Decision Due Soon - But Haven't Heard From Other Schools

[lilanngel]

Hi All,

I recently received notification that I got accepted into one of my three top schools. They even offered me a fellowship! However, they want me to decide by March 1st; but I probably won't hear back from the other schools until late March. What should I do in this case? I definitely would not want to decline this offer, only to be rejected by my other top two choices. And I wouldn't want to lose my fellowship either.

What to do, what to do?

Can I just accept, and then withdraw later?

Should I ask for an extension on my decision, but risk losing my fellowship?

Any advice?

Edited February 25, 2010 by lilanngel

[hda]

I would contact the other schools and explain your situation. They may be able to give you a decision to help you decide.

[kdilks]

Hi All,

I recently received notification that I got accepted into one of my three top schools. They even offered me a fellowship! However, they want me to decide by March 1st; but I probably won't hear back from the other schools until late March. What should I do in this case? I definitely would not want to decline this offer, only to be rejected by my other top two choices. And I wouldn't want to lose my fellowship either.

What to do, what to do?

Can I just accept, and then withdraw later?

Should I ask for an extension on my decision, but risk losing my fellowship?

Any advice?

They shouldn't be able to force you to make a decision before April 15th.

http://www.cgsnet.org/Default.aspx?tabid=201

[lilanngel]

They shouldn't be able to force you to make a decision before April 15th.

http://www.cgsnet.or....aspx?tabid=201

Ahh.. thanks! Hmm.. but I noticed that the notice refers to financial aid offers only; not offers of admission. Does it matter? I suppose I may end up losing a deposit of some kind.

[Medievalmaniac]

I think hda is right; call the schools in question, tell them about your situation, and see what they have to say.

Alternately, if you are sure this is a top choice and unsure as to your chances of getting in the other two, and you would definitely attend this school, then I'd say go ahead and accept the offer.

[eucalyptus]

I'd first ask the school that accepted you for an extension to their deadline. They should be happy to give you one, and it hopefully won't affect your funding chances. I'd also ask the other schools for an update on your status.

If, however, you would risk losing the offer or the fellowship and you are very seriously considering going to this school, accept the offer and back out of it if you decide to go somewhere else in the end. As long as you back out before April 15, the school can't stop you. However, you might annoy your POI there so I would only do this as a last resort.

[lilanngel]

I'd first ask the school that accepted you for an extension to their deadline. They should be happy to give you one, and it hopefully won't affect your funding chances. I'd also ask the other schools for an update on your status.

If, however, you would risk losing the offer or the fellowship and you are very seriously considering going to this school, accept the offer and back out of it if you decide to go somewhere else in the end. As long as you back out before April 15, the school can't stop you. However, you might annoy your POI there so I would only do this as a last resort.

Thanks! This option sounds the best. :-) Let me give them a call...