Admissions Decisions

[predrb]

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Hello:

I am applying to School Psychology EdS programs. I got my first acceptance, but it is only part-time and I wanted to enter a full-time program. However, if this is the only acceptance I get, then I will go there. My problem is that the part-time program wants a decision by March 11, and I don't think the two other schools I have a chance of getting into will have reached a decision by then. Should I ask the part-time program for more time, or should I just accept and then possibly change my mind at a later date? I'm afraid to ask for more time because I don't want them to think I'm not interested, but I don't know what the consequences are for accepting and then declining later.

Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[Ollie123]

Schools likely encounter this predicament all the time. I thought all programs had to give you til April-whatever it is, but maybe that's just clinical.

I'd ask for more time. The worst they can do is say no, they aren't going to pull your acceptance because of it. I imagine they will say yes though, as they cannot honestly expect people to accept their offers before they have an opportunity to hear back from other schools. If they won't give you more time, I'd hold off as long as you can, then accept and withdraw later if you get in to a full-time program. Its generally considered rude to withdraw after accepting an offer but if a school is going to demand you accept before hearing back from all schools, I honestly don't think they have any right to complain.

 

[JockNerd]

Hello:

I am applying to School Psychology EdS programs. I got my first acceptance, but it is only part-time and I wanted to enter a full-time program. However, if this is the only acceptance I get, then I will go there. My problem is that the part-time program wants a decision by March 11, and I don't think the two other schools I have a chance of getting into will have reached a decision by then. Should I ask the part-time program for more time, or should I just accept and then possibly change my mind at a later date? I'm afraid to ask for more time because I don't want them to think I'm not interested, but I don't know what the consequences are for accepting and then declining later.

Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks!

That's an APA program? If so, it falls under the same rules as everywhere else; you have till April 15. They can complain, but you don't have to tell them anything before that and they know it. You don't have to ask for more time, but you can tell them that you're exercising the time allowed to you in the admissions process by the APA. They can't withdraw your offer for doing this.

My understanding is that if you accept, you're bound by that. Don't accept just because they're trying to make you make a decision before you have all your info.