Making a Deceptively Easy Decision?

[emiliajulia]

I'm sure that this question has been approached before, but I want to cast some thoughts out there. So far, I've received three offers of admission from three great schools. One of them (Brown), was my top choice from the outset--naturally, when I received their decision yesterday, I was so verklempt that I was ready to accept the offer straightaway! It's such a big decision, though, that I'm trying to be methodical about it even though on some level, it feels like it's a foregone conclusion.

On the one hand, I want to put plenty of thought and attention into this very important decision, and I'm concerned that it's a tougher choice than I realize. On the other hand--I don't want to waste the time/resources of PsOI or other departmental people at UW or Pitt when I'm 90% certain that I'll accept the offer from Brown. Pitt wants to nominate me for a FLAS grant, and I'm not sure if I should go through the motions of the application when they could have nominated someone else. The correspondence from everyone has been really, really kind, and I'm worried about declining any offers too soon. 

Any thoughts? ngl--this is the most privileged/truly exhilarating problem I've had in a while, and I recognize how fortunate I am to be in this situation at all! 

[HopefulPHD14]

Explore all of your options even if you think you will end up at Brown.  This is one of the biggest decisions of your career.  There is no reason to rush it.  Best case scenario 1) you make your decision to attend Brown with a little more knowledge and confidence or 2) you realize that one of the other schools is a much better fit.

I am like 98% sure I know where I am headed.  It is the best funded program and the location I ultimately want to end up at.  I am still attending my last two interviews just in case.  

Schools understand they will get turned down by some students just like we students know we might get turned down by schools.  It's all part of the process. 

[lindsaykm13]

Yeah, definitely explore all your options. If you still end up choosing Brown, at least you'll know 100% it was the right decision. But who knows, maybe some crazy awesome funding/opportunities might present themselves at another school. Doesn't hurt to check it out!

Congrats on your acceptances, too! 

[rising_star]

I would explore all the options, including talking to current grad students of the department in general and of your POI(s) in particular. Visit, if at all possible. That can help make sure you're making the right decision and won't be wondering if the grass would be greener elsewhere in a year or two.

[TakeruK]

I agree with the above. You should always explore other options just in case as long as you are not 100% sure about a school (and I would only count 100% sure once you have a final written offer in hand, and that you have already signed and agreed to accept said offer). Until then, nothing is certain so I'd consider it due diligence to continue exploring other options.

[pterosaur]

I'm in a similar situation - I have a clear top choice but a couple of other options. As much as I want to accept immediately, I'm going to wait until I visit all of them in a few weeks before making a decision. But I'm not sure - should I tell my top choice that they are my top choice? Would there be any advantage/disadvantage to this, since I've been accepted?

[emiliajulia]

Thank you all so much for the feedback!  and @pterosaur--I did tell Brown that they were my first choice, just because it's true and I didn't see any reason not to let them know! But I think ultimately that decision would be up to you, and relative to your specific circumstance.