Etiquette question: is there such a thing as accepting an offer 'too early'?












17















TLDR: Got a PhD offer at top choice, all details checked out, and I want to accept now (much earlier than the April 15th deadline).



A colleague (at the professor level) I mentioned this to said I should wait as it could look 'too earnest' accepting roughly 10 days after notification.



Is there any truth to this claim? I.e. does it 'look bad' (i.e. desperate) if I accept now? I'm just genuinely excited and am ready to lock it in.



Additional details (from comments):




  • This offer is a 'hard' offer such that it is from the department, many cc'd people, and is in writing


  • I have other 'hard' offers from other universities and have yet to hear back from a few more



Other relevant questions:




  • Responding to a prof's email about acceptance in a PhD program










share|improve this question





























    17















    TLDR: Got a PhD offer at top choice, all details checked out, and I want to accept now (much earlier than the April 15th deadline).



    A colleague (at the professor level) I mentioned this to said I should wait as it could look 'too earnest' accepting roughly 10 days after notification.



    Is there any truth to this claim? I.e. does it 'look bad' (i.e. desperate) if I accept now? I'm just genuinely excited and am ready to lock it in.



    Additional details (from comments):




    • This offer is a 'hard' offer such that it is from the department, many cc'd people, and is in writing


    • I have other 'hard' offers from other universities and have yet to hear back from a few more



    Other relevant questions:




    • Responding to a prof's email about acceptance in a PhD program










    share|improve this question



























      17












      17








      17








      TLDR: Got a PhD offer at top choice, all details checked out, and I want to accept now (much earlier than the April 15th deadline).



      A colleague (at the professor level) I mentioned this to said I should wait as it could look 'too earnest' accepting roughly 10 days after notification.



      Is there any truth to this claim? I.e. does it 'look bad' (i.e. desperate) if I accept now? I'm just genuinely excited and am ready to lock it in.



      Additional details (from comments):




      • This offer is a 'hard' offer such that it is from the department, many cc'd people, and is in writing


      • I have other 'hard' offers from other universities and have yet to hear back from a few more



      Other relevant questions:




      • Responding to a prof's email about acceptance in a PhD program










      share|improve this question
















      TLDR: Got a PhD offer at top choice, all details checked out, and I want to accept now (much earlier than the April 15th deadline).



      A colleague (at the professor level) I mentioned this to said I should wait as it could look 'too earnest' accepting roughly 10 days after notification.



      Is there any truth to this claim? I.e. does it 'look bad' (i.e. desperate) if I accept now? I'm just genuinely excited and am ready to lock it in.



      Additional details (from comments):




      • This offer is a 'hard' offer such that it is from the department, many cc'd people, and is in writing


      • I have other 'hard' offers from other universities and have yet to hear back from a few more



      Other relevant questions:




      • Responding to a prof's email about acceptance in a PhD program







      graduate-admissions etiquette






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited 1 hour ago









      V2Blast

      16818




      16818










      asked 9 hours ago









      Reputable MisnomerReputable Misnomer

      1276




      1276






















          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          41














          Actually, it is simple courtesy to accept as soon as you know you will do so. This helps the institution deal with its obligations to you and others. It isn't a game you play for "advantage". You hope to develop a long term relationship with this institution. Treat them with respect and expect them to reciprocate.



          Don't accept before you are ready, such as when other offers might come in, but don't delay for any perceived "strategic" reason.






          share|improve this answer



















          • 1





            Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

            – Reputable Misnomer
            8 hours ago



















          5














          I doubt they will care much either way if you accept early or at the last minute. Appearing eager is not a bad thing. You should be excited to start a PhD.



          It is courteous and prudent not to delay if your decision has really already been made. It means they and you can move forward with the process of registering as a student. It also means they can say no to waitlisted candidates.



          However, if your decision is not certain yet, then don’t make it earlier than necessary. For example, you haven’t seen all the other options yet. And you haven’t visited. These could change your mind. So I would wait until you have a clearer picture.






          share|improve this answer































            3














            A few questions to consider:




            • Do you have a binding contract signed off by them you just need to sign and send back? Or any other legally binding offer?

              Until you have that you need to be in a hurry (to get it, not to sign)

            • Is there any advantage of waiting? Negotiations? A better offer from somewhere else you would be waiting for?

