Does CGS really matter?

[runnernado77]

Hi everyone, so I have this fantastic offer from a school I would absolutely be honored to attend. The only issue is that I am still waiting on one more school, as I am also really interested in their program. I told the school that gave me the offer I would let them know ASAP, but had a few things to think about (I put it more eloquently). Are they bound to keep my offer til April 15th per CGS if it takes school #2 an excessively long period of time to respond? Also, is it looked down upon if I express excitement about the offer but take time to think it through? I truly respect the person that gave me the offer and do not want to display any disrespect, but I am currently weighing both schools equally in the decision process if both were to give me the offer. The second school is weighted so heavily because I have several people who have spoken to the admissions committee on my behalf, though they have yet to make any decisions. 

[rising_star]

1) You're not disrespecting them by saying that you're taking your time to consider your options. Everyone knows this is a major decision which affects the next 4-7 years of your life and no one wants you to make it lightly. Most programs want you to visit to make sure it's a good fit, which they know takes at least a few weeks to arrange. And then, after the visit, people usually want more time to think about it and reflect on it (unless you know right away that it isn't the right place). So, that process alone can take 4-6 weeks easily. 

1a) If anyone does look down on you for doing that, then they aren't someone you really want to associate with, imo. 

2) Yes, technically School #1 is bound to keep your offer until April 15. But, in all honesty, if you're considering both schools seriously and late March rolls around, I'd call school #2 and ask when you're going to get a decision. School 2 wouldn't be obligated to tell you but it could speed up the decision process. I say late March because, again, you may want to visit to get a feel for the school and department in person.

[Eigen]

Just to clarify, all of what Rising_Star said is perfectly valid, unless School #1 gave you an earlier deadline. 

There's no external body (and CGS has no teeth) that will "make" School #1 keep your offer until April 15th. If they are a signatory of the CGS resolution (have you checked?) than they probably will. 

If they indicated another deadline, then you need to keep to that deadline.