Big decisions..... advice needed!!

[grad_fish]

Hey Guys,

 

Previous posts have been helpful, so if anyone can shed some insight I would GREATLY appreciate it.

 

I heard back from my top choice.  I was unofficially accepted, but they are still working out the funding (whether I have one or two years of initial funding).  I want to be at this program more than words can say, and I really clicked with the POI. 

 

My second choice emailed me today, and mentioned he should hear back any day now from pending grants that would provide full funding (I assume).  However, the funding would be with a topic I'm interested in, but I'm not too keen to work on (in comparison with choice one).  He should let me know within a month.  I have also been officially admitted to this school. I did my undergraduate here, and I would be thrilled to go back.  However, other professors I know here advised me to take #1 if offered.  

 

So, should I email the POI back, saying I'm still interested (just to see whats on the table in case #1 falls short)?  Also, if I do, should I mention that I have another offer pending?  

 

So confused right now..... Any insight is helpful!!!

[hikarizx]

It sounds like you want to be at the first one so I don't really understand the problem. Are you saying that you would have full funding at the second but not the first?

[juilletmercredi]

Yes, and yes. You can briefly email the PI and let them know that you are excited about their offer, and are considering it, but you are waiting to hear back from other programs and will let them know as soon as you've made a decision. (no need to get specific about their order of importance to you or what decision you are waiting to hear about.)

 

You can also contact school #1 and let them know that you have an offer from another program, and you were wondering how long it might be before you hear about funding. Sometimes that speeds things up a bit, since they don't want to lose a promising student.

[Heaven'sMaiden]

I agree it sounds like you would be happy at # 1. Go where you will be happy doing what you do.