What to do after an acceptance?

[osumc2014]

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I don't have an acceptance...praying for one actually. But I am wondering just how all of this works after that step, do we have a certain time to respond? if so what if we are waiting to hear from other schools? When does financial aid packages come? (varies by school right? but how can I accept if I don't know what I'm getting)...idk if there is a fine art to all this.

 

[schrizto]

SDN has a very helpful wiki that a lot of people don't know about:

http://www.studentdoctor.net/wiki/index.php/After_applying

Once you receive an acceptance letter, you will have two weeks to respond in writing to request that a spot be held for you. While not all universities mention this two week window, if you do not reply in two weeks, your offer will be rescinded. I have heard several stories of students who wait more than the allotted time, only to lose their only shot at going to a particular school. In most cases, the decision was final. If the offer is rescinded because of a lack of timeliness on your behalf, few colleges will even allow you to petition the decision.

Generally, you will have to pay a deposit when you request that a spot be held for you. This amount can be anywhere from $30 to up to $500. In many cases, these deposits are non-refundable. Therefore, you should only hold a spot if you a genuinely interested in attending the school. If you were turned off during the campus tour and interview, don't hesitate to withdraw your application, especially if you have multiple acceptances. Keep in mind that for every spot you hold, you keep someone else from getting an acceptance. As a courtesy to others, relinquish the schools that you are no longer interested in.

As for when financial aid will arrive, it's probably in the wiki somewhere too, I haven't looked.

 

[BlueElmo]

I'm sure the acceptance package will contain all the information you need.

 

[osumc2014]

I'm sure the acceptance package will contain all the information you need.

yea, 500 bucks! geez, hopefully I just get into my top school and take that

 

[JJMrK]

A lot of the time you'll have a few weeks to respond with a deposit (from what I've seen, it seems more "prestigious" schools tend to refund these, while schools that want to avoid being someone's safety don't). Until May 15th, you can hold as many of these as you want. Be careful though, as financial aid forms are usually due before this.

 

[randombetch]

So you can send deposits to multiple schools?

 

[BlueElmo]

So you can send deposits to multiple schools?

Apparently, yes.

 

[BBender716]

So you can send deposits to multiple schools?

Yes, as many schools as you can afford. However, if you are no longer seriously considering a school it is proper etiquette to withdraw your application immediately following your decision.

 

[JJMrK]

So you can send deposits to multiple schools?

If it's before May 15th that's the only way to hold multiple acceptances.

Yes, as many schools as you can afford. However, if you are no longer seriously considering a school it is proper etiquette to withdraw your application immediately following your decision.

I disagree. Holding onto acceptances until you see how the financial aid looks is perfectly within your rights as an applicant. You can also use multiple acceptances to bargain with other schools.

 

[FlowRate]

This is a really enlightening thread, I didn't realize that you had to apply within two weeks... Do schools really "fight" over you once you get an acceptance letter? Kinda like playing car dealerships once they realize you're a serious buyer?

 

[BlueElmo]

Well I think, if you clearly and definitely know your top choice school and decided on attending there, it would be courteous to other applicants to withdraw from other schools where you were accepted.

 

[JJMrK]

This is a really enlightening thread, I didn't realize that you had to apply within two weeks... Do schools really "fight" over you once you get an acceptance letter? Kinda like playing car dealerships once they realize you're a serious buyer?

Maybe not "fight," but people tell stories about calling to withdraw from a school, the dean coming on the phone and asking why, and getting money out of it (especially if they are withdrawing to attend a cheaper school).

Well I think, if you clearly and definitely know your top choice school and decided on attending there, it would be courteous to other applicants to withdraw from other schools where you were accepted.

Agreed. But, being courteous does not mean it's standard protocol. People shouldn't have decide right away if they aren't ready; if money is an issue or you really can't decide, sit on it until May 15th.