Is there an acceptable way to request a faster update?

[anonyouknow]

I have received an acceptance from one of my potential programs, but they have requested I either accept or decline the offer within 30 days (actually, I need to sign the acceptance and have it back to them within 30 days, which means I only have about 20 days since shipping around the world can take some time). Of course, I very well may not have heard back from all of my programs by that time and I don’t think I could comfortably accept an offer before I know if I am accepted or rejected from my top choices.

I am planning to send a short, polite email asking for a status update and reconfirming my interest in the programs, ending by letting them know that I have received an offer and would appreciate any updates so I can better weigh any options.

Is this acceptable? Should I not mention my reason for wanting an update? I’m concerned if I don’t have a valid reason for needing this I may get the standard “Your application is in review, be patient” type of email, which while it would give me hope wouldn’t help me make this decision. Of course, I realize if it actually is in review there is very little to be done but wait for the committee to make decisions, but I am terrified thinking I may end up passing up admissions to a program that can offer more in terms of funding and research opportunities because of a premature "yes". If worse comes to worse I will first request an extension for making my decision, but I have no idea what to do if I don’t get it and I think it may to early to request that yet since I've only very recently gotten accepted.

[quick1]

Isn't there some rule in place where you don't have to commit to a school until April 15th of the April before your first semester is to begin? Based on the fact that not all schools will have decided as early as other schools.

[Ameonna]

Isn't there some rule in place where you don't have to commit to a school until April 15th of the April before your first semester is to begin? Based on the fact that not all schools will have decided as early as other schools.

That rule only applies to schools that provide funding in their offer, and I think the schools that signed that agreement are exclusively American: http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGS_Resolution.pdf This is the rule in writing.

To the OP, I would definitely send a polite e-mail requesting to hear about your status. Mentioning the acceptance is probably fine, especially since it has given you this 30 day deadline and you want to be able to consider these programs and their offers before making a decision. As long as you make that concept clear, I'd like to think that they would understand.

[MaxiJaz]

PTPS:

I was in a similar situation to you last year. I was waiting on a program that had not gotten back to me in months while considering my options from other programs. I eventually sent a polite e-mail to the secretary of the program asking for the status of my application, and letting her know that this would allow me to form a decision etc. She forwarded it to the program director, who got back to me.

TL;DR: I think it's perfectly fine to e-mail the program and ask for your status, as they will understand your predicament. It worked for me.

[anonyouknow]

Thanks guys, I'll send out those emails this week

Ameonna is correct concerning the April 15 decision date, unfortunately. My potential schools are in Canada and not held to the agreement, and as such can tell me to respond by whatever date they see fit. Hopefully if the other programs aren't able to pass along their decisions in time I'll be granted an extension!