              If the answer is "no" you do not gain anything at waiting and your mind will be at peace once all the paperwork is over.






            share|improve this answer
























            • Added further information to question

              – Reputable Misnomer
              8 hours ago



















            2














            I would take your colleagues advice - but not for the reason he cited.



            Waiting a few days allows the excitement to die down and stops you from making rash decisions. Perhaps there is some catch in the agreement that you glazed over because you were too interested in the good parts.



            You've also mentioned that other offers are coming in - waiting allows you to consider all of them properly. There might be a gem among them that you notice too late (if at all). It would be unfortunate to accept this offer moments before a better one arrives in the mail.



            So I recommend waiting at least a couple of days just to cool down and consider your future carefully. If you have already done this, then I see no reason not to go ahead. As other answers have said, you want to build a positive relationship with these people and being prompt is a good way to start.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.




























              0














              I think your advisor has the right instincts here. Any time you are in this sort of position (schools, job search, etc.) it makes more sense to wait. It can only be to your benefit. Also, school A may decide to up their offer, give you a visit, etc.



              It's not so much that anything bad will come of your accepting early. It won't make you look bad or too eager. But you are just not using the situation to max advantage.



              P.s. I think it's a good question. Should not be closed.






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.





















              • As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                – Reputable Misnomer
                9 hours ago













              • Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                – guest
                9 hours ago






              • 5





                This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                – Bryan Krause
                8 hours ago






              • 1





                Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                – guest
                8 hours ago













              Your Answer








              StackExchange.ready(function() {
              var channelOptions = {
              tags: "".split(" "),
              id: "415"
              };
              initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

              StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
              // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
              if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
              StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
              createEditor();
              });
              }
              else {
              createEditor();
              }
              });

              function createEditor() {
              StackExchange.prepareEditor({
              heartbeatType: 'answer',
              autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
              convertImagesToLinks: true,
              noModals: true,
              showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
              reputationToPostImages: 10,
              bindNavPrevention: true,
              postfix: "",
              imageUploader: {
              brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
              contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
              allowUrls: true
              },
              noCode: true, onDemand: true,
              discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
              ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
              });


              }
              });














              draft saved

              draft discarded


















              StackExchange.ready(
              function () {
              StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f124804%2fetiquette-question-is-there-such-a-thing-as-accepting-an-offer-too-early%23new-answer', 'question_page');
              }
              );

              Post as a guest















              Required, but never shown

























              5 Answers
              5






              active

              oldest

              votes








              5 Answers
              5






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

              votes









              41














              Actually, it is simple courtesy to accept as soon as you know you will do so. This helps the institution deal with its obligations to you and others. It isn't a game you play for "advantage". You hope to develop a long term relationship with this institution. Treat them with respect and expect them to reciprocate.



              Don't accept before you are ready, such as when other offers might come in, but don't delay for any perceived "strategic" reason.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 1





                Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

                – Reputable Misnomer
                8 hours ago
















              41














              Actually, it is simple courtesy to accept as soon as you know you will do so. This helps the institution deal with its obligations to you and others. It isn't a game you play for "advantage". You hope to develop a long term relationship with this institution. Treat them with respect and expect them to reciprocate.



              Don't accept before you are ready, such as when other offers might come in, but don't delay for any perceived "strategic" reason.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 1





                Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

                – Reputable Misnomer
                8 hours ago














              41












              41








              41







              Actually, it is simple courtesy to accept as soon as you know you will do so. This helps the institution deal with its obligations to you and others. It isn't a game you play for "advantage". You hope to develop a long term relationship with this institution. Treat them with respect and expect them to reciprocate.



              Don't accept before you are ready, such as when other offers might come in, but don't delay for any perceived "strategic" reason.






              share|improve this answer













              Actually, it is simple courtesy to accept as soon as you know you will do so. This helps the institution deal with its obligations to you and others. It isn't a game you play for "advantage". You hope to develop a long term relationship with this institution. Treat them with respect and expect them to reciprocate.



              Don't accept before you are ready, such as when other offers might come in, but don't delay for any perceived "strategic" reason.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered 9 hours ago









              BuffyBuffy

              45.9k12149235




              45.9k12149235








              • 1





                Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

                – Reputable Misnomer
                8 hours ago














              • 1





                Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

                – Reputable Misnomer
                8 hours ago








              1




              1





              Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

              – Reputable Misnomer
              8 hours ago





              Buffy to my rescue again! I think this clearly articulates my reasoning as I am resolute in what I want to do (i.e. accept).

