How to pick apart an acceptance letter

[meggletina]

I've gotten an acceptance letter from my top choice, and the professor who emailed me said he thought it would productive if I joined the project that he's working on. So... am I being dense, or is this code for "if you want to work w/ me, you'll probably be funded"?

The only way I can go to this school is if they fund me, so I really need to find out. What is professor speak for "tuition remittance and stipend" - research opportunities? I'm at a loss, I don't want to sound rude by asking about it right out, but that's pretty much the only thing keeping me from saying yes right now. What is the etiquette of replying to an acceptance letter "YES!!!! but only if you fund me"

[fuzzylogician]

If the letter you got says that you get a "tuition remittance and stipend", then yes, you are funded. If it doesn't mention anything about funding, you should definitely go ahead and ask! It's not rude, it only sensible to have a financial plan for the next 5+ years of your life and I don't see why anyone should be upset by your question. Just inquire generally about the funding offer; if the letter says you'll get a stipend, ask how high it is and ask to be put in touch with current students to make sure it'll enough to cover your basic needs. Ask about health insurance, about summer funding, maybe also about travel funding for conferences and such. These are all important aspects of the offer that you should have before you decide. And congrats on the acceptance!

[jynx]

It's not rude at all to ask! They know how important funding is in making a decision, so they are probably expecting you to ask. As long as you're polite (which I'm sure you will be) there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking straight out about funding. Telling them that you'd love to attend the program but can't make a decision until you have details about funding is entirely appropriate, IMO.

[meggletina]

Thanks so much for the replies - I did ask, and was told that funding decisions are only made closer to the fall when the dept. knows how much they'll have to give. Lol, that didn't really help at all, but hopefully I can talk to him more in depth about my chances.