Rejecting school's offer this late

[cmliu]

Hello guys,

 

I have got an offer with scholarship and I replied to the school that I'm attending

But because of some personal issues I'm thinking of starting grad school next year

Suppose deferral is not an option, then I have to turn the school down

Do you think if I reject them this late, it will be a bad record and they won't consider accepting me when I apply again next year?

 

Thanks a lot

 

[hj2012]

If you're going in with funding, then yes, it probably won't look very good to turn them down this late in the game. That said, you need to do what is best for you at this time. At the same time, I would expect the school to do the same, which probably means that you'll have a harder time getting in with the same scholarship, unless you have extreme extenuating circumstances.

[iphi]

Why don't you write to them (or call) and explain the situation, ask for a deferrment due to special circumstances, and if they say no then tell them then you will have to withdraw from enrollment.

[awells27]

I would consider how serious the personal issues are.  If they are extraordinary - prolonged illness, death of a loved one, etc - then find out how the school deals with such issues and proceed accordingly.  If the personal issues are common ones that, although seeming intolerable now, are quite common, then I would rough it out.   Since funded offers are so hard to attain, you have to weigh how severe the personal issue is.  

[nugget]

Would you have the option of attending the first semester then taking a personal leave of absence? If you cannot defer but if you could take a leave after the first semester and not lose your funding, this might be another option for you to consider.