Professor wants me to accept his school's offer early
I just received my first offer to a Mathematics PhD program at a reasonably good US institution, where one of my recommenders is also working. He sent me an email saying he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly". I love working with him, and have told him his school is my top choice, which is true, but I have some very close second choices whose results are not yet out (expected within next two weeks). The official deadline to accept the offer is in April. Should I politely tell him that I wish to wait for a month before accepting this offer, stating "I'm a bit nervous to accept the first offer without taking a look at one other first" (which is also true)?
phd graduate-admissions advisor
New contributor
add a comment |
I just received my first offer to a Mathematics PhD program at a reasonably good US institution, where one of my recommenders is also working. He sent me an email saying he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly". I love working with him, and have told him his school is my top choice, which is true, but I have some very close second choices whose results are not yet out (expected within next two weeks). The official deadline to accept the offer is in April. Should I politely tell him that I wish to wait for a month before accepting this offer, stating "I'm a bit nervous to accept the first offer without taking a look at one other first" (which is also true)?
phd graduate-admissions advisor
New contributor
3
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
1
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
1
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39
add a comment |
I just received my first offer to a Mathematics PhD program at a reasonably good US institution, where one of my recommenders is also working. He sent me an email saying he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly". I love working with him, and have told him his school is my top choice, which is true, but I have some very close second choices whose results are not yet out (expected within next two weeks). The official deadline to accept the offer is in April. Should I politely tell him that I wish to wait for a month before accepting this offer, stating "I'm a bit nervous to accept the first offer without taking a look at one other first" (which is also true)?
phd graduate-admissions advisor
New contributor
I just received my first offer to a Mathematics PhD program at a reasonably good US institution, where one of my recommenders is also working. He sent me an email saying he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly". I love working with him, and have told him his school is my top choice, which is true, but I have some very close second choices whose results are not yet out (expected within next two weeks). The official deadline to accept the offer is in April. Should I politely tell him that I wish to wait for a month before accepting this offer, stating "I'm a bit nervous to accept the first offer without taking a look at one other first" (which is also true)?
phd graduate-admissions advisor
phd graduate-admissions advisor
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked Jan 19 at 9:52
thbl2012thbl2012
614
614
New contributor
New contributor
3
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
1
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
1
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39
add a comment |
3
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
1
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
1
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39
3
3
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
1
1
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
1
1
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
In the US, "hope you can accept the offer quickly" has become a set phrase in graduate admissions letters. You have the right and their explicit permission to wait to accept an offer until the deadline they give (such as the April 15th common US graduate school deadline), and you almost universally will not be penalized in any way for taking that time if you need it (i.e., waiting to hear from other schools, going to visit days to see the place in person, etc).
When I say set phrase, I mean that every offer I received from every graduate school had this term in it, so it is actually part of form letters now for many (most?) places in the US.
What does it mean? Simple - everyone would ideally like to know as soon as possible what your decision is, so they can know who is joining. That's it. They would naturally want to know, so if you have already made your decision they would like to know and have you lock it in rather than exhibit the common behavior or waiting until the day before the deadline to submit your decision.
That's it! So don't worry about, at all. All you need to do is is reply and thank them for their offer, perhaps state your excitement at having received the offer (if you genuinely have that reaction!), and let them know you will let them know of your final decision as soon as you have made it. No need to give excuses or be sorry, that's just how this works. No need to feel pressured into deciding sooner, its a big decision and you have the set deadline for lots of good reasons. Make the decision when you have the responses you need, and if there are visit days feel free to wait to accept the offer until after you have gone and met them (especially true if you have multiple offers you are trying to decide between).
Congratulations on your offer, and good luck in your future career!
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
add a comment |
Many graduate schools have subscribed to the April 15 Resolution which says that accepted applicants are not required to make a decision until April 15. If the school you have applied to is one of these schools, then you should feel absolutely no compunction to report a decision until then.
I would basically just tell him that you hope to be able to make a decision soon and will keep them informed. You don't need to mention that you're waiting to hear from other schools if you don't want to say that; it's implicitly understood that most applicants may have to decide between multiple offers.
