April 15 Deadline

[jdl7851]

So, I’ve been hearing that some schools may give offers shortly after April 15. The two schools that I am fully admitted to with funding so far have said that they want a decision by April 15 and the offer may not last beyond that. Furthermore, the one I’m learning towards said that they want a form signed that they say is considered “binding”. If I were to accept one of these offer (potentially signing a form) would I have a realistic opportunity to accept a better offer if it come shortly after April 15, or would I have to take a gamble on whether I think I would get in or not? How often do people switch shortly after April 15?

[startz]

So, I’ve been hearing that some schools may give offers shortly after April 15. The two schools that I am fully admitted to with funding so far have said that they want a decision by April 15 and the offer may not last beyond that. Furthermore, the one I’m learning towards said that they want a form signed that they say is considered “binding”. If I were to accept one of these offer (potentially signing a form) would I have a realistic opportunity to accept a better offer if it come shortly after April 15, or would I have to take a gamble on whether I think I would get in or not? How often do people switch shortly after April 15?

 

American graduate schools pretty much all subscribe to a policy with a uniform April 15th deadline. (Does not apply outside the States.)

 

When you sign an offer on April 15th it is binding.

 

However, you can ask a school for a "release" to attend elsewhere. I can't imagine a school not granting the release, as no one really wants a student who doesn't want to be there.

 

Yes, there is some moving around after April 15.

[tbe]

I agree. I'm a Director of Graduate Studies and this is what I tell people we've admitted to our program: accept your best offer by April 15. If you change your mind after that date, you ask for a release. As startz said, the program doesn't have to grant it but I would be shocked if this happened.

 

On my end, when I make an offer after April 15, I tell the person that if they already accepted another offer then they need to obtain a written/email release from this program before they can accept our offer.