Withdrawing Application

[xxcheshirecatox]

Hi guys,

As usual, I need some advice... I visited my top program and I love the school, so I decided today that I am accepting their offer. My question pertains to an application that is still being reviewed by the adcom for what I will call Program B. I visited Program B, and I really liked them because I thought they were nice people, even though it wasn't ideal for my research interests. My POI spent a lot of time with me and was really attentive. She is also well-known in my sub-field, which is very small.

Program B hasn't extended an offer to me, but my POI pretty much told me I was going to be admitted (off the record, of course) and it's a less prestigious institution than my top program, so I'm assuming they are going to offer me admission. However, I know some programs don't do alternate lists, and there are only 4 spots for this program, so I want to withdraw my application.

Questions:

What are the logistics of withdrawing?

Who should I contact to withdraw?

I would like to write a polite letter to my POI (she is the head of the doctoral program) to let her know I will be withdrawing my application out of courtesy. I really need to stay on good terms with her. Any suggestions on what to write to her?

Thanks!!!

[Frostfire]

I would suggest emailing your POI and letting her know that you're accepting the offer at school A. You can always frame it in terms of leaving school B room to make offers to people more likely to accept, or something along those lines.

[MediaMom]

It's not personal, it's business, and no matter how much your POI likes you or genuinely wants you in her program, she knows that it's just business. Ultimately you have to do what is best for you. You'll never be judged poorly for doing the responsible, adult, and professional thing and there is nothing more professional than giving someone a head's up before they waste their time. A quick email to tell her you really appreciate the time she's spent with you but that you've chosen to accept another offer is all you owe her and all she'll expect from you.