iheartgiraffe Posted April 3, 2014 Posted April 3, 2014 I only applied to two programs, with a preference for one. Both deadlines were fairly late (March 1st and 15th.) The earlier one has accepted me, but they don't do funding, and they're my second choice. They want an answer by April 15th. My first choice school says results should be released 4-6 weeks after the deadline, so April 12-26. They do sometimes offer funding and I'm overall more interested in their program. However, they seem to communicate mostly by mail thus far. Should I contact my first choice and ask when to expect an answer even though it's not likely to have been decided yet? Should I contact my second choice and ask for an extension? What's the etiquette here?
bakalamba Posted April 4, 2014 Posted April 4, 2014 Contact your first choice and explain your situation. The April 15th deadline is fairly standard, so it's pretty common students find themselves in this situation. Then, if you have more information, you can ask for an extension from your second choice - but that's pretty unlikely, considering April 15th is a set deadline for many programs. The etiquette, at least with your first choice, is to be polite yet inquiring. You're not asking them to rush their decision or admit you, but simply to let you know roughly their timing. If they don't answer emails in a timely manner, try calling.
readallthethings Posted April 5, 2014 Posted April 5, 2014 I agree with rbamattre, I think I'd email the first choice school and ask when you can expect an answer. Just make sure you ask kindly and show that you just don't want to accept an offer before hearing back from them, which I would think would be fine. If they can't give you an answer, I'd ask the other school for an extension on your decision. If they're not offering you any funding, I don't think the April 15th deadline would be as big of a concern for them but I can't say for sure.
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