protocol for turning down offers?
Hi everyone! So I may have posted awhile back about my having applied to some schools for a masters in music theory/composition. Well, I've gotten acceptances from (almost) everyone, and I've gotten a very generous and attractive scholarship/assistantship offer from one of my top choices. So basically, there is at least one school that I can cross off my list for sure. Although I haven't heard from absolutely everyone yet, I feel bad holding out on this smaller school since I know the assistantship they're holding for me would be very desirable to someone who's really banking on going to that school, so I want to let them know what's going on ASAP.
The thing is, it's been awhile since I've done the whole application thing, and I know undergrad is probably different...what's the protocol for saying "thanks, but no thanks"...especially when an assistantship is involved? Should I send a more formal snail-mail letter, or would an email suffice? I tend to come off as quite awkward in phone calls sometimes so I'd rather avoid that :/
Thanks so much!
Indiana University (MM, Theory) - accepted, full assistantship for theory/stipend + dean's scholarship!
University of Michigan (PhD, Theory) - still pending, though I have an "interview" of sorts with the dept head (this is my current undergrad school, so it's very informal, but I'm not quite sure what he'll be asking me during this interview...I figure they haven't rejected me yet, so that's good news!
Bowling Green State University (MM, Composition) - accepted, full assistantship for aural skills/small stipend
Mannes College of Music (MM, Theory and MM, Composition) - got a generic email of congratulations meaning that one of these depts accepted me, but I'm not sure which, or if they both did! I'll find out either when the admissions staff emails me back or when the snail mail package finally arrives. Still have yet to find out about financial aid (I only auditioned on the 8th so I'm surprised they got back to me this soon)
The thing is, it's been awhile since I've done the whole application thing, and I know undergrad is probably different...what's the protocol for saying "thanks, but no thanks"...especially when an assistantship is involved? Should I send a more formal snail-mail letter, or would an email suffice? I tend to come off as quite awkward in phone calls sometimes so I'd rather avoid that :/
Thanks so much!
Indiana University (MM, Theory) - accepted, full assistantship for theory/stipend + dean's scholarship!
University of Michigan (PhD, Theory) - still pending, though I have an "interview" of sorts with the dept head (this is my current undergrad school, so it's very informal, but I'm not quite sure what he'll be asking me during this interview...I figure they haven't rejected me yet, so that's good news!
Bowling Green State University (MM, Composition) - accepted, full assistantship for aural skills/small stipend
Mannes College of Music (MM, Theory and MM, Composition) - got a generic email of congratulations meaning that one of these depts accepted me, but I'm not sure which, or if they both did! I'll find out either when the admissions staff emails me back or when the snail mail package finally arrives. Still have yet to find out about financial aid (I only auditioned on the 8th so I'm surprised they got back to me this soon)