<p>I’m still awaiting a reply from an Ivy and my #2 school requires a deposit by May 21. How can i politely ask this school to give me an answer within the next few weeks? I need to mail a deposit, so accounting for snail mail delays I want to postmark my deposit for school #2 by, say, May 15th.</p>
<p>Just honestly explain the situation to them over the phone. You don’t have to drop your name, even… Just call the department and say, “Hi, I’m an applicant this year to your graduate program, and I’ve got a little problem… I’d really like to attend your program, but I’m going to need to give another school an answer if I’m not accepted by May 15th at the latest. Will I be able to get an answer in time?”</p>
<p>Gauge how the department secretary or admissions officer responds to your query in order to know whether or not to give them your name. 
If they respond in irritation, they’ll likely not ask you who you are because they’ll probably say, “We’re sending out answers. Just watch your mail.” =)</p>
<p>As it were, schools, even Ivies, are very understanding of working around deadlines. They’re not out to screw you over at this stage in the game. You’re applying to grad schools. They understand the situation and will treat you like a professional.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>