<p>Yes, apply to other programs. Why?</p>
<p>First, you never know what could happen. Some years you are the only decent person applying to study area Z in field Y under professor X* at department W… and some years there are five different super-geniuses all vying for the one spot that you want. Until they get all the applications in, the Dean has no real idea.</p>
<p>Second, you want to make an informed choice. You know where you want to go, based on what, exactly? There may be professors out there doing amazing things at amazing departments and treating their grad students, well, amazingly. And you won’t really know that until you apply and visit and talk. If your currently program really is the best, then the small investment now will save second-guessing later on. If it isn’t, then you will have dodged a bullet.</p>
<p>Third, it is good to be able to negotiate. Most grad students don’t seem to negotiate their offers (which is why this is #3), but sometimes it is a good idea, and negotiating is highly difficult and highly risk if you do not have any other offers in hand. Your department head is not a saint, and they have to consider more than just your own interests - if they can get you cheap, knowing that you are not going anywhere else, they might do it. If they really want you, and know that you have a good offer elsewhere, then that RA spot might get a top-up fellowship, or be replaced by a full fellowship.</p>
<p>So yes, apply to at least a couple of other programs, enough to have an expectation of at least a couple of offers. The time and money now will be well worth it.</p>
<p>*: Because I can, that’s why.</p>