I have one "unofficial" acceptance. What do I do?

[Ineedgradschool]

I work at a research lab with a very prominent professor in the field.  Recently, he just accepted a job offer at another university, which has a great program.  I received an email from him asking me if I want to go there and all of the grad students I work with said that it basically means that he's willing to take me along.  The tricky thing is that it seems like he wants a definite answer now but I haven't heard back from any of the other 12 schools that I applied to...what should I do?! 

[aojfifjoaisjaiosdj]

I think you should describe your situation to him and see what he can come up with. 

[braindump]

Well first off, are you interested in going with him? And is it definite that you'll be accepted into the program if he wants to take you with him? If you're interested in his offer but still have some programs you'd rather attend if accepted, then you should explain to him your situation. You spent a lot of time, money, and effort applying to graduate programs, and I'm sure he'll understand if you'd like to at least know all of your options before making such a big decision. 

[fuzzylogician]

Take you with him.. as a lab tech or as a first year student? I might be wrong but in all likelihood if you want to study for a MA/PhD, you need to be accepted by the program that your professor is moving to. That's worth finding out about. Also, I'd want to know more about the funding situation and have an official offer before making any other moves. If/when you actually have this information, I think it's fair to ask for more time to decide because you haven't heard back from your other applications yet. Unless, of course, this is your top choice and you know you'll take it no matter what else happens.

[Ineedgradschool]

I would love to work with him (and it would be as a 1st year grad student)...it is my realistic top choice.  I applied to 2 dream schools but I don't expect to get in.  However, I think I rather just tell him that I'd like to see all of my options before agreeing to anything.  

[rising_star]

Definitely find out what the funding would look like before you commit to anything. Make sure you also know what project you'll be expected to work on for your dissertation. You might also want to do research on the program itself to make sure it's a good fit for you. Will you find other professors you can take classes with and who can serve on your committee? That's an important consideration too. Like others have said, take the time to consider whether this would be your top choice over all the other programs you're waiting to hear from. It could be that you're better served working under another supervisor since you already have a relationship with this one.

[TakeruK]

In my field, when this happens, it means that the prof is asking if you would be interested in working with him at the new program. This does mean that the new program will likely have to accept you, however, a new prof often has the power to make such things happen, to some extent. So, part of the reason he might be asking so early is to be able to start the process early enough (perhaps before his new school even makes their own admission decisions, which would give him more flexibility). 

 

I agree that it makes sense for you to say that you are interested in moving with this prof (first check out the program) but you can't commit yet and I don't think the prof can reasonably expect you to commit now. But if it is really is your 3rd choice (after your 2 dream schools), then I think you don't have to wait until you hear back from all of your schools, just enough schools that you can make a sound decision. I would also recommend that you keep this professor in the loop as you make important decisions! 

 

Also you might check with the prof on what he means. That is, if you say yes to him now, is he going to guarantee your admission (and therefore look really bad if you don't take the offer), or is he just going to forward your application from his old school to his new school for consideration like anyone else (with the added benefit that new school knows this prof wants you). 

[Ineedgradschool]

In my field, when this happens, it means that the prof is asking if you would be interested in working with him at the new program. This does mean that the new program will likely have to accept you, however, a new prof often has the power to make such things happen, to some extent. So, part of the reason he might be asking so early is to be able to start the process early enough (perhaps before his new school even makes their own admission decisions, which would give him more flexibility). 

 

I agree that it makes sense for you to say that you are interested in moving with this prof (first check out the program) but you can't commit yet and I don't think the prof can reasonably expect you to commit now. But if it is really is your 3rd choice (after your 2 dream schools), then I think you don't have to wait until you hear back from all of your schools, just enough schools that you can make a sound decision. I would also recommend that you keep this professor in the loop as you make important decisions! 

 

Also you might check with the prof on what he means. That is, if you say yes to him now, is he going to guarantee your admission (and therefore look really bad if you don't take the offer), or is he just going to forward your application from his old school to his new school for consideration like anyone else (with the added benefit that new school knows this prof wants you). 

Good insight!  I spoke to him yesterday and just mentioned that I am almost 100% sure that I want to go with him but I'd just like to hear back from some of my schools and he told me to let him know as soon as possible.  I'm so excited that he actually wants to work with me but now I'm feeling pressured to make a decision so soon!