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
add a comment |
Before you do anything, ask yourself what is the best possible outcome here. You have an offer from your top choice school and someone you like to work with. If the other parts, such as grants etc. are acceptable, this may be it. But I can't make that judgement. But if it is the best choice no matter what, then why risk it? What more do you hope to achieve?
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
add a comment |
I would slow pedal it. You don't need to explain anything. It is very unlikely the offer gets pulled. It's OK to communicate some gentle positivity and keep #1 positive. But I would not let yourself get influenced to early decision given "close seconds" exist. You need to string #1 along.
Just wait and see what comes back from the other schools, especially on the money front. Check on deductions also, some places pull for healthcare, gym access, etc.) This kind of dynamic with offers, competing offers is normal, especially for top candidates. Without making a big deal of it, you need to look out for you. It is possible some places offer you small incentives. You may also have the option of paid or at least subsidized visits to some schools to assist your decision.
Same dynamic will hopefully occur when you job interview in 4 years.
New contributor
add a comment |
My first guess as to the reason that he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly" is that he genuinely wants you to come to his school. If so, any delay on your part would only increase the likelihood that you end up going somewhere else. If he is at all reasonable then there should be no problem in politely explaining to him that since you applied to multiple schools, you want to see how it plays out before making your final decision. I thus interpret his statement as an indirect testament to you potential, rather than an unreasonable pressure that should cause you anxiety. It is nice to be a sought-after student. No need to overthink it.
add a comment |
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5 Answers
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oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
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oldest
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active
oldest
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In the US, "hope you can accept the offer quickly" has become a set phrase in graduate admissions letters. You have the right and their explicit permission to wait to accept an offer until the deadline they give (such as the April 15th common US graduate school deadline), and you almost universally will not be penalized in any way for taking that time if you need it (i.e., waiting to hear from other schools, going to visit days to see the place in person, etc).
When I say set phrase, I mean that every offer I received from every graduate school had this term in it, so it is actually part of form letters now for many (most?) places in the US.
What does it mean? Simple - everyone would ideally like to know as soon as possible what your decision is, so they can know who is joining. That's it. They would naturally want to know, so if you have already made your decision they would like to know and have you lock it in rather than exhibit the common behavior or waiting until the day before the deadline to submit your decision.
That's it! So don't worry about, at all. All you need to do is is reply and thank them for their offer, perhaps state your excitement at having received the offer (if you genuinely have that reaction!), and let them know you will let them know of your final decision as soon as you have made it. No need to give excuses or be sorry, that's just how this works. No need to feel pressured into deciding sooner, its a big decision and you have the set deadline for lots of good reasons. Make the decision when you have the responses you need, and if there are visit days feel free to wait to accept the offer until after you have gone and met them (especially true if you have multiple offers you are trying to decide between).
Congratulations on your offer, and good luck in your future career!
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
add a comment |
In the US, "hope you can accept the offer quickly" has become a set phrase in graduate admissions letters. You have the right and their explicit permission to wait to accept an offer until the deadline they give (such as the April 15th common US graduate school deadline), and you almost universally will not be penalized in any way for taking that time if you need it (i.e., waiting to hear from other schools, going to visit days to see the place in person, etc).
When I say set phrase, I mean that every offer I received from every graduate school had this term in it, so it is actually part of form letters now for many (most?) places in the US.
What does it mean? Simple - everyone would ideally like to know as soon as possible what your decision is, so they can know who is joining. That's it. They would naturally want to know, so if you have already made your decision they would like to know and have you lock it in rather than exhibit the common behavior or waiting until the day before the deadline to submit your decision.
That's it! So don't worry about, at all. All you need to do is is reply and thank them for their offer, perhaps state your excitement at having received the offer (if you genuinely have that reaction!), and let them know you will let them know of your final decision as soon as you have made it. No need to give excuses or be sorry, that's just how this works. No need to feel pressured into deciding sooner, its a big decision and you have the set deadline for lots of good reasons. Make the decision when you have the responses you need, and if there are visit days feel free to wait to accept the offer until after you have gone and met them (especially true if you have multiple offers you are trying to decide between).
Congratulations on your offer, and good luck in your future career!
