Accepted to grad programs, but still waiting on my top choice, clocks ticking what should I do??

[Fashionablefeminist]

A week and a half ago I was accepted to U of T for public policy and Carleton for Political Science and I have 2 weeks to decline or accept. While I'm very happy to go to either of these schools, my ideal supervisor (political science) is at McGill...and I have yet to hear back from them. What would you folks recommend? Should I wait it out for my first choice and risk losing my spot at the other two schools? Maybe some of you have heard if McGill has already sent out letters, that would obviously help in my decision.

Thanks!!

[Count de Monet]

Ask the schools for more time to make a decision.

[MJ0911]

Call McGill and explain the situation (I did the same for LSE and admissions put a note on my file asking everyone to be speedy if possible) and email the other places to ask for an extension of the deadline so that you have more than 2 weeks to decide. If you're down to the last day then accept on of the places you have. If you get a place at McGill afterwards then you can cross that bridge when you come to it, but don't lose out on the places you do have in the hope of something that may or may not happen.

Edited March 20, 2011 by MJ0911

[Penelope Higgins]

I don't know whether this is true in Canada, but in the US there is a very strong norm that no school can make you decide before April 15th. So I suppose this comment isn't a response to your particular issue but a more general statement that those facing decisions from US schools should not feel pressed to decide for several more weeks.

In your particular situation, I echo the suggestion to call McGill and inform them about your situation. They should be able to give you a sense of where you stand both in terms of your chances and in terms of their timeline.

A week and a half ago I was accepted to U of T for public policy and Carleton for Political Science and I have 2 weeks to decline or accept. While I'm very happy to go to either of these schools, my ideal supervisor (political science) is at McGill...and I have yet to hear back from them. What would you folks recommend? Should I wait it out for my first choice and risk losing my spot at the other two schools? Maybe some of you have heard if McGill has already sent out letters, that would obviously help in my decision.

Thanks!!

[Fashionablefeminist]

Thanks for your advice folks! I took your advice and the committee sped up application... and I got in

Good luck in the Fall!