Taking back an acceptance

[Gumball1007]

I know this is unethical. I’m just broke and following what is best for my wallet.

 

I recently received an invite to a Masters program (I’ll call this Program A) that I found to be my favorite in terms of my interests. However, it was still going to cost me a bit and funding for students was limited for this program. I figured I was not going to get funded for any other Masters program I applied to anyway, so I should accept the school that is of my best interests: Program A. Well, a week after accepting this offer, the same degree but at another institution, Program B, offers me acceptance AND a full tuition waiver + stipend to work as a TA. I knew some applicants received this, but I had no idea I would get it. My financial situation is terrible and this offer is a dream for me. I accepted it, and now I’m in the process of contemplating how to word my situation to the school I am taking my word back on. Will I be allowed to take back my acceptance, and should I mention to them it’s because I am receiving funding elsewhere? I’d hope they’d be somewhat understanding of that. Also, if it’s worth mentioning, I was offered acceptance from Program A through email and I emailed back with a “Yes I accept” written confirmation. However, I have not accepted through their graduate school’s online portal. There is a decline button...I’m not sure if that’ll make it any better since I already emailed my acceptance, but I figured it was worth nothing. Thanks in advance.

Edited March 4, 2019 by Gumball1007

[Bird Vision]

I'm going to ignore the ethical dilemma here simply because you have already accepted the other offer.

 

You have already burned your bridge at Program A. Just send a short, polite email stating that you will not be attending their program, and that you are sorry you made a premature decision. There is no need to explain why.

Expect to never have a good working relationship with the people at Program A.

[crackademik]

I agree with Bird Vision in that you probably burned this bridge already, but you could always say in your email that after further consideration you realized you can't financially pursue their program because of some turn of events (don't need to be specific). I am confident that everyone in academia understands that if you don't have the money, well that's just how life is sometimes. Sorry that this happened. As someone who is also incredibly impatient, I understand as I almost accepted my first offer thinking that I would not get another one, but luckily my mentor implored me to wait.