I've been accepted to a school but am waiting on the others-what to do

Question

Looking for some help and couldn't find the exact forum to put this in, so I'm hoping this one is ok.

I've applied to four schools. One of them has rolling application deadlines and the others are set.

The one with the rolling deadline already got back to me and accepted me, however it's my last choice. I have an interview scheduled for my #1 at the end of November, and I haven't heard anything back from the other two.

My problem is this-the school that accepted me said I need to pay a $200 enrollment fee and accept their offer by November 21st, which is well ahead of when I'll hear from the other schools.

What can I do about this? I'm sure it's no surprise to the school that I might be looking at other schools, but I'm not sure if I want to bring that up, as they might be like, "so are school isn't good enough that you're willing to jump at our offer? Maybe we don't want you..."

Also, I read something online that if I accept a school's offer, there's something other schools can look at to see if I've accepted any offers, which could raise questions from my top three schools I'm still waiting to hear from. I'm not sure if that's true or not.

Any suggestions? If I don't get into the other three schools, of course I'll take my number 4 pick since I've already been accepted. I just don't want to burn that bridge by saying I'm waiting to hear from other schools.

Has anyone been in this situation before that could advise?

greenfield123 · Answer

Hey. I am in a same situation right now. So I was wondering what you did? 
I was planning to accept this offer and still wait the results from my other applications. Its a bit unethical, but it is the best solution for me.

Posted from my mobile device

luigidt · Answer

Another one in the same situation. How do people handle this?

I think it is pretty normal and Business Schools shouldn't be surprised about it. However, what is the ideal approach?

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redfield · Answer

One reason to apply to reach/dream schools in R1, you just have to accept and pay the deposit.

Otherwise (to the best of my knowledge) you have to forfeit your seat. If you get into a school you like more, the few thousand is a small amount compared to total costs plus you'll be happy about the new acceptance.

luigidt · Answer

Well, my situation finally had a happy ending.

I wrote my preferred school, told them about the situation I was facing and how much I really wanted to get into their programme and what I could add to their class. I was very polite at all moment, understanding that they have their procedures and I didn't want to rush them but making them understand I didn't want to accept the other school and regret afterwards if they invited me and I couldn't accept.

They replied to me on the same day telling me they understood the situation and that they were going to fast-track my evaluation to give me peace of mind. A few hours later, I received an email to inform me that they were going to grant me admission to their programme and I will receive my formal invitation within 2-3 days.

I got into the school I have been almost one year preparing for whilst working!

redfield · Answer

Well there goes my theory - always another option haha, congrats man! Really great to hear it worked out.

I've been accepted to a school but am waiting on the others-what to do

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