Program Decision? - Accepting Before Visit/Protocol/Etiquette

[emersyn.xx]

Hello all!

I was offered admission to two PhD programs. Program A is my top choice. The research is aligned very closely with my own interests, the funding is good, and I very much feel like I fit with this program. Program B is a really great program as well, however, the research is not closely aligned with my own interests and the funding wasn't as good. The interview with Program B was also not good. It felt like they were using scare tactics and manipulating me (they put a lot of pressure on me to make an early decision and told me I would never find a job unless I chose their program). All this said, I have solidified my decision to attend Program A. My concern is I told the recruitment of Program B I would attend the visit weekend, and nothing has been planned yet. Is it okay to go ahead and tell them I have narrowed my selection down? Also, what are your opinions on accepting an offer before you visit a program? 

[syn]

You can absolutely decline the visit weekend and say you've already narrowed it down. That way it doesn't waste anyone's time, and they can offer your slot to someone else (potentially).

If you're very confident program A is the right fit and that there's no program C or D hiding in wait, then there's not a problem in accepting before the visit weekend. But there's also nothing beneficial about that, either. You can visit, meet potential advisors, and maybe even negotiate your package a little more. I'd wait for the visit to accept just to make sure you're making the right decision and giving yourself the most leverage possible.

[elizbiz]

I agree with the above post, you can absolutely decline! Not everyone is able to do a visit so I would say it's not too uncommon or strange to accept before a campus visit. If Program A is really aligned with your interests and gives you funding, I don't think there would be anything wrong with accepting. Especially if you have no third option. Also, you could email Program B that you have already narrowed down your selected and you appreciate the opportunity for a visit, you'll no longer need it to be planned. Most places are fine with that! I work in higher ed admin and sometimes those emails, especially when nothing has been planned yet, are a relief for whoever is coordinating everything lol

congrats on the acceptances btw! 

[betun]

It is ok to tell them whenever you have decided for sure. It really, really helps the admissions team in making decisions. They are well aware that only a percentage of admits will matriculate and so, do not worry about telling them too early. It saves them a hassle.

Visits are meant to help in decisions but they are by no means necessary. For internationals, it is often practically impossible to make visits in advance and so, the point of using the weekend to make a decision is not that critical to the process (after all, many applicants are internationals). I will strongly suggest at least looking at all the stuff you can gather about living in the place of your program and talking to students or others in the place, so that you can take an informed decision even without making an actual visit. I'd caution against officially accepting too early if there is still anything left in terms of results, or there are people you haven't talked to yet, and such conversations could materially influence your decision to join.