Acceptance deposit is non-binding... right???

[qmcat]

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i've gotten acceptance letters before, and they've always said something like "here's my deposit to reserve a spot for the class entering in fall 2009". i'm filling out another one of these, but the wording is different.

it says "enclosed is my $100 deposit, indicating my intention to register as a first year medical student entering in fall 2009". does this wording imply anything binding? an intention is just a plan, which isn't set in stone right?

i'm just a little worried because the document came in the email without an extension, so you have to rename the file with ".doc" at the end to get it to work (seemed kind of shady to me).

sorry if i'm being neurotic on a Sunday night... sigh...

 

[silverlining1]

Why don't you call and ask? Refuse to give your name if you're paranoid.

I believe there are some DO schools that have non-refundable deposits, but I don't know about MD...

 

[chad5871]

Just call and ask. Most schools have deposits that are refundable before May 15th, but I've heard of a few who won't give you your deposit back if you withdraw (don't know off the top of my head which ones they are).

 

[bluesmd]

which school is it?

 

[Bacchus]

Why don't you call and ask? Refuse to give your name if you're paranoid.

I believe there are some DO schools that have non-refundable deposits, but I don't know about MD...

All DO schools... its highway robbery... I guess I was lucky that my first was only $250, heh.

 

[235009]

i'm just a little worried because the document came in the email without an extension, so you have to rename the file with ".doc" at the end to get it to work (seemed kind of shady to me).

every school should send you your acceptance letter and reply form via snail mail. which school is this??

also you can find out whether the deposit is refundable in the MSAR...if we're talking about an MD school it should be since most are

 

[virusgirl]

All DO schools... its highway robbery... I guess I was lucky that my first was only $250, heh.

UNECOM's second deposit is refundable, which makes me very happy, but I think they're the only DO school to do this. I am in complete agreement with you Bacchus -- and it doesn't make sense in light of the osteopathic traffic rules. I turned down some DO interviews because my deposit date for UNECOM had already come and I had paid it.

OP, it never hurts to call. I would guess that if the deposit is non-refundable, it isn't due right away. That's what Tulane does -- the deposit is $500, but you don't have to pay it until May 15th precisely because it is non-refundable.

 

[RoadRunner17]

Wayne State's deposit is non-refundable. They'll tell you this in the letter.

For the most part though, you should be able to get a refund as long as you withdraw on time. Look in the latest MSAR for this information if you want to look your school up.

 

[FlowLimited]

The OP is actually asking whether or not the deposit constitutes a binding agreement stating that he will attend. He doesn't seem to be concerned about the money being refundable. The answer is that same, though: call the school if you're unsure. More than likely it's merely an alternate wording, but it never hurts to be sure.

 

[virusgirl]

Good point; thanks for pointing that out! 🙂

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think sending a deposit would be binding anywhere. My understanding is that you can put down as many deposits as you like (which may or may not be refundable, but usually are) until May 15th, at which point you must give up all seats except for the school you plan to attend. But until then, you are free to do as you please.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

At this point you do intend to register there, right? If you have no intentions on going to that school under any circumstances, don't send in your deposit.

Your mind might be changed a bit after financial aid awards are made, but right now -- today -- you intend to register there.

 

[235009]

deposits are never binding...the point of a deposit in general is to get you to commit financially so that if you renege on your promise you lose the deposit (that's why deposits are so high in DO schools)....however with MD schools you are free to go back on your word until may 15th with no penalty.

 

[qmcat]

The OP is actually asking whether or not the deposit constitutes a binding agreement stating that he will attend. He doesn't seem to be concerned about the money being refundable. The answer is that same, though: call the school if you're unsure. More than likely it's merely an alternate wording, but it never hurts to be sure.

Yea this was what I was trying to ask. I'm just worried because at my interview they found out that I was accepted to a rival school and were trying to sway me.

Several reasons why I'm worried :
-they use intent to register rather than reserve a spot
-the letter came via email
-the letter didn't have an extension, you have to rename file and add .doc
-the letter is not on school letterhead. Its just typed out in arial font on plain white background.
-in college/undergrad admissions, I remember the "intent to register" meant you were stating that you were going there.

I will definitely call to make sure.

 

[Tiare208]

USC's is nonrefundable, I think. Anyone?

 

[eman53007]

How does one go about requesting his/her deposit back after he/she decides not to attend that school? Is a formal letter in the mail better than email, or does an email message to the Admissions committee suffice?

 

[DoctorDeMan]

How does one go about requesting his/her deposit back after he/she decides not to attend that school? Is a formal letter in the mail better than email, or does an email message to the Admissions committee suffice?

When I did this, I sent them an email telling them I would not be attending and they sent the check via mail. I forgot about the deposit so it must have been automatic.

 

[qmcat]

deposits are never binding...the point of a deposit in general is to get you to commit financially so that if you renege on your promise you lose the deposit (that's why deposits are so high in DO schools)....however with MD schools you are free to go back on your word until may 15th with no penalty.

This is what I think also. But, I feel EXTREMELY UNEASY about signing a form saying "Enclosed is my $100 deposit indicating my intention to register as a first-year student in the ___ School of Medicine in 2009".

Because, I'm not set on attending that school yet, so how can I intend to register? All I want is to hold the acceptance. 😕

At this point you do intend to register there, right? If you have no intentions on going to that school under any circumstances, don't send in your deposit.

Your mind might be changed a bit after financial aid awards are made, but right now -- today -- you intend to register there.

I've been thinking about it for a while, and I'm kind of split between this school and the other one I've already been accepted to. But, I am leaning on NOT going to this school.

Does anyone know if it will look bad if I decline the acceptance? I've heard stories of people not receiving anymore interviews from other schools after withdrawing post-acceptance from all schools except school A because it will look like your first choice is school A (even though it's not your first choice).

Anyway, I'll just call tomorrow, and if they give me trouble, I'm leaning towards just declining the acceptance. Better safe than sorry, imo (especially when I'm not really leaning towards going there).

 

[Tiare208]

Does anyone know if it will look bad if I decline the acceptance? I've heard stories of people not receiving anymore interviews from other schools after withdrawing post-acceptance from all schools except school A because it will look like your first choice is school A (even though it's not your first choice).

Anyway, I'll just call tomorrow, and if they give me trouble, I'm leaning towards just declining the acceptance. Better safe than sorry, imo (especially when I'm not really leaning towards going there).

How would schools know? They don't even know where you've been accepted yet.