What happens if you go back on decision after April 15?

[researchheaux]

I was lucky enough to be accepted into two programs and waitlisted to another. I haven't heard back from the waitlisted program yet, but I assume it's also because people haven't decided on their acceptances yet. Is it possible I could hear back after April 15?

What would I do in that case? Would I accept one program's offer and then ask to be released, and then accept the waitlisted program's offer (hypothetically if I get in)?

I know it's bad practice, so I'm just wondering about the ethics, etc.

Edited April 12, 2018 by researchheaux