Feeling a Bit Backed into A Corner

[geochic]

I'm hoping somebody has some suggestions for me-

Last week I received notification of acceptance to one of my "safe" schools but funding information is yet to come. I am enthusiastic about this program because of the resoundingly positive communication I have had with several faculty members and the unique research opportunity I've been extended but without funding I am unlikely to consider going.

Today I met with the grad coordinator at my current undergrad program and he let me know that my app is the top choice for my desired advisor and he wanted to see if the school is a serious consideration for me. I was forthright with him, explaining that the program was not my top choice but certainly still a contender until I see how things pan out with the other two programs to which I've applied. He asked me to contact him re:my status asap (but before Mar 23). He indicated that I may be offered a nice package (I'm already a TA for the department so I'm sure that is a part of the deal). Then later on I was told by another faculty member that it is possible that I will be recommended for a job teaching at the local community college as well which would be a nice financial boost for me- I am a single parent of two small children and I have a really crazy daycare bill each month so money concerns are really major for me--but I really want to see what my top choice is thinking. I have had favorable communication with faculty there and have been discussing some great possible research. In addition they have an enormous and well-funded program so I figure with acceptance will likely come a nice funding package.

Bottom line now I feel under the gun. I don't want to miss out on the best situation for me and the kids so there is some allure to sticking with my current institution even though it isn't my favorite choice- but I am nervous to make any hasty decisions.

I want to see where the other schools stand! What's up with the funding at this other safe school? Am I even in the running at my first choice?

Is it appropriate to email the other programs and inquire about my status this early?---What sort of repercussions may come from asking about status and funding. I don't want to hurt my chances.

Any advice?

Thank you!

Edited March 10, 2010 by geochic

[oldlady]

How great to be in a sought-after position! As such, don't be afraid to contact the other programs and let them know. Not in an egotistical way, but to ask for additional information. I find it unlikely that an inquiry will persuade the adcomm to change its decision about you. Remember, these are people who apply for grants and fellowships themselves, and therefore understand deadline pressures from both sides. Good luck!

[Sassytune]

Congratulations on the acceptance!

I don't think it is unreasonable to ask about funding information. They are unlikely to withdraw acceptance just because you asked about funding.

How likely is your present school to make the offer? Are they waiting for you to say "Yes" to them before making the offer? That is pretty unusual, to my mind.

[geochic]

I think they just want to see how serious I am about the program-which I am but it is no secret that this other program is my top choice. The prof who has agreed to be my advisor is my undergrad academic advisor and wrote a LOR for every program to which I applied, so I think they are just trying to feel things out.

An offer was confirmed today w/an assistantship and tuition waiver so my current program is an official option-though this deadline is still in effect...Which is to say I need to have some idea of what I'm doing by the 23rd.

I've decided I'm going to inquire about my status at the silent programs tonight and funding with the other school in which I was accepted. Wish me luck!

[geodrake]

I think they just want to see how serious I am about the program-which I am but it is no secret that this other program is my top choice. The prof who has agreed to be my advisor is my undergrad academic advisor and wrote a LOR for every program to which I applied, so I think they are just trying to feel things out.

An offer was confirmed today w/an assistantship and tuition waiver so my current program is an official option-though this deadline is still in effect...Which is to say I need to have some idea of what I'm doing by the 23rd.

I've decided I'm going to inquire about my status at the silent programs tonight and funding with the other school in which I was accepted. Wish me luck!

*fingers crossed* I know how bad daycare can be with 1 kid and 2 of us as Grad students... I don't know how you do it with 2 kids and 1 of you!!! I'm very impressed!

[geochic]

Okay so I heard back from one program- they said I'm at the top of the applicant pool for MS candidates but that they have sent out two Doctorate acceptances and are still waiting to see if they have funding for a third candidate (which according to the email-would be an MS slot for me). They said they should have a handle in a week or two. The grad coordinator indicated several times that they are very impressed with my app and I am a serious consideration for acceptance (apparently, PhD candidates get admission/funding priority-and I am not prepared to apply for a PhD for sure ) but the letter certainly sounded promising, so Yay!

The University (not my current program) that accepted me said a form with a scholarship and assistantship offer would be emailed to me tomorrow for consideration-which means I'm funded!! So yay!

Still waiting on my top choice- but it's looking like I have a couple of options which is super nice!

Thanks for the support and advice!