Declining Offers

[Fireflysushi]

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I never thought I would be in this position, especially after getting rejected from the only two schools I applied to last year, but was accepted at my in-state and am now getting other acceptances and interview offers. So my question is two-fold:

1. Should I go on the interview because my in-state didn't interview and it would be good practice for life? I don't think I want to go to that other school, but I have also never been there. It would also be CRAZY for me to pay alsmost 300000 for 4 years instead of 100000!
A weird part of me is also worried that my in-state will change their mind for some reason and take back my offer.


2. If I decide to decline an offer what is the most polite way to do it, and should I do it sooner rather than later?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Zusie]

If your in-state is a sure thing and is significantly cheaper, accept! Just call the other admissions office and tell them you've accepted another offer. Let someone else have a shot at an interview invitation (assuming they keep going down the list?) 🙂

 

[DVMDream]

1. Once the offer is made, they won't take it back. Unless they gave you conditions and you fail to meet them. If you are really not going to go to the other school why spend the money to travel and interview? Yes, it might be good practice, but you can get the practice without having to spend so much money and by declining you give someone else the chance to interview.

2. I would say a well-written e-mail is probably fine for declining the interview or a phone call if the school is still open.

Congrats on your acceptance!

 

[PetPony]

If you're absolutely sure which one you want to go to, I would tell the others no as soon as you can. That way, other people can find out sooner if they get accepted because your spot was opened up.

 

[breenie]

They didn't give you a way to decline the interview or acceptance? All of the schools I interviewed/was accepted at gave the option to decline easily at all stages of the game.

 

[Maddiegirl]

Congrats on acceptance!

 

[Chebanse]

A weird part of me is also worried that my in-state will change their mind for some reason and take back my offer.

I am right there with you!!!! I just got an email confirming that my offer was only provisional on passing physics, which I did this fall, so essentially, I'm in, no ifs, ands, or buts... but I still can't help feeling nervous.

My real question: My acceptance was also to my IS and I know that I will accept their offer. I applied to 2 other schools that I have not heard from yet, and I am wonedring if I should withdraw my applications so that other people can get offers on the chance that I get interviews so they are not waiting and sweating. There of course is every chance that I will just get declined, so I don't know if it is dumb for me to bother... and as mentioned before, I have that nagging nervousness like Firefly. What do you guys think?

 

[finnerma]

I wouldn't spend the money to go interview there if you know for sure you won't be going. If you really want to go see the area, take a vacation there and make it a fun visit!

I would decline asap so that they can give your spot to someone else. They must have some form or way for you to decline that they sent you? Congrats again on your IS acceptance!

 

[finnerma]

I am right there with you!!!! I just got an email confirming that my offer was only provisional on passing physics, which I did this fall, so essentially, I'm in, no ifs, ands, or buts... but I still can't help feeling nervous.

My real question: My acceptance was also to my IS and I know that I will accept their offer. I applied to 2 other schools that I have not heard from yet, and I am wonedring if I should withdraw my applications so that other people can get offers on the chance that I get interviews so they are not waiting and sweating. There of course is every chance that I will just get declined, so I don't know if it is dumb for me to bother... and as mentioned before, I have that nagging nervousness like Firefly. What do you guys think?

There is no way CSU is going to revoke your offer if you met their conditions, breathe a sigh of relief that you got in and enjoy the holidays!

 

[sunnex3]

fireflysushi, i'm in a semi-similar situation as you -- i've gotten acceptances to CSU, Tufts, RVC, Edinburgh. Since I would pick a US school over an overseas one, i am definitely going to decline my acceptances at both RVC and Edinburgh so that other people can get accepted off a waitlist or something...

i keep on thinking CSU is going to revoke my offer too haha but I just need to pass biochem + orgo lab II in the spring so i'm hoping i'll be ok

 

[bigkittinteef]

fireflysushi, i'm in a semi-similar situation as you -- i've gotten acceptances to CSU, Tufts, RVC, Edinburgh. Since I would pick a US school over an overseas one, i am definitely going to decline my acceptances at both RVC and Edinburgh so that other people can get accepted off a waitlist or something...

i keep on thinking CSU is going to revoke my offer too haha but I just need to pass biochem + orgo lab II in the spring so i'm hoping i'll be ok

I'm so sorry to hear that you're not going to the UK! I know you'll do amazingly wherever you go though. 🙂

 

[kaydubs]

Here's my brief history from last year: I was accepted at Oregon toward the end of January. Then I was waitlisted at UF and heard nothing from my UPenn. went to my interview at Tufts. Fell in love. Was accepted. Withdrew from the other 3. (Had already sent my deposit to Oregon to cover my bases). The rest......well, we'll have to see what 2012 brings😀

Do what you will. I kept in mind that there were people wanting my spot. If I knew where I wanted, I didn't want to keep those people waiting any longer if I could avoid it!

 

[Bisbee]

I think you did it just right, Kaydubs. It's important, during this process, to try to put ourselves in others' places. For instance, if you have several acceptances and know where you want to go, then please decline the other offers ASAP so that the next person in line gets a chance. Also, the adcoms have a lot of work and shuffling to do of applicants. So, it would really be helpful for people who know what they want to make it known as soon as possible. Remember, we can only go to one.

 

[kaydubs]

Remember, we can only go to one.

Thanks, Bisbee. Similarly, for everyone struggling in this, Bisbee's spot on. It's a hard decision to choose only one but pick the school that has as many pros as possible for YOU. That's why I chose to apply to 4. I had the mixed can of sure-ofcourse-you'll-get-in/don't-get-your-hopes-too-high-slugger. Oregon was my wildcard. And my first acceptance. Oh irony.... (Also, my Tufts interview invite got lost in the mail......thankfully, they sent me an email version. If anyone followed my posts last year.....I burst into tears when I got that email. I thought it was a mistake😕....)

 

[Fireflysushi]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I don't want to be selfish by taking away interview spots from people that really want to go to that school. I just got an interview invite from Kansas and turned it down via e-mail and will do the same with the others. I think I have made my descision!😀

 

[vetme]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I don't want to be selfish by taking away interview spots from people that really want to go to that school. I just got an interview invite from Kansas and turned it down via e-mail and will do the same with the others. I think I have made my descision!😀

That's great, glad to see you have decided and opened those spots for others, kudos😀