Gracefully accepting but leaving options open

[Cheshire_Cat]

Hey, so I got into a progam, and I am pretty sure I am going to attend there.  However, I do want to keep my options open just in case my first choice gives me an offer.  Since it is an American Ph.D program, they want the formal acceptance by April 15th, but they would like to know within two weeks, and this was a week ago.  So, I wrote this acceptance letter. Do you think it comunicates what I am trying to do in a manner that is both clear and tactful, but will let me have a way out if need be?

 

 

"Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to you to accept your offer of admission into XYZ program for fall of 2015.  It is my plan to attend your school in the fall, however, if circumstances change and I am unable to do so, I will inform you of that decision no later than April 15.  Thank you for your consideration.  I am excited about what lies ahead and I look forward to working with you.

 

Sincerely,

Alice"

[MathCat]

I would personally not write that I am accepting their offer unless I definitely am. I would just say that I am seriously interested in their offer, but am not yet ready to make a final decision. But this depends how they phrased their request for your response within 2 weeks... did they want a definite yes or no? I would worry that your email binds you to them already.

[Cheshire_Cat]

Here is the text of the letter:

"We request that you indicate your interest in this offer within two weeks of this notice, if possible, and no later than April 15. Because of our policy of limited admission, we would appreciate a response from you, in writing, before April 15. If you should decide not to join us, we will then be able to offer your place to an applicant on our waiting list. You are, however, under no obligation to respond to this offer of financial support prior to April 15 as indicated on the enclosed policy statement of the Council of Graduate Schools. You may wait or change your mind any time up to that date. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 constitutes a contract, which you are expected to honor.  If you have any administrative questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you have academic questions, you may direct them to Dr. X. Please notify me within two weeks by email of your formal acceptance of this offer."

[tspier2]

I'm going to second MathCat's comment. Your response makes it completely transparent that you will only attend if your other offers don't come through; while that's perfectly acceptable in your personal life, you shouldn't make the position so salient professionally. Unless you are sure you will attend, don't tell them that you're accepting.

[MathCat]

Given the wording of their letter, I would definitely send a different email. I would just say that yes, I am seriously interested, and I will let them know my final decision as soon as possible. You are not required to accept already, based on the email you quoted. I think they just want people who know they won't go to tell them now, so that they can offer that spot to waitlisted students.

[Cheshire_Cat]

Ok, great!  I'll tell them I am seriously interested.  I was very selective and only applied places that I was sure I would be willing to go, so it isn't like this is the last school on my list.  I have a wonderful job that I will be leaving and I'll only do that for a school I really want to go to.  I just want to make sure I know all the cards before I make a play.