What happens if you accept an alternate position then back out?

[cbiscuit9]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I was just accepted at Kansas off the wait list. I was wondering what happens if I decide to take the position, then change my mind later in the summer? I really want to go to Penn, and am on the wait list there as well, although that is looking like it probably won't happen this year.

I have also gotten into the Masters in Animals and Public Policy at the Tufts vet school, so I have another option. Does anyone know anything about it?

I don't know if I should go to Kansas or do this MAPP program and reapply to Penn next year. Any advice would be appreciated....

 

[sumstorm]

My thought is that if Kansas is at all an acceptable program for what you want to study, go now. You could potentially not get in anywhere next year and the extra year, even if obtaining a Masters, would represent an additional year with a reduced income. I think I would also run the numbers for all 4 options (the fourth including coming off the waitlist for Penn.) including the next year and the year after DVM.

 

[tpad40]

I am sure that if you accept your offer at Kansas and then recieve an offer from Penn that you can then decline Kansas. You will lose your deposit. I think this scenario probably happens often and schools are accustomed to it. As long as you are prompt in letting schools know your decision, I am sure they will be able to fill your spot with another eager waitlister!

As far as going to Kansas versus. doign MAPP and waiting a year...I don't know how to advise you. If your heart is really truly at Penn and you think it is financially feasible to wait a year, it seems like with the Masters under your belt you would be a stronger applicant. However, Kansas is a fantastic school!! Will Kansas allow you to defer for a year? It might be risky to turn down an offer and apply from scratch for next year, if there are no guarantees! Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[philomycus]

I'd take the spot at Kansas. You could reapply, and still not get into Penn the following year. That woud be horrible (if it was me). PLUS, you'd have to explain that on your VMCAS app next cycle.

"I got in but decided to do a master's....".???

 

[Optimistic 13]

.

 

[JustCats]

I could be wrong about this, but I don't think you have to tell VMCAS if you got in anywhere before. It asks you if you've ever applied- and maybe if you have ever matriculated? But I don't think it asks you if you have ever been accepted. or does it?

Vmcas does ask which schools you've been accepted to. You can always explain your decision not to attend in the supplemental section.

 

[feadog]

I could be wrong about this, but I don't think you have to tell VMCAS if you got in anywhere before. It asks you if you've ever applied- and maybe if you have ever matriculated? But I don't think it asks you if you have ever been accepted. or does it?

It does. I remember thinking how odd it was that I had to list all of the places I had been accepted to for undergrad. VMCAS also asks for dates (month/year) that you were accepted, declined a position, enrolled, withdrew, graduated, etc.

I agree with the others who have said it may be risky to turn down a spot and try again. Then again, I'm very excited to be going to Kansas so I'm a bit biased!

 

[tpad40]

It does. I remember thinking how odd it was that I had to list all of the places I had been accepted to for undergrad. VMCAS also asks for dates (month/year) that you were accepted, declined a position, enrolled, withdrew, graduated, etc.

I definitely didn't have to put in where i applied for undergrad!!!! I don't even think I can remember!! 😱

I remember having to say when I was admitted, enrolled, etc. for all schools that I took courses at but definitely not schools where I declined a position...weird!

 

[redsteven]

I definitely didn't have to put in where i applied for undergrad!!!! I don't even think I can remember!! 😱

I remember having to say when I was admitted, enrolled, etc. for all schools that I took courses at but definitely not schools where I declined a position...weird!

Feadog's right. I remember pulling out a file with my undergrad acceptances and writing down the schools I did not attend.

 

[rachroo]

They did have a section for all the schools you had applied to (either professional and/or undergrad) and you had to list whatever your/the school's decision was (i.e. you were accepted, declined, withdrew, deferred, etc).

I also thought it was 😕 to list all the UG schools I decided not to attend...but, oh well, whatev.

I was wondering what happens if I decide to take the position, then change my mind later in the summer?

If you declined your Kansas seat if later accepted at Penn...you would make the next person on the Kansas waitlist very happy!

 

[tpad40]

Clearly I failed the VMCAS.... I most definitely did not do that. Now I am totally curious, where was this mysterious section?

Oh well, it worked out, thank goodness!

EDIT: Aha, found it. It is so misleading (shocker). The section is "Previous Professional & Undergraduate Enrollments" and in the instructions it does say to list schools admitted to. Very confusing...

 

[Caninerepro]

I think last minute declines happen more often than we realize. I do know of two people who recieved a phone call as late as a day into orientation, offering them a slot.