Asked to make a decision before April 15

[Bigcheesix]

Hi,

 

Here's my situation: I have a PhD admit from a top Atmospheric Science school (Penn State). I have applied to a number of other top schools (UWashington, CU Boulder, Columbia, UMiami) that I haven't heard back from yet.

 

Now, the problem is that my PI really wants somebody to fill this position, so he's requested me to make a decision in three weeks. This is a very good project, and I'm very tempted to accept. I'm wondering how to handle this situation. Can I ask the other univs to hurry up with their decision? They're all roughly equivalent on my preference list, and I'd like to have a few options before I commit.

[GeoDUDE!]

In 3 weeks it will be almost April. If you haven't heard from them by then, you probably won't until on or after April 15th.  I would email your POIs at the other places asking about your application status (as you have an impending deadline) and have to make a decision before April. 

[Bigcheesix]

In 3 weeks it will be almost April. If you haven't heard from them by then, you probably won't until on or after April 15th.  I would email your POIs at the other places asking about your application status (as you have an impending deadline) and have to make a decision before April. 

Thanks... when do you suggest I should email them? I don't have POIs at all of those univs, so I'll have to mail the admissions office.

[Kalaba]

I have a similar situation. I was accepted last week to a very focused program, but I've been asked to make a decision by March 10th. I've only heard back from one of my four other schools (international development programs generally release decisions in mid-March).

 

I'm planning on e-mailing the one school today to ask for an extension, though I'm not really sure how to word it. I also plan on emailing my other programs next week if I haven't heard by the end of the week to see where they are.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks!

[gnarls_barkley]

I have a similar situation. I was accepted last week to a very focused program, but I've been asked to make a decision by March 10th. I've only heard back from one of my four other schools (international development programs generally release decisions in mid-March).

 

I'm planning on e-mailing the one school today to ask for an extension, though I'm not really sure how to word it. I also plan on emailing my other programs next week if I haven't heard by the end of the week to see where they are.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks!

 

I would just thank them and say you're very interested, but would like some time to think about it. They're not naive, and know you've probably applied elsewhere. In the meantime, you could call the other programs and ask for a timeline of when they expect to release decisions.

Edited March 4, 2015 by gnarls_barkley

[Bigcheesix]

Update: I asked my current advisor this morning. He said to start emailing program coordinators right away (or even the POI if there's been significant communication), and ask for an update on my situation and a possible timeline for the decision. He said to mention in passing that I have an admit and they expect me to make an early decision. 

 

Hope this helps others who might be facing a similar situation.