Not sure how to handle UNC vs Pitt when I haven't even been accepted at UNC yet

[adlittle]

So, I'm applying for a Ph.D. in social work. I've been accepted at Pitt whereas UNC Chapel Hill says they likely won't tell me anything till the end of March. Ugh, they had the earliest application deadline but they're the last of all the schools to notify! Anyway, so I have a really good offer at Pitt that I would only turn down if UNC accepts me and makes a similar offer. The problem is, despite the customary 15 April notify-by date, there is an accepted students weekend for this program at Pitt in the first week of April. They pay for accommodation and a flight there. So, I don't want to wait until the last minute to book a plane ticket because they will balk at reimbursing the cost, but I also don't want to have to try sorting out a fully refundable (and likely more expensive) ticket either. I'm wondering if it is bad form to just straight up tell Pitt that this is the situation?

[bakalamba]

I think you can just ask them how much they can reimburse you for a flight. I'm visiting two schools, and one has a set amount, and the other books travel for visiting students, but also has a set budget. They won't balk at any cost, but simply will reimburse you for as much as they can - and often, it's up to you to pay the difference for a flight booked late. But it's important to be clear about how much they reimburse for travel costs.

 

If I were you, I'd visit Pitt anyways, because there is certainly a good chance you may be studying there (in two possible events: UNC rejects you, or UNC accepts but gives a less appealing offer). Since they're paying for accommodation and flight, it's not any cost to you (just costing you your time). And there's a lot you can learn from a visit that might inform your decision, particularly if you're in a situation where you have a great offer from your second choice and a less comparable one from your top school. Good luck.

[adlittle]

Thanks, that's what I'm leaning toward. The only thing I'm not sure about is if they're expecting only people who are taking up the offer for sure to attend. I wonder if that's a tacky thing to ask?

[RomulusAugustulus]

Thanks, that's what I'm leaning toward. The only thing I'm not sure about is if they're expecting only people who are taking up the offer for sure to attend. I wonder if that's a tacky thing to ask?

 

Doubtful. Visiting weekends are usually a way to sell prospectives on the program. Definitely go to Pitt for the visit, you have no reason not to. Buy a ticket now, so it won't be an expensive last minute flight. Even if you get into UNC before the visiting weekend at Pitt, you should go. It is best to weigh all your options. You never know, you might love your visit at Pitt, and dislike a visit to UNC. People often visit several schools, and obviously they can't go to all of them. Schools are used to this. 

[bsharpe269]

I totally agree with teh above. If you are this interested in Pitt then you should visit either way. You may end up loving the campus more or clicking with students and teachers more. It is deifnitely worth visiting even if you dont end up attending. They will not be mad that you visited and then declined their offer. They want you to come visit so that they can sell the program to you.

[bakalamba]

Yeah, visiting days are recruitment events, not orientations. I went to one, and half of the people were still on the fence (or they made up their mind, but certainly didn't show it).