Is it bad to not accept an offer immedietely?

[Stumbling_My_Way_Through]

I have an offer right now from a school, and I am on a waitlist for another school.  I was told I would know if I was taken off the waitlist by the end of March. I like them both pretty equally, so I want to consider them both. But, I was wondering if I am alienating a potential advisor by holding onto an offer? Should I be transparent about the fact that I am considering both options? How often are you suppose to contact schools that offered you admission?? I am a first-gen student, so some of this etiquette around admission offers is foreign to me....so advice would be appreciated!

[PsyDuck90]

Yes, I would thank the PI for their offer and inform them that you are holding it for the time being while you make your decision. There is a reason why there is a relatively universal April 15th deadline. 

[SocDevMum]

Agreed - you are under no obligation to make a final decision before April 15.

That said - as soon as you make a decision, let them both know, don't just sit on it.  There's likely a poor soul sitting on a waitlist somewhere who will happily take the spot you reject, so be merciful to your fellow applicant and communicate your decision as soon as you make it!

 

 

[Sportpsych01]

I’m in the same boat as you. After acknowledging information regarding  the decision making process and deadline I told my PI that “I will be sure to confirm my decision by April 15th”.