I have a dilemma...
I applied to four schools for doctorate in music (flute) programs. Here are the dates I auditioned:
School 1: February 1
School 2: February 8
School 3: February 13
School 4: February 15
So the good news, school 3 gave me an answer almost immediately - I was accepted on February 20, and offered an assistantship on March 4. School 1 was the next to offer an acceptance on February 26 - no financial offer yet. School 4 accepted me on March 3, also no financial offer yet, but really hoping this is coming. I haven't yet heard from school 4, which was the most competitive program of the four I auditioned at.
Here's the problem:
School 3 (first to accept me) indicated that they want my response by March 23! I don't have an answer from school 4 yet, and I don't feel I can make a good decision without knowing if I've been accepted or not. I thought that legally, they cannot require me to accept prior to April 15? Should I just call the school and explain the situation? I don't want to accept and then back out (if that were the case), likewise, I don't want to put my (so far) only assistantship offer at risk.
Help!