Top school being flaky

[Denominator]

I applied to two top ten schools and got into both.  

My #2 admitted me back in February and has offered me a TA position and told me I have no expiration date on my offer and to take my time.  

My #1 flew me in to see them in October and told me that if they admitted me that I'd at the very least I'd be offered a TA/RA position.  It was a fantastic trip and they definitely won me over. They admitted me March 15.  I got a nice email from my advisor on the 21st.  She said they're still figuring out grants and teaching assignments and that she'd be able to let me know of any opportunities in the next couple weeks.  It's now been 2 and half weeks and I haven't heard anything.  I emailed her once last week and again yesterday and haven't received any response.  

I do know the graduate school has not yet approved me.  After inquiring I was told they are very significantly behind schedule.  I was given no ETA on when they'll get caught up.  I know that I meet all of their minimum qualifications and was told that approval was more of a formality.

#1 said they need a decision by 4-15, but as of yet i literally don't have an "official" offer.  I'm super excited to have a top notch #2, I'm definitely anxious in regards to my #1.  Am I right to worry or am I being neurotic?

[TakeruK]

Because you have no deadline on #2, I think you should ask #1 to allow you to delay your decision until you get something in writing that you will have funding of X amount via Y method (whether it's TA, RA, fellowship etc.) They don't need to tell you which classes you will be TAing, how many hours, etc. but you really should have a firm dollar amount in writing before you have to decide.

The grad school approval thing is not as much of a big deal. It really is a formality in most places. I would be more worried that the actual funding does not come up to be what you expected if you don't have it in writing prior to your decision.

[Denominator]

6 hours ago, TakeruK said:

Because you have no deadline on #2, I think you should ask #1 to allow you to delay your decision until you get something in writing that you will have funding of X amount via Y method (whether it's TA, RA, fellowship etc.) They don't need to tell you which classes you will be TAing, how many hours, etc. but you really should have a firm dollar amount in writing before you have to decide.

The grad school approval thing is not as much of a big deal. It really is a formality in most places. I would be more worried that the actual funding does not come up to be what you expected if you don't have it in writing prior to your decision.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback.  About an hour after I made the original post I received an email from my advisor apologizing for the delay and assurance that they'd have details about funding soon.  If they don't have it soon I think I'll take your advice and ask for an extension until it's fully sorted out. 

 

thanks again!