offer before the fair

[E.B. White]

I am interested in knowing any strategies used when an offer is extended prior to the fair - did you contact other schools at the top of your list to see if they would move on your application, or check with them to make sure they were still interested, etc.? The interest is gratifying, but what if it is, say, your fourth choice school, but you think you still have a viable shot at one or more of the top three on your list? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[scribe]

If the school making an early offer isn't your top choice, don't be afraid to ask for time to make up your mind. If they don't like it, it probably wasn't meant to be. There are two reasons that come to mind: one, you are an attractive candidate and they want to grab you first (which means it won't hurt to wait) and two, they are desperate and trying to up their chances (which means you probably should wait). Trust yourself and don't settle - or a two year contract might seem like a very long time.