Will people wait until April 15 for phd programs?

[digits2006]

I have been wait listed at 2 PhD programs. Have you heard of people wait until April 15 to decide on a PhD program? I know many people are making their decisions right now. It would suck if they waited until April 15 to officially accept or decline.

[hil]

I was wondering the same thing, but in regard to Masters programs.

[Summit_Bid]

Some people do wait until April 15th to make the descision because they need the time or they don't get notification until up to then. This doesn't mean you don't have a chance of getting in, it just means you'll have to wait longer for notification if you are waitlisted or whatever. I got accepted into an MA program at NYU once and it was May 5th when they called to tell me the good news. They said the last day I had to tell them if I was going or not was May 1st! When you find out this late in the game they don't really start following those deadlines anymore. I can see your dilema if you have other schools who are pressuring you to accept before April 15th though. Ask for an extension or be upfront and tell them your circumstance. Hold your ground and don't let them pressure you.

[mares]

I was wondering the same thing, but in regard to Masters programs.

I was accepted to a Masters program, and will probably wait until close to April 15 to notify them of my decision only because I just found out about my acceptance on Saturday and don't know when I'll receive information regarding funding.

[urbanchic]

Yea, if schools would only make admissions and funding decisions before April, it would help out everyone.

[tepidtenacity]

from what I've seen on interview visits, the people who know where they are going is in the minority. People will probably be making their decisions up until the deadline, unfortunately.

[DariaIRL]

It is more common for folks holding onto offers to take the whole time (up thru April 15) to make their choice. I'd imagine if the deadline was even later, people would take that extra time too! It's a big decision, but it puts others in a weird spot as well. Schools can make offers after April 15, which is only helpful if you don't have offers yourself that you have to act upon by April 15!

[cybe2001]

Being one of the people who had the luxury to choose, I can tell you that I have just now submitted my letter of acceptance and two letters of declination (by e-mail and by air mail).

In my defence, and to give you a rationale behind what other people in my situation might be doing: I did so just after 'admit day', visiting the universities I had a choice between.

Hang in there!

[rising_star]

People are going to hate me for this but, hey, it's honest. When I applied to MA programs and again to PhD programs, I decided on April 15 both times. Both times there were two schools that I was having trouble deciding between and I had already turned down my other offers (to hopefully help someone on the waitlist for either admissions or funding). While I realize that it sucks for someone on the waitlist at the schools, I needed to wait that long before I was sure of my decision. And, even after I'd decided for the PhD, I was petrified that I'd made the wrong decision and almost switched back (there were extenuating circumstances that would've allowed me to do so). So, yes, I waited until April 15 (and we're talking 7pm EDT on April 15) to make a decision on PhD programs.

[Postbib Yeshuist]

Yes, some will wait until the last minute (and they're certainly entitled to do so). This is a big decision and some people want to be absolutely, 100% sure they make the best decision. As such, you might be ready to call/e-mail on April 16th to request an update on your wait-list status.

[jendoly]

I think a lot of people are waiting for notification from the big awards like the GRFP in science (which will disappoint probably %90 of its applicants) and perhaps heavily sway where they go. These are set to announce any day now, and I predict many decisions will be made immediately thereafter.

[digits2006]

But, I cant call on April 16 when I have to accepted somewhere by the 15th. Some of these students have known for over a month now. So, it seems weird that they would take 2 months to decide.

[emichele]

But, I cant call on April 16 when I have to accepted somewhere by the 15th. Some of these students have known for over a month now. So, it seems weird that they would take 2 months to decide.

i've been wondering about the April 15th deadline myself.... I've been accepted into two programs with funding, and I am waiting to hear from one last school, the best program out of these three. I've already decided between the two I've been accepted to (let's say I've chosen school #2), but I don't want to officially accept my offer from school #2 until I've heard from school #3 (does the way I'm explaining this make sense?). BUT what if I don't hear from school #3 until AFTER the April 15 deadline? I will have had to accept my offer at school #2, but it's possible (and by no means certain) that I would rather go to school 3. Would I then be stuck with school 2 even though I didn't hear from school 3 until after the deadline?

i don't want to ask school #2 for an extension, because honestly I'm so grateful just to have been admitted that I don't want to push my luck! School number 2 is a great (and easier, more convenient to my life choice) for me, but school #3 is a much better program, so I wouldn't be able to just let it go without a thought.

[DariaIRL]

emichele---I'd contact School #3 to ask if they know whether you're on a wait list or anywhere close to an offer. By now, most schools know who is in and who is out. When I worked in a grad program as an undergrad, around this time, you pretty much tell someone, "Yeah, you're not getting in" while the official rejection notices were being prepped and mailed or waiting for a reviewing faculty to sign off on all decisions before they go out.

