Backing out after April 15?

[Pinecone]

Hello, I'm also in a similar situation that maybe someone could shed some light on. At my top choice and second choice schools I wasn't offered any funding. I'm absolutely planning to go to grad school and decided I would have to go to my second choice school because it's in state. Last night however, at 7pm on April 15, my top choice e-mailed me offering me a TA position. I desperately want to accept this offer but I've already accepted at choice #2. I told #1 the situation and that I would accept if they would wait for me to ask to be released from my agreement at #2 and the DGS told me he'd have to look into the politics of this and get back to me. My question is whether there's any typical protocol for backing out of an unfunded offer and if this is really a big deal, other than looking bad. And how bad would it even look considering #2 didn't offer me anything at all. I feel like I'm doing something terrible even though I know I shouldn't. Ugghh

[Pinecone]

Second question: I know this isn't the thread for "what does this mean" questions, but does Award Amount: $12,500, followed by "Teaching assistantships include full tuition scholarships for the assistantship period and include the Graduate School student health package" actually mean i'll be getting 12k in addition to having my tuition waved? This possibility is blowing my mind since two days ago I thought i was paying the whole thing in loans... Any help much appreciated!

[Pinecone]

Well the DGS said he would get back to me as soon as he looked into the politics of the situation so I was going to wait until then. In any case it's better than what I actually accepted. I just wanted to know what exactly I was agonizing about while I wait for the prof to get back to me. Thanks for confirming my thoughts!

[beanbagchairs]

I seconded Aaron's interpretation. That's a good deal . If I were you, I'd also try to call school choice #2 to explain the situation. They should not be annoyed since they do not offer you anything. It's not like you are sitting on top of someone's funding.

[newms]

I think it's ok and understandable in a situation like this to back out of your commitment to school #2 and accept school #1's offer instead. Since School #2's offer wasn't a funded one, then I don't think the April 15 resolution would apply and you may be able to simply back out without needing them to release you. In any case once School #1 says it's ok for you to switch, contact School #2 and let them know the situation and explain why you want to be released from your previous commitment. I don't think School #2 would have a problem with it, especially since they didn't offer you any funding.

As for your second question, I agree with the above posters, in that the offer means $12.5K + tuition + health insurance.

[Pinecone]

Thanks everybody for responding and easing my stress! Just wanted to update that I have accepted at school #1 and declined at #2 and it was not difficult at all!