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
add a comment |
In the US, "hope you can accept the offer quickly" has become a set phrase in graduate admissions letters. You have the right and their explicit permission to wait to accept an offer until the deadline they give (such as the April 15th common US graduate school deadline), and you almost universally will not be penalized in any way for taking that time if you need it (i.e., waiting to hear from other schools, going to visit days to see the place in person, etc).
When I say set phrase, I mean that every offer I received from every graduate school had this term in it, so it is actually part of form letters now for many (most?) places in the US.
What does it mean? Simple - everyone would ideally like to know as soon as possible what your decision is, so they can know who is joining. That's it. They would naturally want to know, so if you have already made your decision they would like to know and have you lock it in rather than exhibit the common behavior or waiting until the day before the deadline to submit your decision.
That's it! So don't worry about, at all. All you need to do is is reply and thank them for their offer, perhaps state your excitement at having received the offer (if you genuinely have that reaction!), and let them know you will let them know of your final decision as soon as you have made it. No need to give excuses or be sorry, that's just how this works. No need to feel pressured into deciding sooner, its a big decision and you have the set deadline for lots of good reasons. Make the decision when you have the responses you need, and if there are visit days feel free to wait to accept the offer until after you have gone and met them (especially true if you have multiple offers you are trying to decide between).
Congratulations on your offer, and good luck in your future career!
In the US, "hope you can accept the offer quickly" has become a set phrase in graduate admissions letters. You have the right and their explicit permission to wait to accept an offer until the deadline they give (such as the April 15th common US graduate school deadline), and you almost universally will not be penalized in any way for taking that time if you need it (i.e., waiting to hear from other schools, going to visit days to see the place in person, etc).
When I say set phrase, I mean that every offer I received from every graduate school had this term in it, so it is actually part of form letters now for many (most?) places in the US.
What does it mean? Simple - everyone would ideally like to know as soon as possible what your decision is, so they can know who is joining. That's it. They would naturally want to know, so if you have already made your decision they would like to know and have you lock it in rather than exhibit the common behavior or waiting until the day before the deadline to submit your decision.
That's it! So don't worry about, at all. All you need to do is is reply and thank them for their offer, perhaps state your excitement at having received the offer (if you genuinely have that reaction!), and let them know you will let them know of your final decision as soon as you have made it. No need to give excuses or be sorry, that's just how this works. No need to feel pressured into deciding sooner, its a big decision and you have the set deadline for lots of good reasons. Make the decision when you have the responses you need, and if there are visit days feel free to wait to accept the offer until after you have gone and met them (especially true if you have multiple offers you are trying to decide between).
Congratulations on your offer, and good luck in your future career!
edited Jan 19 at 19:20
answered Jan 19 at 16:55
BrianHBrianH
16.4k53969
16.4k53969
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
add a comment |
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
Great answer. Also, given the guy has close second choices it certainly makes sense to wait for them and then go through some decision process.
– guest
Jan 19 at 18:03
4
4
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
But/and, again, in the U.S., no prospective grad student's acceptance of an offer is binding until April 15, as in @aesmail's answer. In my opinion, faculty should not attempt to exploit kids' unawareness of this.
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 22:38
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
@paulgarrett: Uhh, the answer says something else than what you're saying. The answer says the student can delay the decision to April 15, whereas you're saying that an earlier decision is not binding. I have not heard of what you're saying before.
– Mehrdad
Jan 20 at 10:17
add a comment |
Many graduate schools have subscribed to the April 15 Resolution which says that accepted applicants are not required to make a decision until April 15. If the school you have applied to is one of these schools, then you should feel absolutely no compunction to report a decision until then.
I would basically just tell him that you hope to be able to make a decision soon and will keep them informed. You don't need to mention that you're waiting to hear from other schools if you don't want to say that; it's implicitly understood that most applicants may have to decide between multiple offers.
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
add a comment |
Many graduate schools have subscribed to the April 15 Resolution which says that accepted applicants are not required to make a decision until April 15. If the school you have applied to is one of these schools, then you should feel absolutely no compunction to report a decision until then.
I would basically just tell him that you hope to be able to make a decision soon and will keep them informed. You don't need to mention that you're waiting to hear from other schools if you don't want to say that; it's implicitly understood that most applicants may have to decide between multiple offers.
