ANDS!

Wow, no ifs ands or buts about it. The OP misrepresented themselves in the application process. Whereas he/she could have explained themselves in a Statement of Purpose, and how they are now in a position to complete a program, not they have dug themselves into a hole hoping in the next 5-years they aren't discovered.

That's no way to live an academic life.

Wow, no ifs ands or buts about it. The OP misrepresented themselves in the application process. Whereas he/she could have explained themselves in a Statement of Purpose, and how they are now in a position to complete a program, not they have dug themselves into a hole hoping in the next 5-years they aren't discovered.

That's no way to live an academic life.

I would go easy on the emails; they are likely being bombarded by similar emails to yours. If it says your application has been reviewed and is being reviewed - I would imagine it is. Give it time, a watched pot doesn't boil.

Not sure why it would be "icky" (no different than sending out a letter if you have a kid); but in the FACEBOOK era is it really needed?

Not sure why it would be "icky" (no different than sending out a letter if you have a kid); but in the FACEBOOK era is it really needed?

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

"Dear Sally,

I am unable to personally fund (though loans or otherwise) a doctoral program. I thank you for the offer, however I will have to decline your offer of admission."

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

"Dear Sally,

I am unable to personally fund (though loans or otherwise) a doctoral program. I thank you for the offer, however I will have to decline your offer of admission."

I'm sure you know SF is far from LA (hell San Diego is quite a ways away from LA); I can count on my hand missing a few fingers how often I get to Southern California.

However you can't beat the weather (though the cost of living will beat you about the head).

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

No. Perhaps in the non-STEM based programs this is prevelant, but I am pretty confident about my choice.

If a school is a signatory to that April 15 deadline no department can force you to accept sooner.

I would ask these professors after the spring semester, especially if you will have them again.

All depends on ones major.

I would say, if you haven't heard anything by now, positive or negative - things aren't looking too good. Obviously every school is different (and hell within each school programs vary wildly on turnaround time) but a good number of schools usually use this time for recruitment or open houses in advance of an April 15th deadline.

Not all "low" offers are low; you need to take into account the cost of living of where you are being accepted. You're not going to get New York cash if you're accepted in the Mid West.

I would email them and say "Hey I was under the impression [insert campus] was a signatory to this document. . .just want to make sure I have until March 6th and not April 15 - I'd really like that time to weigh all of my options and make a full informed decision."

I would email them and say "Hey I was under the impression [insert campus] was a signatory to this document. . .just want to make sure I have until March 6th and not April 15 - I'd really like that time to weigh all of my options and make a full informed decision."