Gfyuki

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.

Sorry if this is a subjective question - I will remove ASAP if so.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.