<p>Is April 15th generally accepted as the deadline to respond to an offer? If so, does that mean most schools should make an offer at least before that date?</p>
<p>Anyone seriously interested in accepting you will make an offer no later than about next week</p>
<p>Key phrase: "ABOUT next week."</p>
<p>Do keep in mind that in many disciplines, a slightly later than April 15 offer may materialize.</p>
<p>Why? Because one of the admits could let us know ON April 15 that s/he will be going elsewhere. The department in question would then have to contact the next-ranked person on the admit list.</p>