Admission ethics advice!

[stilnovista]

I'm hoping to garner some perspectives on what plan of action I might take in my particular situation. I've heard back from a single program out of the six to which I apolide so far, and the good news is that they've essentially offered me full funding (tuition, insurance, and a TAship). The program is great, a good fit, and my POI is also an excellent match. As an added plus, it's in the area where I did my undergrad, and I'm dying to go back because I love it so much.

Still, this program is a bit "in the middle of nowhere", albeit in a bubble of culture. I applied to two very similar (and probably slightly more prestigious) programs in Boston, and I would prefer spending my time there because there are so many more recognizable institutions and opportunities for internships there. To add to it all, my SO will be staying in the Providence area, and Boston would just be an easier distance, though not by very much.

The whole issue is this: I spoke to the chair of the department at the school that admitted me last night, and he pushed that he wanted a decision from me "as soon as possible" but at the latest by mid-March, so that he could offer the aid package to someone else if I declined. Um...I won't even have heard from the aforementioned two Boston schools by then! What do I do? I think I have a chance with them, and a chance for funding, so I definitely don't want to jump on my first offer before I even know anything else.

Please help!

[talific]

I'm not totally sure, but from what I've seen elsewhere on this forum, it's not unreasonable for you to politely email the other schools and let them know the situation. Have they had a chance to go over applications yet? When was the due date for the Boston schools and when does the website say to expect a response?

[stilnovista]

I'm not totally sure, but from what I've seen elsewhere on this forum, it's not unreasonable for you to politely email the other schools and let them know the situation. Have they had a chance to go over applications yet? When was the due date for the Boston schools and when does the website say to expect a response?

The due date for the two Boston schools was January 15th. Their websites don't list a specific date for responses, but historically, looking at the results archive here, one of them has notified RIGHT around the time I need to let the program who admitted me my decision, and one often hasn't notified before the very end of March/beginning of April. I, too, was thinking I might email the other schools and let them know of my situation, but am not sure how effective that would be in getting me results so early.

[talific]

I think it's worth a shot. I don't think the schools would be annoyed, because it's a perfectly legitimate concern/request. The worst that could happen is that they have not gotten around to making any decisions. Also, they may be more inclined to look over your application first if they know they have a deadline. If you're unsure though, you could always wait until the beginning of March or so and if you still haven't heard anything, then send them an email.

Edited February 21, 2012 by talific

[estreetpanic]

The Council of Graduate Schools requires applicants to notify universities of their intention to accept or decline any funded offer of admission no later than April 15, 2012.

While it is understandable that a program would like to have a response from admitted students earlier, you should not feel pressured to respond to any program until you have a decision.

You should contact your other programs and inquire regarding their processes, and mention that you have received an offer. Applicants do that all the time. Any director of graduate admissions is aware of the pressure that you all are under these days.

[Hegel's Bagels]

I would second others' suggestions that you send out a note to the other schools you are waiting to hear on. Explain your situation, let them know they are your top choice, and ask if you could have information on when you could expect to hear back from them. I imagine they haven't made admissions decisions yet, but they at least could give you a date for when you should hear from them. Once you hear back about the date, call or email the DGS at the school that admitted you and ask for an extension around that time. I have read elsewhere on the forum that schools can actually force you to answer before April 15th. I can't remember the specifics but I'm sure if you hunt around on GC you would find that information. It's a real pain the butt and I'm in a similar situation right now! So I feel your pain. But congrats on your acceptance and I hope that you will receive good news from your other schools!

[anonyouknow]

I'm in a similar position as well, though unfortunately without such a fantastic offer. I've been accepted to my safety, which wants my decision and a deposit by March 9, which means I would need to send it back by March 2 at the latest since the shipping time from Singapore to Canada is around a week. I still don't have an official acceptance anywhere else.

I sent out emails to the four schools I'm waiting on this Monday politely requesting an update to my status and explaining the situation. One school got back to me fast letting me know I made it past the first round of rejections and official letters would be out this week, but I haven't heard back from anywhere else yet. Still, it definitely did help with at least that one school knowing I would have a decision soon, I'd definitely recommend it! (I'm also hoping the time lag in getting back to me by the other schools is due to them ensuring I'm getting great funding packages first ) I'll also be requesting an extension if I don't hear back positively from any of those schools in the next week.

Good luck and congrats on your acceptance!