Anxiety Declining Offers?

[TheRealMSol]

I realize that this is the GradCafe equivalent of "first world problems," but is anyone else having a hard time clicking the button or checking the box to decline an admission offer? I picked a program that seems like the right fit for me, but I keep thinking, what if this school is actually better/has more to offer/has better job placement/is where I was meant to go?

 

So much anxiety. Anyone else experiencing this? Any advice?

[PsycD]

You are certainly not alone. Several of us on here have had faced the same doubts and agonized over the final choice. I narrowed my choice down to two schools and visited them both prior to making my final decision. I thought there would be a clear favourite after my visits, but it actually made things much worse. I had tears in my eyes when I left my 2nd campus visit just thinking about turning down such a fantastic offer.

 

I had a total meltdown before making my final decision, and even a few days after to be perfectly honest. I made myself sick worrying that I didn't make the best decision. But, in the end I finally realized that no matter what choice I made, I really couldn't go wrong with either of them. I just had to weigh my options, consider my reasons for wanting to attend each, and decide.

 

My advice is this: Once that final decision is made, don't look back and don't second guess yourself. Everything that happens after we click that "Yes" button is totally up to us. Just kick butt in graduate school, and you'll reap the benefits of your hard work and perseverance in the end. I truly believe that.

[TheRealMSol]

Great advice! Thank you!

[argslp]

I had an amazing offer from the University of Rhode Island. It took me four hours to send an e-mail of declination, and about 90% of that time was spent with me hovering my mouse over the send button. In the end, many of us can't make a "wrong" decision. You will make the most of your education wherever you choose. Weigh your options and go with your gut.