Proper way to withdraw an app: phone, mail, email?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

DentalKitty

Full Member
10+ Year Member
5+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Messages
202
Reaction score
0
I just want to be as respectful as possible. I would think sending a letter would be fine, but how do you know the school received it?

What if you were contacted about your acceptance by phone? Would it be more appropriate to speak to that person directly then? Thanks for the input.
 
Yes, I too have wondered the same. Back in May, I had Case and Nova receive my information, however I never sent in an application fee because of the high volume of applicants both schools receive.

At this point I know that if I sent in a check, I would most likely be rejected after having my check cashed. I had written a letter, but didn't know if what I'd written was acceptable. Anyone have ideas?
 
I decided to send an email to a school that I had an early December interview scheduled at to make sure that they got it in a timely fashion so that they could find another applicant to take my place. I received an email reply from them thanking me for letting them know shortly thereafter. I don't think email is a bad way to go, but others may disagree.
 
Yes, I too have wondered the same. Back in May, I had Case and Nova receive my information, however I never sent in an application fee because of the high volume of applicants both schools receive.

At this point I know that if I sent in a check, I would most likely be rejected after having my check cashed. I had written a letter, but didn't know if what I'd written was acceptable. Anyone have ideas?


Dude.......what are you talking about?! 😕
 
Dude.......what are you talking about?! 😕

I think he's talking about withdrawing pre-interview, but you guys are talking about withdrawing post-interview/acceptance.
 
I'd call. Just to make sure they get my message in time so the spot can open up for others fast enough.

But I feel quite bad about calling and turning down the acceptance with them face to face...I'd much rather do it over the internet which is more of a one way conversation.
 
I was planning on calling some schools on Monday/Tuesday. If no one answers then I guess you can write an email. You just have to remember that every school has tons of people turn them down.. It is just how it goes, many many people do it
 
Any method (letter, email, phonecall) is fine. All are legally recognized as a valid way of not entering into a contract.

But as a guideline of what is preferable, you reply in the same manner as accepted. If they called you, you can call them back and say no. However, they also sent you a letter of acceptance, so maybe you should also send them back a letter. Letters are always professional.
 
Yeah, what I was talking about was a little off... I meant I initially applied there, but didn't ever finish all the secondaries and app. fees because by the time I got things settled with recommendations etc. I knew that both Case and Nova had received thousands of applications.

I am planning on withdrawing at both, essentially without really ever fully applying.
 
I'll be withdrawing acceptances either by mail or email, and I'll be withdrawing interviews by phone or email to make sure they get processed quickly.

I'd prefer writing the messages, because it allows me to explain a little bit why I didn't choose their school. This definitely isn't necessary, but I think the schools would like to hear why I chose some other school over theirs
 
I think you can decline your acceptance by any means: phone, email, letter as long as you are polite and professional about it. Just turning down a school to let others in is very nice instead of just not saying anything. I'm calling in today and tomorrow to decline my offers because I feel really bad for some of the spots I took up when others candidates didn't get in.
 
Thanks guys! I just didn't know if one method was preferred over others.
 
I have been withdrawing via emails written in a formal letter style. All of the schools emailed me back ~ 1 day after I withdrew thanking me for letting them know my decision and wishing me luck. Based on that response I think emails are appreciated and respectful. Make sure you personalize the email to each school though.
 
I nicely crafted letter with personal signature will do the trick.
 
Top