Is it acceptable to give up on a program?

[jk24]

So I applied to 8 PhD programs in Political Science this application season. I've heard back from 6 (3 acceptances, 3 rejections), but I'm still waiting on the other 2. I already love one of the programs I've been accepted to and will likely go there, but should I wait until I hear back from these other 2 to make a final decision? One of the 2 was in my top 3 that I applied to, but it's getting closer and closer to April 15 and I don't want to leave the programs I've been accepted to hanging. What if I accept at this program and then get a stellar offer from the other one I liked? Then I feel like I'll be trapped.

[scarvesandcardigans]

I think considering how close it is to April 15, you could probably contact the programs if you haven't already done so. This is simply my opinion, but I would much rather go to a school that made the effort to accept me and give me an offer earlier, because it means that they were truly interested and invested in me, than a program from which I have to solicit an answer. I think the only way you'll feel "trapped" is if you wait for those potential offers to come after the 15th, and you have already committed to the program that has made an offer. This can definitely be a tough situation to handle. Best of luck to you!

[jk24]

I have contacted both programs and they said their decisions would be made last week. Yet, I've still yet to hear from either of them. I agree with what you said about going to a program that showed interest in me. This whole process has been stressful and I just want to get it over with.

[TakeruK]

Don't leave programs that you know you won't attend hanging. So, if out of the 3 current acceptances, you know for sure you want to go to one of them if you don't hear back from the other 2, then politely decline the offer from the other two schools that accepted you now.

 

Now, out of the other two schools you're still waiting to hear from, I agree that it's a good time to contact them and ask for an update. Also, if you know that you will not choose one of these two schools over your current favourite acceptance, you can withdraw your application from that school now. Then, you will just have two schools "outstanding", your favourite accepted offer and the other school you're holding out for. I think it's acceptable to just hold on to those two offers until April 15. But make sure you contact the non-responsive school one more time just before April 15 so that you don't end up accepting one school on April 15 only to get an offer on April 17!

[juilletmercredi]

^I Was going to say everything TakeruK said. Decline the two schools you already heard from but won't attend, and withdraw from the school you are still waiting on that you wouldn't attend over the one you're already accepted to. Then contact your #1 choice and ask for an update.