What to do with one offer and one wait-list?

[dmf]

So I thought I had made up my mind... I've been accepted into a program that is a great research fit and that I loved during my interview visit. I was also awarded a prestigious fellowship there. When I heard the news, I was almost 100% sure that I would accept, both because I like the program so much and because I thought it might be my only acceptance. After hearing the news, I contacted the 2 schools I was still waiting on and got immediate responses- one reject and one wait-list. Now I'm really torn!!!

The acceptance is from the lowest ranked/ least well know institution that I applied to but I don't think that's really representative of the program quality since its a weird hybrid program that's administered separately from the programs it's grouped with in the rankings. The resources and quality of research seem very high and the research fit is the best of any place I applied. The place that I just found out that I'm wait-listed is the next highest ranked program on my list, but not that much higher (in the 10s instead of the 20s). However, I know much less about this program and have not visited/contacted faculty/etc. I could arrange a visit now but it would be at my own expense. It seems like I could easily be waiting right up until April 15th to find out if I get in so I would have to visit before getting a final decision.

So the real question is: Should I commit to the place that I've visited and love (but whose name carries a little less academic clout) and withdraw at the place I'm waitlisted, or should I take time off work and pay a lot of money to visit the program where I'm wait-listed and only then decide if I want to withdraw or wait until April 15th to hear??

Of course, I know the situation is more complicated than I've portrayed and its hard to advise without all the details, but I'm curious if others are in (or have been in) the same situation or have any general opinions. Thanks!

Edited March 4, 2011 by dmf

[MadameNon]

Things to consider -

1) Where are you ranked in the waitlist?

2) Will you receive a funded offer if you're accepted? Will that be as good as the prestigious fellowship you've been offered?

3) Ignoring the rank of the programs for a second - what do their graduates actually go on to do? Which is more closely aligned with what you ultimately want to do?

4) Can you talk to some profs and grad students in the program where you're waitlisted? Maybe some of your questions will be answered without having to visit.

[dmf]

Thanks! All good ideas, some of which I'm already working on. Is it acceptable to ask exact details of the wait-list? It would be really helpful to know if I'm in the top few or way down....

Does anyone know if visiting a program and/or contacting POIs while on the wait-list has any effect on their final decision?

I can't wait for this all to be over and to know where I'm heading in the fall!!!

[isa_cl]

HI there, just going to offer my two cents--

I am in a similar situation where I have an accept from a program I really do like, but am still waiting to hear from 3 others. While part of me says "well, just accept it, you love the program, etc.," the logistical fact remains that there is one month until the deadline to accept. I know that everyone is itching to just finish this process and wants to commit and be done with, but at the same time, it's just another few weeks to wait and in the long run of everything the phd will entail, holding off for a few weeks and knowing you've made a decision you are the most possibly comfortable with, instead of making a decision while having these doubts, is totally worth the wait (in my opinion).

Regarding the wait-list...it is absolutely OK to call and ask for details, but don't expect to get anything more than "you're one of our top wait-list candidates." It is highly unlikely they will give you an actual number. Further, wait list for PhD programs are really particular because they are probably sub-broken down by area of interest...so even though you are #1 or 2, if their first decline is from the area of interest from wait list person #3, #3 is probably going to get that spot. I don't know if visiting or contacting POI's will influence THEIR decision, but it may (more importantly), influence YOUR decision, and if you are in a position to visit, I would definitely do so.

And one last thought (sorry...apparently I have many thoughts about this)...it sounds like the program you've been accepted to is a great fit for you. As you say, the "ranking" is off because of weird ranking practices. I hope you do not let this actually determine your decision at the end. As you note, your actual program is really strong, and in the end, assuming you stay in that same field as a career, people who know the field will know the strengths of that program and not care about the number that US News assigns to the program.

Good luck and congratulations on your acceptance!