              – Reputable Misnomer
              8 hours ago











              5














              I doubt they will care much either way if you accept early or at the last minute. Appearing eager is not a bad thing. You should be excited to start a PhD.



              It is courteous and prudent not to delay if your decision has really already been made. It means they and you can move forward with the process of registering as a student. It also means they can say no to waitlisted candidates.



              However, if your decision is not certain yet, then don’t make it earlier than necessary. For example, you haven’t seen all the other options yet. And you haven’t visited. These could change your mind. So I would wait until you have a clearer picture.






              share|improve this answer




























                5














                I doubt they will care much either way if you accept early or at the last minute. Appearing eager is not a bad thing. You should be excited to start a PhD.



                It is courteous and prudent not to delay if your decision has really already been made. It means they and you can move forward with the process of registering as a student. It also means they can say no to waitlisted candidates.



                However, if your decision is not certain yet, then don’t make it earlier than necessary. For example, you haven’t seen all the other options yet. And you haven’t visited. These could change your mind. So I would wait until you have a clearer picture.






                share|improve this answer


























                  5












                  5








                  5







                  I doubt they will care much either way if you accept early or at the last minute. Appearing eager is not a bad thing. You should be excited to start a PhD.



                  It is courteous and prudent not to delay if your decision has really already been made. It means they and you can move forward with the process of registering as a student. It also means they can say no to waitlisted candidates.



                  However, if your decision is not certain yet, then don’t make it earlier than necessary. For example, you haven’t seen all the other options yet. And you haven’t visited. These could change your mind. So I would wait until you have a clearer picture.






                  share|improve this answer













                  I doubt they will care much either way if you accept early or at the last minute. Appearing eager is not a bad thing. You should be excited to start a PhD.



                  It is courteous and prudent not to delay if your decision has really already been made. It means they and you can move forward with the process of registering as a student. It also means they can say no to waitlisted candidates.



                  However, if your decision is not certain yet, then don’t make it earlier than necessary. For example, you haven’t seen all the other options yet. And you haven’t visited. These could change your mind. So I would wait until you have a clearer picture.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 8 hours ago









                  ThomasThomas

                  13.6k63047




                  13.6k63047























                      3














                      A few questions to consider:




                      • Do you have a binding contract signed off by them you just need to sign and send back? Or any other legally binding offer?

                        Until you have that you need to be in a hurry (to get it, not to sign)

                      • Is there any advantage of waiting? Negotiations? A better offer from somewhere else you would be waiting for?

                        If the answer is "no" you do not gain anything at waiting and your mind will be at peace once all the paperwork is over.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • Added further information to question

                        – Reputable Misnomer
                        8 hours ago
















                      3














                      A few questions to consider:




                      • Do you have a binding contract signed off by them you just need to sign and send back? Or any other legally binding offer?

                        Until you have that you need to be in a hurry (to get it, not to sign)

                      • Is there any advantage of waiting? Negotiations? A better offer from somewhere else you would be waiting for?

                        If the answer is "no" you do not gain anything at waiting and your mind will be at peace once all the paperwork is over.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • Added further information to question

                        – Reputable Misnomer
                        8 hours ago














                      3












                      3








                      3







                      A few questions to consider:




                      • Do you have a binding contract signed off by them you just need to sign and send back? Or any other legally binding offer?

                        Until you have that you need to be in a hurry (to get it, not to sign)

                      • Is there any advantage of waiting? Negotiations? A better offer from somewhere else you would be waiting for?

                        If the answer is "no" you do not gain anything at waiting and your mind will be at peace once all the paperwork is over.






                      share|improve this answer













                      A few questions to consider:




                      • Do you have a binding contract signed off by them you just need to sign and send back? Or any other legally binding offer?

                        Until you have that you need to be in a hurry (to get it, not to sign)

                      • Is there any advantage of waiting? Negotiations? A better offer from somewhere else you would be waiting for?

                        If the answer is "no" you do not gain anything at waiting and your mind will be at peace once all the paperwork is over.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered 8 hours ago









                      WoJWoJ

                      2,729716




                      2,729716













                      • Added further information to question

                        – Reputable Misnomer
                        8 hours ago



















                      • Added further information to question

                        – Reputable Misnomer
                        8 hours ago

















                      Added further information to question

                      – Reputable Misnomer
                      8 hours ago





                      Added further information to question

                      – Reputable Misnomer
                      8 hours ago











                      2














                      I would take your colleagues advice - but not for the reason he cited.



