Accepting an offer before I hear back about funding from another

[murpstud]

I've been offered admission to a program, but another choice is still making funding decisions. I've been asked to state my intent soon for the one school. I really don't think i'd get funding at the other, but if i did, i'd probably go there. Should I contact them and ask the realities of funding and pretty much tell them i'm not coming without funding?

[fuzzylogician]

I think you should at the very least contact the program and ask when they expect decisions to be made, and explain that you need to make a decision soon. I also think you have more to gain than to lose by letting the program know that you have another option, which you will take unless the program offers you funding. You should word the email so it's clear that this program is your preferred choice, but that you can't go if you're not funded.

Edited March 10, 2010 by fuzzylogician

[pea-jay]

I'm in a similar position. I'm in at a very expensive school with no scholarship money and vague discussions on RA positions, grants and loans. Very uncertain. The other school, which is far cheaper to attend hasn't responded back and might not until a week or two before I have to declare my intent. Both schools have positive attributes on why I should attend but making a good decision without all the information isnt a position I want to be in either.

[bemis]

I've been offered admission to a program, but another choice is still making funding decisions. I've been asked to state my intent soon for the one school. I really don't think i'd get funding at the other, but if i did, i'd probably go there. Should I contact them and ask the realities of funding and pretty much tell them i'm not coming without funding?

What I have always been told is to just accept them so they hold your spot. Some of my schools have had really early acceptance deadlines so I accepted them so it would give me more time to make the decision. You might lose a $250ish deposit so it depends on if it is worth it.