Is it appropriate to let them know there is a "significant other" situation?

[psychology99]

I have received admission from a school I like very much. I like the program, the faculty, the research, the students, the clinical training a lot. Yet I am just hoping my SO (in relationship for 7 years, a very serious relationship) will get into schools near that area. If my SO does not receive admission in that area, I might chose another school where we can be together.

The faculty and his students have asked me how I am going to make my decisions. . I just want to know whether it is appropriate to let the faculty or students know about the situation I am having. Does it look unprofessional? How should I word it?

Thank you so much in advance!

[lyonessrampant]

I don't really know what to tell you, but when I was finishing up my MA and talking to my recommenders, they all told me not to talk about my SO situation. He ultimately impacted what I decided (and obviously matters now too!) but they told me that it looked like emotional bribery. I don't really know, though. I mean if you're already admitted, it's not like you're trying to get them to do anything, so I might tell them in your situation. It seems like they would be interested in knowing how you are making your decision, so I would think that honesty is better than lying. . .I might be naive/wrong though.

[newms]

After you've been accepted you should mention the 'two-body problem' if it's ultimately going to determine where you end up. You were correct in not letting them know before admission, but now that you've been admitted your SO could let his school in that area know that you have an offer already and that you have a deadline to make a decision by - this could help speed up his decision. Katherine Sledge Moore is a post doc at Yale who went through this same issue when she was applying to grad school. She has some excellent advice on it at her site here: http://sites.google.com/site/gradappadvice/the-two-body-problem Good luck!