How to Accept a Graduate School Offer

When you have received one or more offers for admission to a graduate school, you have some things to consider and responsibilities to handle.

Instructions

1. Compare all of your offers, if you have more than one. This way you will be able to make a better, more educated response.

2. Consider and respond to all offers in a timely manner, even if you are declining the offer. Admissions departments will be aware of your forthrightness and reflect on how you handled it. They will also be able to move on to their next candidate more quickly.

3. Ignore any pressure that you may be receiving, if you have not decided to decline or accept a graduate school offer. Before you make a decision, remember, you have no commitment to any school and unfair influence can make your decision more difficult.

4. Choose the graduate program you feel is best for your continued education and begin the acceptance process.

5. Call the admissions office or email them with a preliminary acceptance. You will want to follow up with a written letter, stating your acceptance.

6. Write your letter and immediately fax it to the admissions office. Next, make a copy of the letter and mail that to the admissions office.

7. Remember that once you have initiated contact and even verbalized acceptance, you are now under an obligation. If you try to remove yourself from said obligation, you could hurt your reputation with other graduate programs.