                      Waiting a few days allows the excitement to die down and stops you from making rash decisions. Perhaps there is some catch in the agreement that you glazed over because you were too interested in the good parts.



                      You've also mentioned that other offers are coming in - waiting allows you to consider all of them properly. There might be a gem among them that you notice too late (if at all). It would be unfortunate to accept this offer moments before a better one arrives in the mail.



                      So I recommend waiting at least a couple of days just to cool down and consider your future carefully. If you have already done this, then I see no reason not to go ahead. As other answers have said, you want to build a positive relationship with these people and being prompt is a good way to start.






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.

























                        2














                        I would take your colleagues advice - but not for the reason he cited.



                        Waiting a few days allows the excitement to die down and stops you from making rash decisions. Perhaps there is some catch in the agreement that you glazed over because you were too interested in the good parts.



                        You've also mentioned that other offers are coming in - waiting allows you to consider all of them properly. There might be a gem among them that you notice too late (if at all). It would be unfortunate to accept this offer moments before a better one arrives in the mail.



                        So I recommend waiting at least a couple of days just to cool down and consider your future carefully. If you have already done this, then I see no reason not to go ahead. As other answers have said, you want to build a positive relationship with these people and being prompt is a good way to start.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.























                          2












                          2








                          2







                          I would take your colleagues advice - but not for the reason he cited.



                          Waiting a few days allows the excitement to die down and stops you from making rash decisions. Perhaps there is some catch in the agreement that you glazed over because you were too interested in the good parts.



                          You've also mentioned that other offers are coming in - waiting allows you to consider all of them properly. There might be a gem among them that you notice too late (if at all). It would be unfortunate to accept this offer moments before a better one arrives in the mail.



                          So I recommend waiting at least a couple of days just to cool down and consider your future carefully. If you have already done this, then I see no reason not to go ahead. As other answers have said, you want to build a positive relationship with these people and being prompt is a good way to start.






                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.










                          I would take your colleagues advice - but not for the reason he cited.



                          Waiting a few days allows the excitement to die down and stops you from making rash decisions. Perhaps there is some catch in the agreement that you glazed over because you were too interested in the good parts.



                          You've also mentioned that other offers are coming in - waiting allows you to consider all of them properly. There might be a gem among them that you notice too late (if at all). It would be unfortunate to accept this offer moments before a better one arrives in the mail.



                          So I recommend waiting at least a couple of days just to cool down and consider your future carefully. If you have already done this, then I see no reason not to go ahead. As other answers have said, you want to build a positive relationship with these people and being prompt is a good way to start.







                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.









                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer






                          New contributor




                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.









                          answered 4 hours ago









                          ShadowShadow

                          1213




                          1213




                          New contributor




                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.





                          New contributor





                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                          Shadow is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.























                              0














                              I think your advisor has the right instincts here. Any time you are in this sort of position (schools, job search, etc.) it makes more sense to wait. It can only be to your benefit. Also, school A may decide to up their offer, give you a visit, etc.



                              It's not so much that anything bad will come of your accepting early. It won't make you look bad or too eager. But you are just not using the situation to max advantage.



                              P.s. I think it's a good question. Should not be closed.






                              share|improve this answer








                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                              • As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                                – Reputable Misnomer
                                9 hours ago













                              • Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                                – guest
                                9 hours ago






                              • 5





                                This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                                – Bryan Krause
                                8 hours ago






                              • 1





                                Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                                – guest
                                8 hours ago


















                              0














                              I think your advisor has the right instincts here. Any time you are in this sort of position (schools, job search, etc.) it makes more sense to wait. It can only be to your benefit. Also, school A may decide to up their offer, give you a visit, etc.



                              It's not so much that anything bad will come of your accepting early. It won't make you look bad or too eager. But you are just not using the situation to max advantage.



                              P.s. I think it's a good question. Should not be closed.






                              share|improve this answer








                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                              • As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                                – Reputable Misnomer
                                9 hours ago













                              • Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                                – guest
                                9 hours ago






                              • 5





                                This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                                – Bryan Krause
                                8 hours ago






                              • 1





                                Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                                – guest
                                8 hours ago
















                              0












                              0








                              0







                              I think your advisor has the right instincts here. Any time you are in this sort of position (schools, job search, etc.) it makes more sense to wait. It can only be to your benefit. Also, school A may decide to up their offer, give you a visit, etc.



