Financial decision, need advice

[HistThrift]

Hello all,

I was hoping to get some advice on something, and I apologize if this is the sort of thing that you guys get way too much of. I'd really appreciate any input, though.

I'm applying to three programs (MA at UMaine, MA at UMass Amherst, and PhD at UConn) with the goal of completing a PhD in Native American history. My main focus in Nativs of the northeast and the issues surrounding cultural contact and exchange as well as ethnography. I'm currently a triple-major (History, Anthropology, Archaeology) with a 3.86 gpa. I'm involved in extra-curriculars (History Assoc. president, editor-in-chief of the anthropology journal, Honors council, etc.), I have some TA experience (survey of Early American History, and Cultural Anthropology), and I've worked as a tutor. GRE scores were 163 (verbal), 147 (q), and 5.0, and I've completed a senior thesis already, working on two more papers at the moment.

So here's where the question part comes in -- I've been accepted to UMaine, but they have a separate application for funding, which I'd need to fill out soon. This is, of course, contingent on accepting their offer of admission. However, I still haven't heard from the other two programs, and if I got in to either of those schools I'd probably lean towards going to one of them. So my question is, should I accept UMaine's offer and apply for funding, knowing that I may have to rescind that later? Because if I don't get into the other schools I'd still really like to go to UMaine, and the funding would be a big help. I'd love to hear some advice on this... Thanks!

[TMP]

You should be able to apply for funding NOW. There's no reason why you can't wait until you've accepted their offer. I would find it quite suspicious if they're telling you that they won't tell you until you've accepted their offer to find out the funding. You need the best funding package and you have the right to know what you're getting yourself into financially before accepting an offer.

[goldielocks]

Chime to TMP. That would be very unusual. I'd ask the DGS, tactfully. There's no reason you should ever accept an offer without a clear picture of your funding offer.

[HistThrift]

I don't know what to say to that... They've told me that they only consider applicants for TA positions once they have accepted admission. That was the response I got when I contacted the DGS, who encouraged me to wait until I heard from other schools. But what happens if I don't hear back before the early April aid deadline?

[TMP]

Sounds like they want people to be committed already and so they can place TAs quickly.

Then you can call the other schools. I'd give about March 15th. If nothing then, I would politely ask when decisions can be made as you have a deadline to accept/decline offer.

[HistThrift]

Thanks, TMP. I appreciate the advice. And tip of the cap to goldielocks for your input as well.