financeguy

I had a really positive interview with a program that was towards the top of my list (the program was already potentially my top choice) and afterwards, the PhD coordinator suggested I reach out to some current students to find out more about the program. I did, and it was all positive. Now I am convinced that this is for sure where I want to be. I want to communicate that I reached out and this is where I want to be. To complicate things, I'm currently at a stage where I have the opportunity to do a flyout that would be #2 to this school's #1, but they want me to book travel in the next week or so. I think the first school is going to make it's decisions in the next week, so I don't want to seem weird or pushy. Would there be anything wrong with writing the PhD coordinator back to say "I reached out to everyone you suggested, they really love the program. I thought it seemed like a good fit before, now I'm sure this is my top choice. By the way, I've been asked to book travel for a flyout within the next week for (#2 school), but if presented with both options, I'd choose your program. I'd like to be fair to them, and not accept the flyout if you accept me." FWIW, the #1 program does seem to emphasize "fit" and "closeness". (All true, if given the offer here, I would accept it over other offers/the #2 school)

Simple question (I hope). I had an interview (really positive) that culminated in the program coordinator suggesting that I talk to some current students and that I should reach out if I have any questions or anything comes up. This was already one of my top choices, and having spoken to several people, it's officially where I want to be. I have another flyout in a few weeks where we were given a budget, and if possible, I'd like to save that other school the time and expense if I am going to get an offer from the first school. I don't think they've made final decisions yet, but he seemed to indicate that they were targeting next week. I'd like to reach out to say "I spoke with several people you suggested, they said incredible things, and I am sure this is where I want to be. I have this other flyout, but I like your school better and would like to attend" (and mean it--if offered, I would accept). My question is whether that will be perceived as enthusiastic or weird? At a minimum, I'd like to let them know that I reached out, and everyone had good things to say...is that considered normal? This process baffles me a little bit.

If a school that you have an offer from, but haven't decided whether to attend or not (I certainly haven't decided against it--in which case I'd decline, but I am still waiting for higher-ranked programs to get back to me) offers to fly you out to meet faculty and visit with students, is there anything wrong with agreeing to visit, as long as you are up front about having not made your mind up, and don't make any promises you can't keep? That is kind of the point right? They are flying you out because they know you're unsure and they want to convince you? I don't want to waste their time or money if I get something better, but on the other hand, this is a program that isn't extremely highly ranked, but has some (on paper) really good research and faculty that I'd like to meet.

Congrats Ted! I interviewed too but haven't heard back either way. Assuming I'm on a wait list of some kind then if you heard back. Mind if I ask your stats?

Long time lurking, first time posting. I have a question for those with more wisdom and experience in this process. I applied to quite a few programs, and am still waiting to hear back (in terms of interviews/offers) from the large majority of them. I had an interview with a program where I really like the faculty, but it is not as highly ranked as some others. They sent me an email along the lines of "We'd like to make an offer to you, what other offers/applications do you have?" I'd like to wait out the process a little more to see what I hear back from other programs, but also don't want to be difficult or rude. I do like the program and would absolutely go there, but there are a couple other programs I am dreaming on that I haven't heard back from (and as far as I can tell, haven't sent out interview requests to anyone yet). What is the appropriate response in a situation like this?