Changing one's mind about an interview invite?

[somedude14]

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So far, I have received one acceptance from school A and been to one interview (waiting for results for this one). I also have received two interview invites right before I heard from school A.

The bad news is that I told the schools that offered me invites I would be willing to go but after I heard from school A, I'm not seriously considering either one of them.

How terrible is it to change my mind shortly after I told them I would be interested in going (one of the schools said I was on the short list, not officially going to the interview if that makes a difference)?

I'd just be being honest saying that i'm no longer interested, but there is a part of me that is curious to visit the schools even if they were at the bottom of my list. I'd also feel bad about chaning my mind and looking really stupid/inconsiderate. (no travel arrangements have been finalized yet so they wouldn't lose any money)

I'm sure someone else has been in a similar situation. I would appreciate any advice on the matter, thank you!!

 

[busybusybusy]

So far, I have received one acceptance from school A and been to one interview (waiting for results for this one). I also have received two interview invites right before I heard from school A.

The bad news is that I told the schools that offered me invites I would be willing to go but after I heard from school A, I'm not seriously considering either one of them.

How terrible is it to change my mind shortly after I told them I would be interested in going (one of the schools said I was on the short list, not officially going to the interview if that makes a difference)?

I'd just be being honest saying that i'm no longer interested, but there is a part of me that is curious to visit the schools even if they were at the bottom of my list. I'd also feel bad about chaning my mind and looking really stupid/inconsiderate. (no travel arrangements have been finalized yet so they wouldn't lose any money)

I'm sure someone else has been in a similar situation. I would appreciate any advice on the matter, thank you!!

I did thais exact thing yesterday. It's actaully more considerate because then they're able to invite someone else who is interested. Everyone I contacted wrote me back wishing me luck. I justsent a simple email letting them know that I had chosen another school and was no longer available.

 

[KayJay85]

If you have an offer in hand that you are pleased with and you are genuinely not interested, then I would say it is fine (better admirable) for you to decline or pull out of the other interview. That space could go to another applicant and both you and the program can save the hassle. In any event, congrats on the offer!!! 🙂

 

[athenax]

This has happened to me and I wrote them back right away telling them that since I had received an offer, I am declining their invite. I said that I hope they are able to extend the invitation to another candidate and thanked them for offering it to me. Just be polite and it'll be fine! They don't want to waste their time on someone who's not interested. I agree with everyone else -- it is more considerate to be honest. 🙂

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Agree with all of the above--the sooner you let them know, the sooner they'll be able to try and contact wait-listed applicants. To go on the interview knowing that you aren't considering their program would be a disservice to both the program and yourself.

However, I should mention that the above only applies if you're CERTAIN you wouldn't want to accept the other programs' offers. If you're having doubts, go on the interviews, check out the sites in person, and then make your decision.

 

[somedude14]

Agree with all of the above--the sooner you let them know, the sooner they'll be able to try and contact wait-listed applicants. To go on the interview knowing that you aren't considering their program would be a disservice to both the program and yourself.

However, I should mention that the above only applies if you're CERTAIN you wouldn't want to accept the other programs' offers. If you're having doubts, go on the interviews, check out the sites in person, and then make your decision.

Thank you all for the replies. It is relieving knowing I can go back on my invites without looking like a terrible person.

Honestly, the programs I'd be turning down just don't seem to be offering the training I would need to be successful. However, there is a tiny bit of uncertainty that I'll never really know unless I visit. Is it bad to go anyway just because there is an outside outside chance I might really like it there?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Thank you all for the replies. It is relieving knowing I can go back on my invites without looking like a terrible person.

Honestly, the programs I'd be turning down just don't seem to be offering the training I would need to be successful. However, there is a tiny bit of uncertainty that I'll never really know unless I visit. Is it bad to go anyway just because there is an outside outside chance I might really like it there?

If you're very happy with the program from which you've already received an offer, then I'd say spending the time and money visiting the other sites might be better spent elsewhere. It's always possible that the interview would sway your decision, although I think that tends to happen when people are still somewhat doubtful (at least to any significant degree).