said yes but changed mind later?

[shwezin]

Hello,

I got into my dream school...and want to go there.....But I just heard that my company is going to promote me to a senior level in July. I won't be able to find it out exactly until July but I have to say something back to my school by mid-April. I am planning to say - yes I will come.....to my dream school. But if I find out about promotion later, I think I would want to to stick with my job. But if I don't get promoted, I would go back to school for sure.

Can the school sue me for going back on my words? How should I deal with this?

Your inputs would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!!

[JustChill]

Most schools require you to sign a legal contract once you accept their offer. After you do that, it will be up to that school to release you from that contract, so it's not like you can just say, "oh, sorry, I changed my mind" after you sign the legal contract. It also usually tends to burn bridges with people in your department.

[neuroJ]

I would say don't count your chickens before their hatched- unless you have it in writing that you're getting a promotion, it wouldn't seem worth it to throw away the school opportunity.

(that said, remember: grad school is in fact, a trap and is no guarantee of an amazing job)

[lab ratta-tat-tat]

That is very unprofessional to accept a position, agree to attend a school, sign a contract and then because your job gives you a better opportunity you cut all ties with the school. It also is unfair to those who applied and are on the wait list and you accept and then deny after april 15th, it decreases a person who is extremely willing and committed, chances of getting in. If you aren't committed to the school just turn down the opportunity and let someone who actually wants it to have it. I am not in your field so this is not applicable to me but if I was in your field I would be pretty pissed.

Also, how would you feel if you were accepted to a school and you moved there, invested money such as finding an apartment and moving all your belongings etc. then they decided "Hey were just not going to accept you, just kidding, we thought you were good enough then other applicants came by so- Sorry". You would be pretty pissed off right? complaining on the forum, to your friends and family about this and how awful the school is. Oh how the tables turn.......

I am pretty sure that actually happened to someone this year or last year with Houston. The school offered them the position, they accepted, moved there and come to find out the school revoked the offer. The school can get into legal trouble for this, you might want to see what kind of trouble you could get into (maybe not legal but black listed in your field, in that department, that school, those committee members could tell faculty members within your field, etc)

Don't put all your ducks in one basket, just because you are ranking up doesn't mean you are going to enjoy what you are doing and you will excel and challenge yourself. Maybe really consider this promotion and talk with some one at your job and at the school and weigh your options.