Scheduling conflicts

[Kimmo]

Earlier this month I received an interview invitation which I've accepted. More recently I've received an invitation from another school for the same time. (These programs do not have 2 weekends set aside for interviewing as some programs do).

If I had to choose 1 school to interview at, I would interview at the school that sent out the invitations just now and cancel the interview I've previously scheduled.

How should I go about handling this? Should I ask one (or both) of the schools if alternative plans could be made? I'm not sure if that will seem rude. Or should I just tell the school that I've already made plans with that I will not be able to attend at that day? For that interview, I made the flight reservations and can get a refund, so the school won't lose money.

Edited January 28, 2012 by Kimmo

[fuzzylogician]

Start by asking the school with the more recent offer to change the date. Odds are, there won't be a problem rescheduling that interview. If it's impossible to change the date, then contact the first school to ask about rescheduling there. But as much as possible, I would advise you to be polite and keep your obligations so you don't burn any bridges. Act professionally - even if you don't attend either school, the professors there are still colleagues you will meet in conferences and have future contact with. They understand that schools compete for the strongest applicant and they will not be offended if someone doesn't choose their school, but they will remember if you respond rudely or cancel on them at the last minute.

[Kimmo]

Thanks for your reply!