How bad is it to turn down an offer after I have accpted it?

[mhindawy]

I have to accept an offer from Concordia, Canada, before April 1st. U of T won't give me an answer before mid/end of April. Can I accept Concordia's offer until I hear from U of T? If U of T takes me, I can then say sorry to Concordia. How feasible is this?

 

 

[jadoo1989]

I can see your reasoning, but probably wouldn't be a great way to start your professional career, especially in Canada where the academic circles are smaller.

[selecttext]

You should e-mail your POI or grad advisor at U of T immediately to inquire on your application status as you have already received another offer

[queenleblanc]

Personally, I think it is in poor taste to accept one place in hopes of hearing from your top choice, and is probably limiting your second choice university from getting students who actually want to go there. Ask yourself, "do I really want to go to u of T no matter what? What if I don't get in there, could I be okay with reapplying next year?" Also, have you contacted U of T to let them know that you really would like to go there, but another university has offered you admission and you have to do something with their offer by a certain date, etc. etc.? If you can push them at all, I would do that to avoid the sting of confirming then refusing acceptance, on your record in what could be a small or even a big academic circle (i dont think it really matters how big the academic circle is). If you ever want to apply to Concordia again, it is likely that this info will remain on your file, and may impact you. If you are okay with all of that, perhaps what you described is your only option, but only you can decide that.

[mhindawy]

I knew it was a bad thing to do. But I didn't know I can pressure one school by letting it know that I have another offer that I have to accept from anothe school.

 

Who do you think I should write to? The head of the department? the liason officer of the registerar?

[selecttext]

it isn't a bad thing to do. I've done it and things couldn't have worked out better.

 

You should write to your potential supervisor or to the graduate adviser for your department.

Edited March 22, 2013 by selecttext

[mhindawy]

I just did! I thought it was an acceptable beahvior in business only. Didn't know that the same can be done in acaddemic environments. Thank you all!

[mhindawy]

Guys, I told you I emailed the department. And the professor came back to me this morning saying I was accepted and she would love that I take U of T offer and not Concordia. Thank you for making me do it!

[selecttext]

congratulations!

[mhindawy]