Withdrawing MA application

[andy334]

I applied to Columbia's PhD program and selected the option to also be considered for the MA as a second choice. I've already gotten into all the other schools I've applied to, and would no longer consider doing the MA (even though I would still love to do their PhD program). Would anyone recommend contacting the school to withdraw my MA application? I'm afraid that since I also applied to the MA, they may not consider me as strongly for the PhD program. I know that some decisions have already gone out, so I think I need to act quickly. Thanks!

[lovenhaight]

I don't think that you need to do anything other than to wait for their response to come in. If you already know that you're going to turn down the offer if one is extended, then contacting them to withdraw your application is kind of a faux pas. All you'd really be doing is burning a bridge, and that isn't a good thing to do in academia...you will inevitably cross paths at some point.

[bubbaface]

I definitely would not withdraw it. Since you have other options, you can simple (politely) decline the MA offer if they extend it.