Asking schools to speed up offers?

[internphd]

I'm in the similar situation. Got an offer from one of my top-choices today (), but they want my decision by March, 8. I'd like to hear back from two other schools I'm seriously considering before making a final decision though. Not sure what to do - I'll probably e-mail to those two (without mentioning my offer) and inquire about my status, but I'm afraid that they are going to review applications for more than remaining 8 days...

[bigtooth81]

I'm in the similar situation. Got an offer from one of my top-choices today (), but they want my decision by March, 8. I'd like to hear back from two other schools I'm seriously considering before making a final decision though. Not sure what to do - I'll probably e-mail to those two (without mentioning my offer) and inquire about my status, but I'm afraid that they are going to review applications for more than remaining 8 days...

My 2 cents, you should email the schools, probably the coordinator of PhD program at the department, and mention your offer. I think that that will work for your advantage because schools will always be more active if there are counter offers.

[stinkybeagle]

My 2 cents, you should email the schools, probably the coordinator of PhD program at the department, and mention your offer. I think that that will work for your advantage because schools will always be more active if there are counter offers.

I've posted this on another thread. But the short of it is that i've been in the same situation. My experience was that the other schools aren't understanding. Their feeling is that the other school wasn't playing fair and I should be reluctant accepting an offer from such an unscrupulous program. I hope you have better results!

[bigtooth81]

I've posted this on another thread. But the short of it is that i've been in the same situation. My experience was that the other schools aren't understanding. Their feeling is that the other school wasn't playing fair and I should be reluctant accepting an offer from such an unscrupulous program. I hope you have better results!

I think if you are one of their top candidates, the other schools will let you know the likelihood that you will be admitted. You know, it is a pain to read through some hundreds applications to find the candidates that they like. IMO, if they are interested in my application, they will let me know. Otherwise, if they are reluctant to speed up or let me know my chance, they are just not that interested in taking me. In such a case, I think I will play safe by taking the offer.

[rsaylors]

Someone recently told me that smith was demanding an early-answer.

I love smith and it's a great school, far from sketchy, but I don't like this kind of behavior and their practice has lowered the standing of smith in my eyes.

Anyone else thinking of violating the April 15th agreement should keep in mind that these shenanigans make your school look bad and lower your prestige.

That said: do you think that you were THE candidate on march 1st but won't be on April 15th? Just ask them if they are part of the agreement (which you know they are) and if they are willing to keep to it.

[stinkybeagle]

I think if you are one of their top candidates, the other schools will let you know the likelihood that you will be admitted. You know, it is a pain to read through some hundreds applications to find the candidates that they like. IMO, if they are interested in my application, they will let me know. Otherwise, if they are reluctant to speed up or let me know my chance, they are just not that interested in taking me. In such a case, I think I will play safe by taking the offer.

I don't think that's always the case. Some schools might have a strict protocol that they'll not deviate from. In my case, one of the schools I contacted did tell me that they'd already invited people out to interviews and they're sorry I was not on the list but have not made any final decisions . That I took to mean "you REALLY shouldn't wait on us." However, I interviewed with my #1 program and I thought it went really well. I told them during the interview that I had this ridiculous exploding offer and they were basically like, "we're going to need 2-3 weeks to see everyone and make a decision and BTW the school putting pressure on you sucks!" I tried one more time with my POI and got the same response. So, I was convinced that I'd clearly overestimated how well the interviews went and they didn't want mt. But I got an offer as soon as the committee finished meeting. So, my 2 cents worth is to read between the line. Good luck!!!

[stinkybeagle]

Someone recently told me that smith was demanding an early-answer.

I love smith and it's a great school, far from sketchy, but I don't like this kind of behavior and their practice has lowered the standing of smith in my eyes.

Anyone else thinking of violating the April 15th agreement should keep in mind that these shenanigans make your school look bad and lower your prestige.

That said: do you think that you were THE candidate on march 1st but won't be on April 15th? Just ask them if they are part of the agreement (which you know they are) and if they are willing to keep to it.

I could be mistaking, but the agreement seems to only apply to offers of admission. Don't know about the OP, but my offer stated that my funding/fellowship is off the table if I didn't respond within 10 days. If I took longer I would still be accepted but w/no money. From my understanding of the agreement, they're technically not in violation.

[DrEgg]

Actually, stinkybeagle, that is not true. One of the schools I got an offer from actually included a print out of the agreement with my offer letter (including a list of all of the schools that have signed), which I thought was pretty nice of them. The agreement specifically states:

"Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15; earlier deadlines for acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution."

It goes on to say that even if you accept an offer prior to April 15, you technically have the right to withdraw that commitment any time prior to April 15. I wouldn't recommend doing this, however...

[internphd]

I could be mistaking, but the agreement seems to only apply to offers of admission. Don't know about the OP, but my offer stated that my funding/fellowship is off the table if I didn't respond within 10 days. If I took longer I would still be accepted but w/no money. From my understanding of the agreement, they're technically not in violation.

Funny, in my case it's other way around (i.e. I have to accept or decline the offer before March 8, but funding offer is in force until April 15).

[stinkybeagle]

Funny, in my case it's other way around (i.e. I have to accept or decline the offer before March 8, but funding offer is in force until April 15).

Can you take the money and go somewhere else then?