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
add a comment |
Many graduate schools have subscribed to the April 15 Resolution which says that accepted applicants are not required to make a decision until April 15. If the school you have applied to is one of these schools, then you should feel absolutely no compunction to report a decision until then.
I would basically just tell him that you hope to be able to make a decision soon and will keep them informed. You don't need to mention that you're waiting to hear from other schools if you don't want to say that; it's implicitly understood that most applicants may have to decide between multiple offers.
Many graduate schools have subscribed to the April 15 Resolution which says that accepted applicants are not required to make a decision until April 15. If the school you have applied to is one of these schools, then you should feel absolutely no compunction to report a decision until then.
I would basically just tell him that you hope to be able to make a decision soon and will keep them informed. You don't need to mention that you're waiting to hear from other schools if you don't want to say that; it's implicitly understood that most applicants may have to decide between multiple offers.
answered Jan 19 at 18:06
aeismail♦aeismail
160k31374698
160k31374698
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
add a comment |
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
3
3
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
Yes. Evidently many grad school applicants are simply unaware of this policy in the U.S., ...
– paul garrett
Jan 19 at 18:46
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
@paulgarrett I have seen the policy violated by institutions who have agreed to it, also.
– Anonymous Physicist
Jan 20 at 11:19
add a comment |
Before you do anything, ask yourself what is the best possible outcome here. You have an offer from your top choice school and someone you like to work with. If the other parts, such as grants etc. are acceptable, this may be it. But I can't make that judgement. But if it is the best choice no matter what, then why risk it? What more do you hope to achieve?
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
add a comment |
Before you do anything, ask yourself what is the best possible outcome here. You have an offer from your top choice school and someone you like to work with. If the other parts, such as grants etc. are acceptable, this may be it. But I can't make that judgement. But if it is the best choice no matter what, then why risk it? What more do you hope to achieve?
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
add a comment |
Before you do anything, ask yourself what is the best possible outcome here. You have an offer from your top choice school and someone you like to work with. If the other parts, such as grants etc. are acceptable, this may be it. But I can't make that judgement. But if it is the best choice no matter what, then why risk it? What more do you hope to achieve?
Before you do anything, ask yourself what is the best possible outcome here. You have an offer from your top choice school and someone you like to work with. If the other parts, such as grants etc. are acceptable, this may be it. But I can't make that judgement. But if it is the best choice no matter what, then why risk it? What more do you hope to achieve?
answered Jan 19 at 12:09
BuffyBuffy
41.6k10135216
41.6k10135216
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
add a comment |
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
1
1
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
The applicant could get a much better offer from one of the other schools, which might be better suited to the applicant's goals or which could be used to negotiate a better offer from the first school.
– Elizabeth Henning
Jan 19 at 19:05
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
@ElizabethHenning, yes, of course. Anything is possible. The candidate needs to do the calculation, of course.
– Buffy
Jan 19 at 19:07
add a comment |
I would slow pedal it. You don't need to explain anything. It is very unlikely the offer gets pulled. It's OK to communicate some gentle positivity and keep #1 positive. But I would not let yourself get influenced to early decision given "close seconds" exist. You need to string #1 along.
Just wait and see what comes back from the other schools, especially on the money front. Check on deductions also, some places pull for healthcare, gym access, etc.) This kind of dynamic with offers, competing offers is normal, especially for top candidates. Without making a big deal of it, you need to look out for you. It is possible some places offer you small incentives. You may also have the option of paid or at least subsidized visits to some schools to assist your decision.
Same dynamic will hopefully occur when you job interview in 4 years.
New contributor
add a comment |
I would slow pedal it. You don't need to explain anything. It is very unlikely the offer gets pulled. It's OK to communicate some gentle positivity and keep #1 positive. But I would not let yourself get influenced to early decision given "close seconds" exist. You need to string #1 along.
Just wait and see what comes back from the other schools, especially on the money front. Check on deductions also, some places pull for healthcare, gym access, etc.) This kind of dynamic with offers, competing offers is normal, especially for top candidates. Without making a big deal of it, you need to look out for you. It is possible some places offer you small incentives. You may also have the option of paid or at least subsidized visits to some schools to assist your decision.
