do because I like both programs, but obviously my first choice has priority. Thoughts?

Come April or May, if you suspect this to be the case, I suggest contacting the admissions office. There is always the chance that there was an oversight, or that they are taking extra time with the decision process. Either way, the adcomm cannot hold it against you for wanting to know what is going on with your own application. It's not too much to ask. And if they still do not respond, I would have serious reservations about attending such an institution.

Wow, your brother's undergrad school really missed out on having a great grad student. He was probably glad to move on elsewhere with his studies. :]

3.78 is a good GPA. My first impression after considering your post was "wow, this person has persistance." The first school was not right for you, and you had some serious personal challenges, but you continued to pursue both degrees and ended up with a great GPA. &nbsp;Adcomms will most likely NOT hold this against you at all. I think they will look at you in terms of where you are now, and how these experiences have shaped you into a potential graduate student. After all, none of us go into undergrad with all of the maturity and skills needed for grad school. That is developed. Don't let this discourage you.