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This is the time of year in which some people have been accepted at a school (or schools!) they're happy with, others are on wait lists, and others are still waiting for more results. (And I guess some people are in all three categories.) Here's a few pieces of advice. If you have an acceptance or a place on wait list that your are sure you are going to turn down, let the school know ASAP. Their feelings won't be hurt. On the contrary, they'll appreciate the information as it may let the school turn to another candidate. And you'll have done a favor for another applicant. (But see 4 below.) If you have multiple offers, don't be in a hurry to be sure which one you're going to turn down. Visit days provide a lot of opportunity to learn about "atmosphere." Also, you may be able to use an offer to bargain for an improvement at school you prefer. You probably won't get very much out of this, but you might get a little something. If you are on a wait list and are still interested, drop an email to that school and let them know. Around April 15 wait lists move very quickly. A school is much more likely to reach out to you if they know you're interested. You can say "Just wanted to let you know I'm still very interested," or "I'd like you to know you're my first choice school." (But you have to tell the truth. People have long memories.) If you have an offer at a reasonably competitive school, let them know that too. Despite this advice about wait lists, if you're on one you should remember that schools almost all "over admit." It's likely that the first few drops at a school won't make the wait list move. For this reason, much of the action is right around April 15. Remember that for American schools April 15 is the deadline to respond. Be sure to accept at your best option by then. What happens if you get a better offer later (which does happen, especially for a couple of days after the 15th)? You can accept the later offer conditional on getting a "release" from the school that you had accepted. These are almost always forthcoming, and with no hard feelings.