how can I reply in this case

[crabwalker]

The professor ask me to make decision to accpet the offer before giving me any official letters. It seems that I should make my decision first. But I have not received any news from most of the schools yet. How can I deal with this case?

[liszt85]

That is unfair! I don't understand why some of these people are so unreasonable. I can't offer a solution, good luck!

[rising_star]

I would say that you cannot make a decision without having financial information in hand.

[crabwalker]

I would say that you cannot make a decision without having financial information in hand.

I have very specific information about the financial aid in hand, but that is not official letter. He seems to ask to me to make the decision first

[American in Beijing]

I have very specific information about the financial aid in hand, but that is not official letter. He seems to ask to me to make the decision first

Is the decision binding? If so, then I would say that you're really excited about the opportunity, but that you need to weigh in other factors before you make your final decision. Say you'd like to have more time to talk to the students and faculty to make sure the school is a good fit for you. They should understand that. And if they don't, then that's unreasonable, I think. I would seriously reconsider going to the program.

[Catch22alex]

BU did a somewhat similar thing. After my interview I emailed the chair and director and said thank you you have a great department. The reply to me was "tell us how you are ranking us in terms of where we stand in your decision". I never responded (I was still out interviewing). About a week later I got my official acceptance. Just some food for thought

[LadyL]

I asked a school that accepted me for an extension to decide. They had no problem with it. I think most schools would like you decide on the spot that they're your favorite but understand that the reality is, most of us are considering multiple options.

[crabwalker]

I asked a school that accepted me for an extension to decide. They had no problem with it. I think most schools would like you decide on the spot that they're your favorite but understand that the reality is, most of us are considering multiple options.

Thanks a lot! But it seems that I have to say yes to this professor, then he will get to move on the formal paperwork. I am not very clear about that. Can professor do this to push student to decide?

BTW, that school is the best choice for me until now, but I am still waiting for news from other top programs.

[bolani]

Thanks a lot! But it seems that I have to say yes to this professor, then he will get to move on the formal paperwork. I am not very clear about that. Can professor do this to push student to decide?

BTW, that school is the best choice for me until now, but I am still waiting for news from other top programs.

What school is it? If it is a school on this list:

http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGS_Resolution.pdf

then under that resolution you have NO obligation to accept offers before april 15.

However, what is even better is that you can accept and offer and withdraw your acceptance before April 15th and it's ok according to that document.

So, if they really want an acceptance, you could just do accept to get the offer, then reject if something better comes up.

That's a tough situation....if i were in your shoes I would do what I just said ONLY after I called the Graduate School and asked them what their policies were on requiring students to accept and reject offers on demand before formal paperwork. Most likely what the professor is doing is NOT in accordance with that.

[crabwalker]

I am sure the school has an agreement with the protocol.

I think it is a really awkward to accept this offer then decline it. To tell the truth, I do not have too much confidence in getting more attractive offer from other schools. But it really comes too early before most of the schools or any official procedure.

[bolani]

I am sure the school has an agreement with the protocol.

I think it is a really awkward to accept this offer then decline it. To tell the truth, I do not have too much confidence in getting more attractive offer from other schools. But it really comes too early before most of the schools or any official procedure.

Yes, you're right about the awkwardness. However, I would just give very positive indications (i'm very interested, but I would like to see the offer first; etc). Once they write you an offer they are legally binded to hold to it; I would do enough to 1) not lie and say you are going to accept it(just sound very positive, because you are...tell them that they are your first choice at this point,etc) and 2) GET the offer in your hands somehow. THEN you can say "yes " or "no".

It might be risky to say "you guys aren't following the rules" unless you see the offer. Once you get the offer, THEN bring it up if you need more time.

[someDay]

If they don't stick to the rules, why should you? Strongly indicate you'd accept and wait for the offer. If they force you to formally accept before April 15th, accept but be prepared to withdraw if a better offer comes along. I doubt this will much of a problem in the future, unless this is a very niche subject and the prof you talked to is the accepted authority in the field.

sD.

Edited February 20, 2010 by someDay

[crabwalker]

Yes, you're right about the awkwardness. However, I would just give very positive indications (i'm very interested, but I would like to see the offer first; etc). Once they write you an offer they are legally binded to hold to it; I would do enough to 1) not lie and say you are going to accept it(just sound very positive, because you are...tell them that they are your first choice at this point,etc) and 2) GET the offer in your hands somehow. THEN you can say "yes " or "no".

It might be risky to say "you guys aren't following the rules" unless you see the offer. Once you get the offer, THEN bring it up if you need more time.

Thanks, I do have considered this way. But I am an international student. The professor is from the same country. I don't think it is wise to do so, as the academic guys all know each other in such a narrow circle.

[sciencegal]

I do not recommend accepting and then later declining. We had a student do that once recently and every faculty member in our department was pissed. I guarantee you they will remember that person's name. It's better to just indicate that you cannot yet make a fully informed decision although you are very excited about their offer. You don't want to damage your future by formally accepting and then "taking it back."

[waytooold]

Schools make these offers to preserve a high yield rate and maintain numbers that will preserve their selectivity.