Is it allowed to change the SIR(statement of intent to register)?

[Shoneimal]

Is it allowed to change the the SIR after you have accepted the phd offer in the online system before April 15th?

Edited February 27, 2016 by Shoneimal

[TakeruK]

What do you mean exactly? Are you asking if you accept the offer now, can you change your mind before April 15? The answer is yes, of course you can always "quit" or leave the program at any time, even before it starts. You will not be forced to attend a school you don't want to attend! You may lose any deposit that you might have already paid. 

However, doing this is not a good idea. You will make people at the school upset that you said one thing and then changed your mind. If you are not yet sure whether or not you will attend the program, then wait until you are sure before you accept the offer.

[Shoneimal]

43 minutes ago, TakeruK said:

What do you mean exactly? Are you asking if you accept the offer now, can you change your mind before April 15? The answer is yes, of course you can always "quit" or leave the program at any time, even before it starts. You will not be forced to attend a school you don't want to attend! You may lose any deposit that you might have already paid. 

However, doing this is not a good idea. You will make people at the school upset that you said one thing and then changed your mind. If you are not yet sure whether or not you will attend the program, then wait until you are sure before you accept the offer.

Thank you for your response. But I am just wondering if it is allowed since I have heard of something like the 4.15 agreement, which indicates that such behavior may result in bad things. I am just wondering if it is possible to contact with the department since I only submitted my SIR online without signing anything, such as forms or contracts or agreements.

[TakeruK]

55 minutes ago, Shoneimal said:

Thank you for your response. But I am just wondering if it is allowed since I have heard of something like the 4.15 agreement, which indicates that such behavior may result in bad things. I am just wondering if it is possible to contact with the department since I only submitted my SIR online without signing anything, such as forms or contracts or agreements.

Submitting a form online is usually equivalent to a signature. There are usually no contracts for graduate school. But, a form to accept the offer is normal. 

What are you worried about though? Do you want to change your mind?

[Shoneimal]

13 minutes ago, TakeruK said:

Submitting a form online is usually equivalent to a signature. There are usually no contracts for graduate school. But, a form to accept the offer is normal. 

What are you worried about though? Do you want to change your mind?

I am thinking of changing my decision but I am really afraid of the bad things due to the 4.15 agreement.

[SAH]

18 minutes ago, Shoneimal said:

I am thinking of changing my decision but I am really afraid of the bad things due to the 4.15 agreement.

I'm confused as to why you think that it's the April 15th deadline that will get you in trouble here.  This deadline is in place as an attempt to prevent schools from forcing students to make an early decision.  If you made an early decision of your own accord, and now wish to change that decision, this situation really has nothing to do with April 15th.  

As TakeruK suggested, there are likely to be financial ramifications of changing  this decision and it would very probably make people at that school look poorly on your professional behavior.  However, I can imagine a few instances where it would be worth the risk.  

[Shoneimal]

12 hours ago, SAH said:

I'm confused as to why you think that it's the April 15th deadline that will get you in trouble here.  This deadline is in place as an attempt to prevent schools from forcing students to make an early decision.  If you made an early decision of your own accord, and now wish to change that decision, this situation really has nothing to do with April 15th.  

As TakeruK suggested, there are likely to be financial ramifications of changing  this decision and it would very probably make people at that school look poorly on your professional behavior.  However, I can imagine a few instances where it would be worth the risk.  

Thanks for your answer. I have misunderstood the 4.15 agreement. Hope it will not lead to bad results.