Same dynamic will hopefully occur when you job interview in 4 years.
New contributor
add a comment |
I would slow pedal it. You don't need to explain anything. It is very unlikely the offer gets pulled. It's OK to communicate some gentle positivity and keep #1 positive. But I would not let yourself get influenced to early decision given "close seconds" exist. You need to string #1 along.
Just wait and see what comes back from the other schools, especially on the money front. Check on deductions also, some places pull for healthcare, gym access, etc.) This kind of dynamic with offers, competing offers is normal, especially for top candidates. Without making a big deal of it, you need to look out for you. It is possible some places offer you small incentives. You may also have the option of paid or at least subsidized visits to some schools to assist your decision.
Same dynamic will hopefully occur when you job interview in 4 years.
New contributor
I would slow pedal it. You don't need to explain anything. It is very unlikely the offer gets pulled. It's OK to communicate some gentle positivity and keep #1 positive. But I would not let yourself get influenced to early decision given "close seconds" exist. You need to string #1 along.
Just wait and see what comes back from the other schools, especially on the money front. Check on deductions also, some places pull for healthcare, gym access, etc.) This kind of dynamic with offers, competing offers is normal, especially for top candidates. Without making a big deal of it, you need to look out for you. It is possible some places offer you small incentives. You may also have the option of paid or at least subsidized visits to some schools to assist your decision.
Same dynamic will hopefully occur when you job interview in 4 years.
New contributor
New contributor
answered Jan 19 at 17:58
guestguest
5295
5295
New contributor
New contributor
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My first guess as to the reason that he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly" is that he genuinely wants you to come to his school. If so, any delay on your part would only increase the likelihood that you end up going somewhere else. If he is at all reasonable then there should be no problem in politely explaining to him that since you applied to multiple schools, you want to see how it plays out before making your final decision. I thus interpret his statement as an indirect testament to you potential, rather than an unreasonable pressure that should cause you anxiety. It is nice to be a sought-after student. No need to overthink it.
add a comment |
My first guess as to the reason that he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly" is that he genuinely wants you to come to his school. If so, any delay on your part would only increase the likelihood that you end up going somewhere else. If he is at all reasonable then there should be no problem in politely explaining to him that since you applied to multiple schools, you want to see how it plays out before making your final decision. I thus interpret his statement as an indirect testament to you potential, rather than an unreasonable pressure that should cause you anxiety. It is nice to be a sought-after student. No need to overthink it.
add a comment |
My first guess as to the reason that he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly" is that he genuinely wants you to come to his school. If so, any delay on your part would only increase the likelihood that you end up going somewhere else. If he is at all reasonable then there should be no problem in politely explaining to him that since you applied to multiple schools, you want to see how it plays out before making your final decision. I thus interpret his statement as an indirect testament to you potential, rather than an unreasonable pressure that should cause you anxiety. It is nice to be a sought-after student. No need to overthink it.
My first guess as to the reason that he "hopes I can accept the offer quickly" is that he genuinely wants you to come to his school. If so, any delay on your part would only increase the likelihood that you end up going somewhere else. If he is at all reasonable then there should be no problem in politely explaining to him that since you applied to multiple schools, you want to see how it plays out before making your final decision. I thus interpret his statement as an indirect testament to you potential, rather than an unreasonable pressure that should cause you anxiety. It is nice to be a sought-after student. No need to overthink it.
answered Jan 19 at 21:09
John ColemanJohn Coleman
1,863515
1,863515
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thbl2012 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
thbl2012 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
thbl2012 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
thbl2012 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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3
Are you perhaps reading too much into the prof's comment?
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 11:25
1
Thanks for your comment. If you think I am overthinking, what is the best way to reply to him?
– thbl2012
Jan 19 at 11:57
1
I'm just asking if there is anything other than that one comment that makes you think he wants you to accept early. If not, then you should consider the possibility that he didn't mean anything other than "I hope you accept".
– Thomas
Jan 19 at 22:35
If this offer is your top choice, then what do you have to gain by waiting? Or is it that you think one of the others might offer more money or something?
– Flyto
Jan 20 at 16:39