Change decision after accepting? (master's)

[calli0pe]

Background:

 I'm still waiting to hear back from a few UCs (davis and irvine) that I applied to. I've seen cases where they don't send out offers until May.

I've gotten an offer of admission from another school (deadline to accept is April 15).

Question:

Does anyone know whether it's possible/alright to accept the offer of admission and then change my mind if I hear back positively from those UCs?

It's not an ideal situation, but I don't believe accepting an offer (especially for a master's program) is legally binding...

That said, I'm not too happy with how the UCs consistently delay their offers beyond April 15 (but that's another topic)

Any input much appreciated here; thanks!

Edited March 31, 2020 by calli0pe
misspelling

[cropop]

The questions are answered here: https://cgsnet.org/april-15-resolution

Effectively, if you accept a funded offer and turn it down before April 15, you just need to tell them. After April 15, they must officially release you. Also, offers after April 15 are conditional based on not having accepted another offer or having been released from any offer.

I don't know how enforceable any of this is, e.g. how would they know about other offers unless you tell them?

[calli0pe]

@cropop thanks!

I looked up the April 15 resolution -- as you point out it's specific to funded offers.

I think for unfunded offers none of this applies then? (i.e. offers aren't subject to official releases or anything)