Accepted Early to a backup school -- Best way to handle it?

[beepbeep]

Hey guys! I could really use some input on how to handle my current situation.

I applied to 7 schools. Currently, I haven't heard anything from 4 of them, I have 2 interviews (scheduled for next week), and today just got accepted to one of my "backup" schools. The only reason it's one of my backup schools is because it's very far from home and I'd rather be living at home or relatively close (an hour or two... this backup school is ~20 hrs away)

Anyways, I just got an email with my offer of admissions and financial information. I want to respond to them in a timely manner, but I don't want to accept the offer JUST yet (until I at least get to go to those two other interviews that are in my home city). What is a good way to respond to them without accepting the offer outright, but also keeping the offer good and well should I not get accepted any where else? If I didn't get accepted elsewhere, I WOULD attend this insitution.

Any suggestions?

[svh]

Tell them thank you for the great news. Grad schools are required to wait till April 15th for your answer, so they aren't anticipating a response from you for awhile.

[beepbeep]

This is a Canadian institution btw... not sure if that makes a difference. I also must respond by March 15th.

[thedig13]

I second what svh said. There's no need to feel pressured for an answer, but the worst thing you can do is simply not respond. Just indicate that you've received their offer of admission and really appreciate it, but haven't made a finalized decision yet.

If you eventually decide to go somewhere else, just be professional about it, thank them for the offer, and respectfully decline.

[mj53]

In order to give some sort of response and thank them I basically just asked when I needed to give an official answer by even though I know it's April 15th.

[crazygirl2012]

I told them I was really excited about the offer (which I am), and that I was still in the interview process (which I was) and I'll probably need a few weeks to consider my options. I said I understand that there may be a wait list and I will update them as soon as I can. They were very understanding and told me to take all the time I need and to ask any questions I may have.