How to reject an accepted offer?

[gillguru7]

Sorry for posting this as some people have already asked such questions but I am a little scared regarding this, so wanted to ask myself. I was offered admission from UT Austin and was asked to accept by 15 April 2014. As I didn't have any other offers till then, naturally I accepted. Now I got an offer from University of British Columbia that I really want to take. How to decline my previous offer? I know this is not considered ethical but I have no other choice. Will there be any harsh consequences? I have not yet submitted any security fee.

 

Thanks. Please respond fast if possible.

[Slutsky_Walrus]

As it's been said in countless previous threads, email the department and tell them. Don't make up a sob story, just tell them you believe UBC will be a better school for your professional development.

I honestly don't know if there will be consequences, but personally I feel that grad directors probably won't even remember your name in an year or two unless you particularly stand out for whatever reason. But on the other hand, academia is a pretty small community... so who knows.

If you do end up choosing UBC, see you there in September!

[gillguru7]

  On 5/25/2014 at 7:07 AM, Slutsky_Walrus said:

As it's been said in countless previous threads, email the department and tell them. Don't make up a sob story, just tell them you believe UBC will be a better school for your professional development.

I honestly don't know if there will be consequences, but personally I feel that grad directors probably won't even remember your name in an year or two unless you particularly stand out for whatever reason. But on the other hand, academia is a pretty small community... so who knows.

If you do end up choosing UBC, see you there in September!

Thanks for replying. Yeah I am particularly confused about whether to mention UBC or not.

Nice to know that you are also going there. Have you done some arrangement for your stay there? I don't think it will be possible for me to live on campus. I have been trying to find some decent place to live. Vancouver is a costly city.