How bad is it to accept offers from multiple schools?

[Eisenmann]

I've been accepted to one 1phd program full funding and 1 program no funding. I want to say yes to both and if the no funding school decides to give me funding, I'll say no to the other one. If they don't give me funding, then I'll just say no to them later. However, I am concerned that accepting a no funding offer will give the school no incentive to give me funding.

[LJK]

If you accept both, you run the risk of the acceptance to both being rescinded for unethical behavior. Your best course of action is to go to the professors at the unfunded program and make it clear that you would like to go there, but you can't pass up a funded offer by the other school for no funding at their school. They then have the chance to pony up some funding or not. If they can't do it by the April 15th deadline (I presume) for your other offer, go with the funded program. But again, accepting two schools is not all right and may backfire big time.

Edited March 17, 2011 by LJK

[Eisenmann]

If you accept both, you run the risk of the acceptance to both being rescinded for unethical behavior. Your best course of action is to go to the professors at the unfunded program and make it clear that you would like to go there, but you can't pass up a funded offer by the other school for no funding at their school. They then have the chance to pony up some funding or not. If they can't do it by the April 15th deadline (I presume) for your other offer, go with the funded program. But again, accepting two schools is not all right and may backfire big time.

I didn't really think about the funded program rescinding their offer, but that is definitely possible. I didn't really think saying no to the unfunded program after saying yes would be that bad since they have nothing to lose (money wise). I have already contacted the unfunded program a month ago about my financial status and they said it might be a while since they are waiting for people to decline. If it matters, this is for engineering.

Edited March 17, 2011 by Eisenmann

[eklavya]

I didn't really think saying no to the unfunded program after saying yes would be that bad since they have nothing to lose (money wise).

you are right, they have nothing to lose. but you my friend on the other hand, have everything to lose. grad programs are very connected these days, and one way or the other, they know which student is working is working for which prof in which school. this is even more true if your program is research based. at the end, you will end up looking as the rotten egg in both baskets. don't do this. wait till april 15 for the funding info, and then decide. if they have funded offer, it is very less likely that they will back out. if you are scared of them backing out, take that offer. but don't double cross grad schools, this ain't time to play blackjack.

[wtncffts]

LJK is right, you should not accept the unfunded offer; rather, let them know of your interest in that school but that you can only accept if funded, and mention your other offer. There's no reason to accept the offer before you know about funding. Under no circumstances should you accept both offers intending to dump one of them later. It's against the spirit of the CGS resolution, could backfire, and is just plain unethical; moreover, it's patently unnecessary.

[Eisenmann]

you guys are absolutely right. I have already expressed my great interest in the school to the professor in charge of funding and he responded neutrally. He said my file is well liked; however, it would take a while before any new info (soonest after the open house in 2 weeks I'm guessing). I don't really know what else to do other than showing continued interest, but at the same time I don't want to be pushy or annoying. We haven't had contact for about 3 weeks, but I am thinking about bringing up the issue again after the RSVP deadline next week.

[ZeChocMoose]

you guys are absolutely right. I have already expressed my great interest in the school to the professor in charge of funding and he responded neutrally. He said my file is well liked; however, it would take a while before any new info (soonest after the open house in 2 weeks I'm guessing). I don't really know what else to do other than showing continued interest, but at the same time I don't want to be pushy or annoying. We haven't had contact for about 3 weeks, but I am thinking about bringing up the issue again after the RSVP deadline next week.

It sounds like this decision may really come down to the week of April 15th. I don't think there is really anything you can do except present yourself well at the open house and ask for an update periodically. Are they waiting for people with funded offers to decline? Or have they just not made financial decisions yet?

Ultimately you have three choices assuming nothing changes by the time you need to make a decision: (1) accept the unfunded offer, (2) accept the funded offer, or (3) walk away from them both. If I was in your shoes, I would go with either #2 or #3. Good luck!

[Eisenmann]

It sounds like this decision may really come down to the week of April 15th. I don't think there is really anything you can do except present yourself well at the open house and ask for an update periodically. Are they waiting for people with funded offers to decline? Or have they just not made financial decisions yet?

Ultimately you have three choices assuming nothing changes by the time you need to make a decision: (1) accept the unfunded offer, (2) accept the funded offer, or (3) walk away from them both. If I was in your shoes, I would go with either #2 or #3. Good luck!

Yes, I'm waiting for people with funding to decline. I don't know how many people were accepted, how many typically attend, and how many were offered funding. My best guess is that somewhere between 15-20 people were accepted, 13 would attend (1 student per professor) and I am one of the "lowest ranked" students.