This seems silly

[tryingtodecide]

Can you guys give me some advice?

About a month ago, I was accepted in to my first choice program with full funding. I was (and am) ecstatic by this acceptance. I also have one other funded offer (smaller stipend) and am waiting on a few other schools.

Here is my "problem" - I feel like it should be obvious that I just accept the offer to my dream school. I loved it when I visited, it matches my interests, it is highly regarded, etc. And yet....for someone reason I am hesitating. Is this just a fear of commitment? I have the opportunity to go down and visit the second school, but I cannot decide if it is worth it (my time and money, their time, etc). On the one hand, I do legitimately like the research being done there...I would not have applied if I wasn't serious about the possibility of attending. But, on paper/in a comparison list of pros and cons, my top choice still wins out. I guess this voice in the back of my mind is telling me that I might like this other school better if I visit and that I should go to give myself a comparison for my first choice...though this seems like a fairly trivial reason.

Has anyone else struggled with something like this? I am just being ridiculous?

[fuzzylogician]

If you're not sure, go and visit. It's not uncommon for people's opinions to change following visits - you might find you get along better with the professors and students, that you like the city, that the opportunities are better. I say it's worth your time and money to be sure before you make a decision that will commit you to a certain school for the next 5-7 years and will shape your entire academic future. It's not silly at all.

[CarlieE]

I agree with fuzzylogician - there's no harm in going to visit, unless your wallet REALLY can't handle the strain of the cost etc or unless your dream school has put you under a time constraint ie: "You must respond in 3 days to tell us if you're accepting or we will give your spot to someone else". It sounds like you have the freedom to check out other offers and schools which is always good - options are always good, in my book.

[IronicStatement]

. . . unless your dream school has put you under a time constraint ie: "You must respond in 3 days to tell us if you're accepting or we will give your spot to someone else".

I agree. You should take your time and feel comfortable making a decision. FuzzyLogician is right, this is your life for the next 5 years (or so). Don't worry about "wasting" a few hours of their time for a visit.

Also, just a reminder: no school can threaten to take your offer away from you if you don't make your decision quickly enough. You have the right to wait until April 15th to decide. (Graduate Student Legal Rights)

Take the time, make a decision you will be happy to live with.

Edited March 1, 2012 by IronicStatement

[CarlieE]

Also, just a reminder: no school can threaten to take your offer away from you if you don't make your decision quickly enough. You have the right to wait until April 15th to decide. (Graduate Student Legal Rights)

I found this http://www.cgsnet.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CGS_Resolution.pdf - it's the April 15th resolution signed by *most grad schools... As I understand it, there's no real legal standing behind the resolution ie. a grad school can't be fined or anything like that by the council, but schools that signed the agreement should uphold it..