dropping acceptance?

[just4funsies]

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Hey everyone, this is my first post though I've been following the forum for a while. So my fortunate problem -- I was originally accepted at two MSTPs with April 15th decision dates. I finally narrowed it down last week (with an extension) and officially accepted the offer and have a summer lab rotation set up and everything. Then yesterday I was unexpectedly accepted off the wait list to another program that I think I like better -- closer to home, better clinical opportunities, bigger MSTP, and slightly better research. I was wondering if it is too late in the game to drop my confirmed acceptance at the other school without totally screwing them over. Is there a proper etiquette for doing this? Also, because I haven't fully decided (I'm visiting the other school this week) should I let the other program know I am considering dropping or would that look bad if I did end up going there? Thanks!

 

[Neuronix]

Don't worry about it. They'll take someone else off their wait list. In fact, we might get another post in about a week "wow guys! A spot opened up at my dream school yay!".

Proper ettiquete? Call? E-mail? Whatever you like. Just be polite in whatever method you use. This sort of thing happens every year. I would just make up your mind and give someone the axe. Why say "Oh err uhh I'm not sure". it just makes everything more complicated for everyone involved.

 

[itsallthesame]

This situation, to be honest, is completely the fault of medical schools. Therefore, they should be prepared to deal with it. Just like you were accepted this week from dream school... I'm sure the school/program you were planning to attend did the same thing with someone else.

The rules say that you have two weeks to decide (just don't send a deposit to the new school until you've decided). It is the fault of the medcial schools, who set the rules, if you pick where you will be going 13 days from the date that you recieved your last acceptance.

(that said, it would help everyone involved if, once you've made the choice to the best of your ability, you let everyone know in a timely fashion)

 

[URHere]

I had to do this last year...twice actually. I was all set to go to one school when I received an acceptance from a school I liked better. I dropped the acceptance, and backed out of a research rotation less than a week before I was supposed to start (it was 1 day after I found out about my other acceptance). The school was snarky, and sent me a borderline-hostile email acknowledging my withdrawal. The PI I was supposed to work with that summer behaved similarly, and I remember her saying "I wish I had known that you were still undecided. Now I'm in an inconvenient situation".

That being said, when I got into my dream school and withdrew from yet another program, no one cared at all. It depends on the school, the people, and the program. Good luck.

 

[Vader]

Don't worry about it. Just be polite and respectful, and do what is in your best interest.

 

[just4funsies]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I made my decision and informed the other school on Friday -- it wasn't so bad. I hear waitlists are really moving right now, so hopefully that means good news for a lot of people.