Those on a back-up list know they are on one because they've been contacted by faculty already/interviewed and faculty would be keeping in regular touch with these back-ups in case the person they offered to, rejected towards the end. I'd only ask School #2 for an extension of School #3 said that you're reeeeally close to an offer with them(School #3 that is). But it sounds like School #2 is a good program too, even if it's not as good as School #3.

[Riotbeard]

<br />emichele---I'd contact School #3 to ask if they know whether you're on a wait list or anywhere close to an offer. By now, most schools know who is in and who is out. When I worked in a grad program as an undergrad, around this time, you pretty much tell someone, &quot;Yeah, you're not getting in&quot; while the official rejection notices were being prepped and mailed or waiting for a reviewing faculty to sign off on all decisions before they go out. <br /><br />Those on a back-up list know they are on one because they've been contacted by faculty already/interviewed and faculty would be keeping in regular touch with these back-ups in case the person they offered to, rejected towards the end. I'd only ask School #2 for an extension of School #3 said that you're reeeeally close to an offer with them(School #3 that is). But it sounds like School #2 is a good program too, even if it's not as good as School #3. <img src='http://forum.thegradcafe.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

I might take till the 15th, because I am waitlisted at another program. That being said, I have declined all my offers expect the one I am interested and the waitlist. I may withdraw my name from that waitlist too. I don't wanna pass up being a prime recruit for being second fiddle at schools with equal reputations...

[jeanne]

I'm probably waiting until the 15th. I've got an acceptance to school #1 and I'm waiting on school #2. I was told school #2 decide on April 19th (obviously after I have to tell school #1), but I'm hoping they'll decide earlier. But I don't think either of these schools do waitlists so it's not like I'm holding off on somebody else's acceptance.

[georgica2]

I have been wait listed at 2 PhD programs. Have you heard of people wait until April 15 to decide on a PhD program? I know many people are making their decisions right now. It would suck if they waited until April 15 to officially accept or decline.

As someone who is still staring at 2 offer letters trying to sort out which one to accept, the answer is yes. I'm not doing it to be cruel to those on the waitlist (I'm guessing the same goes for all of the other people who are still deciding at the last minute) but it's a big decision, and since I didn't get into my absolute top choice, I want to make sure that I've fully weighed the options. Remember, many programs only notified accepted applicants in mid-March -- I got my last decision about a month ago, during which time I had to find a time to visit schools, research the programs, weigh the pros/cons of each program, etc. This all takes time. 4 weeks blows by pretty quickly, especially when you're trying to make a huge life-altering choice like where to spend the next 5-7 years. Also, crucially, many programs don't make funding decisions until April, which means that applicants are waiting until the last minute to see whether or not they're going to be able to even afford to go to a program.

[EKPhrase]

I declined all of my schools except my top choice, but I am on two waitlists with better funding options (my MA is complete, PhD app in English). I was forthright with the adcomm of my choice (about my declines as well as my waitlists), and I am prepared to call my waitlists on the 13th to see what they think, as well as ask for a 1 - 2 day extension from my school of choice. The worst they can do is say no, and at least I can make an informed choice. I plan to do it in this manner: "I have known PhD students to accept and offer and renege after the deadline, and I do not want to do that. Ethically, I intend to honor whatever admission offer I accept. I am not completely comfortable accepting, knowing that there are two other potential offers I would very much like to weigh. Are you able to grant me an extra day or two to finalize this choice?"

Anyhoo... something like that. Adcomms would rather you not renege on an offer, and I think there is a good chance to negotiate for a small amount of time after April 15. I will try to couch this request in a strong affirmation of my gratitude and excitement about the school I have chosen, and characterize it as needing to finalize the decision with as much information as possible. Not sure how I am going to avoid sounding like a jerk in this one, but I am going to try. I am happy with my choice, but as many of you here, my waitlist options are higher ranked. I really liked the post that noted that it may be better to be a prime recruit as opposed to a second choice. In my field, however, admissions are usually in the range of 5 - 8 spots per school, per year, and so the difference between the admits and waitlists are not huge... That said, I am definitely more encouraged by the schools that took the time to convince me that I was wanted, vs the ones that simply notified me that I had made the waitlist...

[shakespearebro]

I declined all of my schools except my top choice, but I am on two waitlists with better funding options (my MA is complete, PhD app in English). I was forthright with the adcomm of my choice (about my declines as well as my waitlists), and I am prepared to call my waitlists on the 13th to see what they think, as well as ask for a 1 - 2 day extension from my school of choice. The worst they can do is say no, and at least I can make an informed choice. I plan to do it in this manner: "I have known PhD students to accept and offer and renege after the deadline, and I do not want to do that. Ethically, I intend to honor whatever admission offer I accept. I am not completely comfortable accepting, knowing that there are two other potential offers I would very much like to weigh. Are you able to grant me an extra day or two to finalize this choice?"

