Waiting for other admits while accepting an offer

[sb29]

My first post here.

I have been offered a PhD position in one of my top 3 schools. I have to let them know about my decision by 2nd March ie. by the end of this week. I am waiting to hear from the other 2 schools (better than this one). They have informed me that their decision will be informed to me by 3rd week of March.

Should I go ahead and accept this offer? In case I do so and later decide not to join this program if I get in the other 2 schools, will it create a bad impression? Also, while accepting this offer, should I tell them that I am waiting to hear from the other 2 schools?

[svh]

You should be straightforward with them and tell them your situation. I feel like grad schools are, by law, supposed to let you make your decision by April 15th... I don't know what's up with your school.

[purpledinosaur]

You should be straightforward with them and tell them your situation. I feel like grad schools are, by law, supposed to let you make your decision by April 15th... I don't know what's up with your school.

It depends on the school, and actually, this "rule" is only applicable to offers of funding. So a school may ask you to accept an offer of admission by whatever date, as long as it is not also an offer of funding. Not all schools are involved in this deal, either, and it is not actually a law at all.

Anyway, I agree with svh that you should be honest and explain the situation, Shankha Basu. And if they say that you absolutely MUST make a decision by March 2, then I would just accept and then later withdraw if you decide to go elsewhere.

[okayandgo]

I agree that you should tell them your situation. Once they've accepted you, they are not likely to retract the offer just because you're waiting for other schools. If they think you're a really desirable candidate, they may try to make their offer more appealing to you. I told a program I was accepted to that I was waiting to hear back from other schools and they have been very accommodating.

[sb29]

Thanks for your replies. I will tell them that I am waiting for other schools.