Informal acceptance

[basketballfrost]

Hi guys,

I have just received an informal acceptance into one of my programs and am very excited.

However I have no idea on how to answer the email. Any general advice on dos and don'ts? 

[basketballfrost]

Here is what I wrote, should I send it like this?

"Dear Prof XXXX,

 

Thank you so much for the email and kind words. I am really excited about this opportunity. And it will be a great pleasure to accept the position when the formal invitation arrives.

I have a few questions regarding scholarship/fellowship opportunities for the duration of my PhD. Are all students accepted into the program awarded to fellowships? Or should I apply for some fellowships in order to be considered for them?

 

Again, I would like to thank you for this opportunity.

Sincerely, "

 

I am only able to accept the position if I receive a fellowship. Should I explicitly say this?

 

Thanks!!!  

[A2018]

35 minutes ago, basketballfrost said:

Here is what I wrote, should I send it like this?

"Dear Prof XXXX,

 

Thank you so much for the email and kind words. I am really excited about this opportunity. And it will be a great pleasure to accept the position when the formal invitation arrives.

I have a few questions regarding scholarship/fellowship opportunities for the duration of my PhD. Are all students accepted into the program awarded to fellowships? Or should I apply for some fellowships in order to be considered for them?

 

Again, I would like to thank you for this opportunity.

Sincerely, "

 

I am only able to accept the position if I receive a fellowship. Should I explicitly say this?

 

Thanks!!!  

I would phrase your question as "What is the funding package like for admitted students?" and depending on their reply, ask for more details. I'm assuming the funding package will come with the formal offer email. 

Congrats! 

 

[Elephas]

49 minutes ago, basketballfrost said:

Here is what I wrote, should I send it like this?

"Dear Prof XXXX,

 

Thank you so much for the email and kind words. I am really excited about this opportunity. And it will be a great pleasure to accept the position when the formal invitation arrives.

I have a few questions regarding scholarship/fellowship opportunities for the duration of my PhD. Are all students accepted into the program awarded to fellowships? Or should I apply for some fellowships in order to be considered for them?

 

Again, I would like to thank you for this opportunity.

Sincerely, "

 

I am only able to accept the position if I receive a fellowship. Should I explicitly say this?

 

Thanks!!!  

If you're still considering other programs I wouldn't necessarily say something about accepting the position in this immediate email. However saying something regarding discussing the lab more or something being something you're eager to do may be a better topic. In my informal acceptances they mentioned funding coming out later but I would consider waiting past an initial convo or on a phone convo to ask about the funding piece so it doesn't seem all about money.

[TakeruK]

1 hour ago, basketballfrost said:

"Dear Prof XXXX,

 

Thank you so much for the email and kind words. I am really excited about this opportunity. And it will be a great pleasure to accept the position when the formal invitation arrives.

I have a few questions regarding scholarship/fellowship opportunities for the duration of my PhD. Are all students accepted into the program awarded to fellowships? Or should I apply for some fellowships in order to be considered for them?

 

Again, I would like to thank you for this opportunity.

Sincerely, "

 

I agree with @balaenopter_a, this wording sounds like you are ready to accept the offer. Just delete your third sentence and it would be great. I don't think you have to worry about being direct about funding. They already saw your application where you are eager to join the program. Also, money and funding should not be a taboo topic.