                              It's not so much that anything bad will come of your accepting early. It won't make you look bad or too eager. But you are just not using the situation to max advantage.



                              P.s. I think it's a good question. Should not be closed.






                              share|improve this answer








                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.










                              I think your advisor has the right instincts here. Any time you are in this sort of position (schools, job search, etc.) it makes more sense to wait. It can only be to your benefit. Also, school A may decide to up their offer, give you a visit, etc.



                              It's not so much that anything bad will come of your accepting early. It won't make you look bad or too eager. But you are just not using the situation to max advantage.



                              P.s. I think it's a good question. Should not be closed.







                              share|improve this answer








                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.









                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer






                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.









                              answered 9 hours ago









                              guestguest

                              2253




                              2253




                              New contributor




                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.





                              New contributor





                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.






                              guest is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                              Check out our Code of Conduct.













                              • As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                                – Reputable Misnomer
                                9 hours ago













                              • Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                                – guest
                                9 hours ago






                              • 5





                                This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                                – Bryan Krause
                                8 hours ago






                              • 1





                                Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                                – guest
                                8 hours ago





















                              • As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                                – Reputable Misnomer
                                9 hours ago













                              • Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                                – guest
                                9 hours ago






                              • 5





                                This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                                – Bryan Krause
                                8 hours ago






                              • 1





                                Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                                – guest
                                8 hours ago



















                              As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                              – Reputable Misnomer
                              9 hours ago







                              As a follow-up to this - do you have any recommendations as to whether I should communicate to the PI I am in contact with the offering university? E.g. is it worthwhile for me to communicate with that Prof that I intend to accept? My key worry is that I can open up my spots at other universities/university-associated-fellowships (as I've read and understood this selection process can be quite resource-intensive).

                              – Reputable Misnomer
                              9 hours ago















                              Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                              – guest
                              9 hours ago





                              Continue to communicate to this guy and deepen the relationship but don't make a commitment. Don't worry about the slots at other schools. They are running a bulk process and have people who decline/accept/don't show up out of the pool all the time. They will take care of themselves (e.g. letting in a few weaker candidates late if they need to). Be respectful but at the same time it is not your responsibility to optimize for them. Schools ding people all the time and get dinged all the time. Believe me they have a lot less at risk (from portfolio impact) than you do in the single commit.

                              – guest
                              9 hours ago




                              5




                              5





                              This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                              – Bryan Krause
                              8 hours ago





                              This is a poor answer - this is an offer for admission for grad school, not a job offer. Trying to stretch out for a better negotiation position is going to make you look bad, not good. I also find it a bit offensive to think of the admissions process for PhDs as a "bulk process": there might be some bulk filtering early on in the process, but at the time of accepting students it is in my experience quite personal and individualized. At a top school, it's less about "letting in a few weaker candidates" and more about "extending offers to other well-qualified options."

                              – Bryan Krause
                              8 hours ago




                              1




                              1





                              Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                              – guest
                              8 hours ago







                              Disagree. Committees routinely get many decisions towards the end. Perhaps even the bulk of them. There are very few times you have this level of control, freedom. Take advantage. Oh...and from personal perspective 2 of 6 of my accepts sent fellowships (few extra thousand bucks but makes a big difference when you are so poor) AFTER the initial accept letter and before decision time. [And you don't need to let them know why you are waiting.]

                              – guest
                              8 hours ago




















                              draft saved

                              draft discarded




















































                              Thanks for contributing an answer to Academia Stack Exchange!


                              • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

                              But avoid



                              • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

                              • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.


                              To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




                              draft saved


                              draft discarded














                              StackExchange.ready(
                              function () {
                              StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f124804%2fetiquette-question-is-there-such-a-thing-as-accepting-an-offer-too-early%23new-answer', 'question_page');
                              }
                              );

                              Post as a guest















                              Required, but never shown





















































                              Required, but never shown














                              Required, but never shown












                              Required, but never shown







                              Required, but never shown

































                              Required, but never shown














                              Required, but never shown












                              Required, but never shown







                              Required, but never shown







                              Popular posts from this blog

                              Magento 2 controller redirect on button click in phtml file

                              Polycentropodidae