Fellow students:
I hope you can help me. I was accepted by two programs but not offered funding yet. One of them is so expensive that without funding it is just far out of my reach financially (even with a student loan). The second one, on the other hand, is not only much less expensive, but the director's emails indicate funding is more likely to be offered there soon.
When I first got accepted in March, he said funding decisions hadn't been made yet, but he'd get back to me in a couple of weeks. When I didn't hear from him after 3 weeks, I emailed asking if decisions would be made soon. His reply:
" ....we have been slow in getting all the funding offers out. You are on our waiting list for a graduate assistantship. I am waiting to hear back from a couple people right now, and then I will know how much we will be able to offer. I recognize that I was slowing in meeting the last estimated deadline I gave you, but I expect us to be better this time; you should get another message from me in about a week.
Thanks for your patience, and again my apologies,"
That was 4/10. I replied 4/14 with a question about the program, further explaining my interests, and this:
"I am really honored to be given the opportunity to attend UC in the fall and I truly appreciate your help. I am looking forward to learning whether the department can offer me any assistance; but I also realize that I may have to start out without that. In addition, Miami U's political science department also accepted me, but I'm also waiting on an offer for assistance from them as well. Once I know the financial obligations to consider, I am sure I can make a decision within a week. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I make a decision."
Then, nothing. No word since then at all. I've been on pins and needles ever since. This is where I plan to go, but I'm afraid telling them that before hearing back about the funding will decrease my chances of getting an offer at all. On the other hand, it's been over 2 weeks since his email and I wonder if I should let him know something.
Should I 1) notify him again letting him know I accept admission but still hope for funding; 2) notify him again as I did before asking if a decision will be made soon; or 3) wait it out?
I believe I can get funding later if I give them my best (which of course I plan to do). The dilemma is that I don't want them to think I don't need assistance, but I also don't want them to think I don't plan to go there.
Please advise...
Thanks,
Deb