Acceptance of Offer vs. Waiting for other Offers

[NewDex]

Hi everyone,

 

I was just recently accepted to a MS program at the University of Chicago. I love the program and everything, but unfortunately the financial aid package they offered me was a bit below what I expected. I also applied to the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. My deadline to accept/decline the University of Chicago's offer is April 15. I was there in person recently and they told me they could give extra time to think about the offer they extended me if I needed it. I'm afraid that asking for extra time to think would not be the best way to start out my relationship with them, though. So, what should I do? What do you guys think?

 

Thanks for your insights! 

[MathCat]

If you are still waiting to hear from other programs by the end of this week, I would ask for extra time to think about it. I doubt it will strain the relationship if you do decide to attend - they did offer the extra time, after all.

[rising_star]

If you need the extra time, ask for it. It's really not that big of a deal.

[NewDex]

Great, guys! Thank you for the insights! 

[cs_phd]

As far as I know UPenn does not offer funding for MS programs. You can check the program website for details.

[sassypenguin]

piggy-backing on this: if I would like extra time to hear back from other schools but the school did not preemptively offer me the time, is it still okay to ask for the extra time? It's the only school I've been admitted to so far, but it's not at all my top choice. 

[MathCat]

piggy-backing on this: if I would like extra time to hear back from other schools but the school did not preemptively offer me the time, is it still okay to ask for the extra time? It's the only school I've been admitted to so far, but it's not at all my top choice. 

I don't think it's a big deal, as long as you ask politely and don't sound presumptuous (and don't tell them they're not at all your top choice, of course). Be prepared for the possibility that they will say no.