Anyhoo... something like that. Adcomms would rather you not renege on an offer, and I think there is a good chance to negotiate for a small amount of time after April 15. I will try to couch this request in a strong affirmation of my gratitude and excitement about the school I have chosen, and characterize it as needing to finalize the decision with as much information as possible. Not sure how I am going to avoid sounding like a jerk in this one, but I am going to try. I am happy with my choice, but as many of you here, my waitlist options are higher ranked. I really liked the post that noted that it may be better to be a prime recruit as opposed to a second choice. In my field, however, admissions are usually in the range of 5 - 8 spots per school, per year, and so the difference between the admits and waitlists are not huge... That said, I am definitely more encouraged by the schools that took the time to convince me that I was wanted, vs the ones that simply notified me that I had made the waitlist...

I am in much the same boat as you are and will probably do something very similar. I particularly like the nod to the early accepters. Like you, I am waiting for some higher-ranked waitlists to clear, but I have to give some credit to those lower-ranked schools that asked me first. Even though I want to see all my options, I am feeling a little bit of loyalty to the date that brought me to the dance and will definitely keep that in mind as I decide. I'm also not willing to wait forever for the higher-ranked waitlists. As time marches on, I find myself increasingly impatient and disgruntled about them and more kind-hearted and nostalgic for my early accepters.

[fromeurope]

I accepted my offer early! Like in the beginning of March. Although, it was pretty much a no-brainer...

Edited April 10, 2010 by p7389

[PhdWannabee]

I think the waitlists are being drawn out longer this year with fewer overall admits going around, so many folks have offers but are waiting for programs they prefer to admit them off the waitlist. Wouldn't be surprised to see the active acceptance period stretch well into May (which is pretty unusual in my field).

As for the poster with two offers who had to do research and visit the programs, are you KIDDING me? Do your homework before you apply! How do you even know you "fit" with the program? Or quit being a nervous nelly and pull the trigger already! Last year I applied to 12 programs and I knew good and well the various funding levels at each program and which I would prefer. I would venture to say most thoughtful individuals do the same.

[rising_star]

As for the poster with two offers who had to do research and visit the programs, are you KIDDING me? Do your homework before you apply! How do you even know you "fit" with the program? Or quit being a nervous nelly and pull the trigger already! Last year I applied to 12 programs and I knew good and well the various funding levels at each program and which I would prefer. I would venture to say most thoughtful individuals do the same.

It's hard to do enough advance research to know whether you will fit in socially with the people in a department. That's one of the reasons people go on visits. And, you can do tons of research on programs and potential advisers but not know, until visiting, that one or the other of them is a better fit for what you personally want in an adviser. Email and phone calls are not always enough, and it doesn't mean that someone hasn't done enough research before applying.

[Riotbeard]

Some people are lazy and have full time jobs like myself, but I had done the most important research beforehand. I visited the schools that I seriuosly considered and it ended making my decision for me. The school I chose I applied to on a whim, but when I visited, I realized it would help me grow more as a scholar. Visiting, meeting grad students, and getting a general feel of the culture of your cohort is essential! Instead of picking the program with a super intense focus on my field, I went to the school with a good focus on my stuff but also a lot of tangential subjects (atlantic history, diaspora, race and ethnicity), but I don't think I would have felt confident taking that risk without meeting a good couple factulty members and students. Take you time people. I sat on a waitlist all last year to never get funding, but having been the other position, I thinking taking your time, visting, etc. is the right choice.

[quark314]

As for the poster with two offers who had to do research and visit the programs, are you KIDDING me? Do your homework before you apply! How do you even know you "fit" with the program? Or quit being a nervous nelly and pull the trigger already! Last year I applied to 12 programs and I knew good and well the various funding levels at each program and which I would prefer. I would venture to say most thoughtful individuals do the same.

I don't know that poster's subject area, but in some fields that is completely standard procedure. For example, in my field, physics, you do a certain amount of research before applying, but unless you only get into one program or one program substantially higher ranked than the others, you go on recruiting visit weekends with all the other prospective grad students in that department (paid for by the department). Students who have two or more even remotely comparable offers are generally regarded as insane if they don't go on visits and do more research post-acceptance. It's not insane at all to do research and visits after being accepted (if you're in a field where it's normal). There are just different expectations in different fields. I went on visit weekends at each of the four programs to which I was accepted. But that's completely normal in physics (and some other fields).

And yeah, I'm one of those people who may wait until the last minute. I've got it narrowed down to two (and have declined offers from the other schools), but I'm having a really hard time making that last decision.

[PhdWannabee]

I visited nine programs in Boston, LA, Bay Area, Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta while working full time and going to school. All before February let alone April. No excuses.