Accepted offer bc I thought I was rejected from my top choice...but I wasn't. What should I do?

[TeamNoSleep]

So, here's the thing. I was accepted into the graduate program at my institution (which I am very happy about bc its one of my top) however, I was more interested in another program I applied to (which is a bit more competitive). I found out that they were sending out decisions not long ago, however, I did not hear anything, meanwhile, everyone I knew who applied there did hear back (even saw decisions on here). I assumed I was rejected. I know it was stupid of me to assume without asking them first, but I was not confident that I would get in. So, I accepted my offer at my institution bc I would still be happy to attend and I felt I already took too long to respond. Turns out, I put in my email wrong and an acceptance letter was meant for me to receive the same day they sent out the decisions. I am very happy, however, I'm unsure what to do. I know that accepting an offer and then rejecting it is kinda frowned upon. It is at the institution that I am currently attending, so if I do change my mind, I'll be seeing my professors who made the decision to offer me an acceptance. It's kinda awkward. What should I do??? It's not like I'm declining an offer, but declining an offer I ACCEPTED. I know this is my fault and fully my dumb mistake. I am fully aware that I am the one to fully blame. 

[DiscoTech]

1 hour ago, TeamNoSleep said:

So, here's the thing. I was accepted into the graduate program at my institution (which I am very happy about bc its one of my top) however, I was more interested in another program I applied to (which is a bit more competitive). I found out that they were sending out decisions not long ago, however, I did not hear anything, meanwhile, everyone I knew who applied there did hear back (even saw decisions on here). I assumed I was rejected. I know it was stupid of me to assume without asking them first, but I was not confident that I would get in. So, I accepted my offer at my institution bc I would still be happy to attend and I felt I already took too long to respond. Turns out, I put in my email wrong and an acceptance letter was meant for me to receive the same day they sent out the decisions. I am very happy, however, I'm unsure what to do. I know that accepting an offer and then rejecting it is kinda frowned upon. It is at the institution that I am currently attending, so if I do change my mind, I'll be seeing my professors who made the decision to offer me an acceptance. It's kinda awkward. What should I do??? It's not like I'm declining an offer, but declining an offer I ACCEPTED. I know this is my fault and fully my dumb mistake. I am fully aware that I am the one to fully blame. 

I think people understand that mistakes happens. Just talk to the people at your home institution ASAP while can still find someone to fill your spot.

[Rezzy S.]

I think explain it the way you did here and apologize, but go with the better program. I'm sure they’ve seen it before  

[draySLP1]

Decide which one you'd rather go to and go there! It's your career and your life and your decision. They will understand, and even if they don't, are you okay with making a choice about your education and your future in order to avoid a few awkward moments?

[TeamNoSleep]

On 3/22/2019 at 10:49 PM, DiscoTech said:

I think people understand that mistakes happens. Just talk to the people at your home institution ASAP while can still find someone to fill your spot.

Thank you!

[TeamNoSleep]

16 hours ago, draySLP1 said:

Decide which one you'd rather go to and go there! It's your career and your life and your decision. They will understand, and even if they don't, are you okay with making a choice about your education and your future in order to avoid a few awkward moments?

Yes, I'm thinking of doing that! There are both pros and cons to each program, so I'm trying to learn more about them first and then make my choice! I really hate that I made the mistake of accepting my offer when literally the next day I found out I did get into the other program, but oh well haha

[TeamNoSleep]

On 3/23/2019 at 12:47 AM, Rezzy S. said:

I think explain it the way you did here and apologize, but go with the better program. I'm sure they’ve seen it before  

Thank you!!

[draySLP1]

11 hours ago, TeamNoSleep said:

Yes, I'm thinking of doing that! There are both pros and cons to each program, so I'm trying to learn more about them first and then make my choice! I really hate that I made the mistake of accepting my offer when literally the next day I found out I did get into the other program, but oh well haha

I know what you mean, it’s so hard getting a real sense of what each program will be like. I just wouldn’t want you to worry too much about offending your current program. I’m sure they want what’s best for you in the end, whichever one it is. Good luck with your decision!