Do I tell POI about acceptances from other universities?

[misslitty]

Important details:  I have been in contact with a professor at a great program which I would very much like to be a part of.  They are flying me out next week to check out their lab and learn more.  In our last communication, they asked that I keep them up to date with my other applications.  I feel like this would be shooting myself in the foot, but it also feels dishonest to not disclose acceptances I have received to PhD programs at other universities.

 

Do I tell them now and let them know their lab is my top choice, or should I wait until they ask?

[Noegenesis]

1 hour ago, misslitty said:

Important details:  I have been in contact with a professor at a great program which I would very much like to be a part of.  They are flying me out next week to check out their lab and learn more.  In our last communication, they asked that I keep them up to date with my other applications.  I feel like this would be shooting myself in the foot, but it also feels dishonest to not disclose acceptances I have received to PhD programs at other universities.

 

Do I tell them now and let them know their lab is my top choice, or should I wait until they ask?

I would wait until you receive an acceptance from this particular lab. Otherwise, it might sound like you've been accepted elsewhere, and you no longer consider their lab as your topic choice. On the other hand, if you're accepted to this lab and some other lab, informing them about your admits elsewhere may prompt them to offer you a more competitive package.

Edited January 18, 2019 by Noegenesis