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Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 10:55 pm
by maath
Hello, I've been admitted (with funding) for a Ph.D in Applied Math at a school X. I don't have any news yet from the other school Y that I applied to, but there is a slim chance that I might prefer to go to Y instead.

(a) Is there any risk in waiting as long as possible to see what the other school Y will have for me? E.g. can an offer be withdrawn if I delay? Does delaying put me at any sort of disadvantage?

(b) I'm married and my wife is a U.S. citizen. She will not be dependent on me. Do I still need to list her as a dependent?

Thanks

Re: Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 3:56 pm
by h0lomorphic
As far as I know, schools in the US are forced to give you until at least April 15th to decide, so there's really nothing to be lost imo in waiting to hear back from school Y.

From what you described, it sounds like in both cases you would not be coming to the US with dependents, since your wife would work if she came, or only be visiting. If you were bringing a kid, say, that would definitely qualify as bringing a dependent. At least, that's how I read thingsā€”I'm certainly not an expert!

Re: Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 6:28 pm
by kokopelli
One reason the 'dependent' question might relate to is in regards to housing. If you have dependents, you might qualify for married student housing vs single student housing. So if you are planning on being in student housing, it might be better to error on the side of having a dependent, and potentially getting more roomy accommodations for your wifes visits, than ending up in a small single apt.

Re: Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 2:37 am
by xor
(a) I don't believe offers can be withdrawn. I understand your anxiety but this decision will still be your final call to make.

(b) I agree with kokopelli on this.

Re: Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:38 am
by maath
Thanks everyone

Re: Risks in accepting an admission offer / dependency issue

Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2015 4:26 am
by MelindaOsteen
Hey, so how has it end up?
My tutor from Papers Gear said there was no risk while waiting...