philgrad

Probably everyone is close to their email today, including program directors. But if say within the next couple of hours you don't get a response from the current offer school either way, then call to make sure they received your email. When doing so you'll likely also get your answer over the phone as to the possibility of an extension. I wouldn't call the west coast school unless you just want to make sure they received your email, since it's out of their hands whether current offer holders decline. It's only 9am over here so it's still several hours away. You've done all that you can now that you've reiterated your clear interest in their program. Try to distract yourself for the next two hours!

I know at least one MA program that has some degree of flexibility on this, precisely for your situation. Not sure about PhD programs but I can't imagine it being impossible. If I were you I would definitely email your current offer school to let them know that you're waiting on a west coast school's decision (and give them the specific deadline of that west coast school so they know you'll respond within the day) and ask for an extension by a few hours. You might also consider emailing the west coast school to let them know that they're your first choice (that is if they are), and let them know this situation as well, so that they will notify you as soon as your status changes. Good luck!

I don't disagree with you and don't necessarily take the fact that nobody applied to be a "bad sign." But I do wonder why. I guess surprise would have been a better word. Would you not be surprised if next year no students apply for PhD programs out of any of the other top MA programs?

That's pretty shocking about Colorado! I was under the impression that SFSU has had pretty decent placement though.

Thanks for the info and advice! It's reassuring to know that not everyone visits campus before accepting.

Thanks! The consensus seems to align with my feeling that I do not want to be in debt! Would you happen to know about SFSU, Colorado State, and NIU's programs and how well they align with my interests? I ask because I'm wait listed for funding at Colorado and NIU and have yet to hear from SFSU.

I'm deciding between three MA programs: Georgia State, Brandeis, and George Washington's new program. Because they offer full funding plus TA stipend (while the others only offer partial tuition remission plus TA stipend, which would make them roughly $25000 - $30000 for the program excluding room & board etc.), I'm leaning toward GSU. But I'd hate to miss out on seeing what the other two schools have to offer and how I get on with the faculty and students. Ideally I'd visit all three then make my decision, but I live quite far from all three schools and only GW offers a travel reimbursement. How crucial do you think are campus visits before making a decision? Is it a bad idea to only visit GW (and maybe Brandeis since it is not too far and I can bite the bullet if need be), when I think GSU might be my top choice? I'm interested in ethics, moral psychology, moral epistemology, and 19th-20th century continental philosophy. I'm not interested in metaphysics. Am I misguided in thinking that Brandeis, though a fabulous school with excellent placement, might not be the best fit for me? Am I missing anything about the strengths of these departments, including NIU where I'm on the wait list for funding? And any info on the program culture/atmosphere at any of these schools would be greatly appreciated!