gliter250

I applied to the second school because I'm interested in working with two specific faculty members. I do not love the location of this university, which is why I asked whether it was worth it to visit after hearing from my top choice. Regarding the offer of admission, the director of the program made the offer, but the offer was not accompanied by a stipend amount or any financial information. The director also used the conditional (i.e. "your file is currently being processed...an official letter should arrive...we would need to hear from you by April"), which concerned me. Once I accepted, the director switched to the definitive (i.e., "we are very excited that you will be joining us"), but there was no financial clarification. I was informed that the letter will arrive anywhere in the next 1 to 3 weeks. The interview at the second school falls within this timeline, but I want to be considerate of their time if I am in fact financially secure at my top choice.

Hi! I realize that I wasn't entirely clear earlier and came off a bit rude in not considering the other school. I applied to the second school because I would like to work with my POI, but certain reasons make it a less favorable option. Another user posted a similar question (phrased better) about prematurely rejecting other universities when I haven't received an official letter of admission in the mail. I was concerned about the first university rescinding their offer because of funding or some unforseen problem. You advised the other user to continue interviewing in case a problem does arise. Would you still say the same or do you still believe it's wasting time to visit the second university?

Both of your advice is soumd. I was worried because I was advised not to turn down other schools down until I receive an official letter of acceptance in the mail. I figured i should tell my top choice that i plan to attend so they hold my place but ill also inform the other school that im no longer interested. Thanks!

Today, I was accepted into my top choice program! I love the faculty, the school, and the surrounding city! However, I was invited to interview at another university and bought a train/bus ticket (9 hour trip - $80) just two days ago. This university isn't my preferred choice and is in a difficult location to reach in relation to the surrounding cities. This would make future travel (to the research lab and home) difficult. Essentially, is it worth it to visit the latter university when I know that I will accept the offer from the first one? It seems like a waste of money and time spent applying if I don't visit, but it might be rude to go knowing I will accept another offer. Also, what are the chances that the second university will know if I accept the offer from the former prior to the interview weekend? They are in the same state and someone at my first choice indicated that they knew I was asked to interview at the other university...was a bit awkward.

That makes sense. Thank you! I did have a great connection with him when we originally spoke so I will worry a bit less.

I applied to work with a professor who typically takes on 1 or 2 students at a time. His current and only student graduates this semester and I was the only one invited to come interview to work with him. Do professors without students get "dibs" over professors who take on 2 or 3 students? Also, does this increase my chances of getting into the program so that the professor isn't left without a grad student?