Declining Offer - Who should I email back?

[akffkd102]

I have noticed that once I get an acceptance, not only does the chair but other professors (subfield chair, professors in similar research fields) and current graduate students email to congratulate and offer me help. Who should I email back to inform of my decision to decline the offer? Just those that I have exchanged emails most with, or everyone that contacted me? (ex. should I also inform the graduate students that offered me help, especially if the last correspondence ended with their email?)

This admissions process is entirely new to me, so please bear with me even if this question sounds rather naive. Trying my best not to offend anyone!

[cabraloca]

I think emailing the chair is fine. One email should do.

[fuzzylogician]

You reply to whoever sent the acceptance email (probably chair or DGS, but possibly a potential advisor). When in doubt, I would email the DGS, as the person who is most likely responsible for graduate admissions. If you had a lot of personal communication with a potential advisor, you could email them personally to thank them for their support, but you don't have to. You don't need to inform graduate students who emailed to congratulate you.