Accepting more than one offer before deposit is due

[happyhour5]

A friend of mine accepted at two schools before needing to put down deposits at either. Is there some sort of repercussion for doing so? I'm curious because I'm having a difficult time making decisions as well. 

[JB677]

I was wondering the same thing… I was accepted to one school, but wait listed from another… The deposit for the one school is due soon, but I don't wanna make a final decision until I hear back from WCU… AHHH!! 

[Lyra1960]

Speaking from experience with one school, I think the worst that can really happen is that you lose the deposit. If you say yes and don't give a deposit when one is required most likely when the deposit is due the school will just look to see who has sent in the money and if you have said yes but not given any money, they will give your seat away. Departments understand this happens all the time and really don't think too much about it. They expect a number of people who say yes to back out even right up to the first day of class, hence the deposit. If you decide not to go and have given money, you're just out of luck with getting your money back. Can't speak for every single school, but in general, I think this is what happens. If you are really worried, I'd just call the school and ask for clarification on their policies. Don't be shy, it's a legitimate question, and I doubt programs would be offended. You don't even have to state your name, just say I am an accepted student and was wondering about you policy on...

[Saila09]

This is highly unethical IMO... 

[sandlot]

While I don't think this is "unethical," it is also not very professional, especially after the April 15th deadline. Just imagine for a second that a school that accepted you sent you an email letting you know that they decided to change their mind and rescind their offer. If a school wanted you that badly, they wouldn't waitlist you. Go with the school that wants you and admits you before April 15th.

[Shayy_Dee]

I've been told by admissions that they expect a few people to accept an offer and recind it before classes. This is taken into account and that is why wait lists are held for so long. If you need more time to make the right decision for yourself then you should take it. You don't want to make a spur of the moment decision and regret it for the next 2+ years. Also, you shouldn't write off a school just because they wait list you. Being considered and offered an acceptance is an honor at any point in the process. Make sure the program is a good fit for you and your priorities.

Edited April 15, 2015 by Shayy_Dee

[Slp1268]

I think schools expect that this will happen. It is part of the process.

[RTR_SLP]

I'm currently in this situation myself. I'm in between two schools, and wouldn't be able to visit one until mid-May. Ive decided to turn down that offer, not so much because of the school, but because of the people on the wait list. Why would I make someone sit on a wait list for another month when I'm pretty positive I would recant my acceptance in mid May? It just doesn't seem fair to do that to someone, when I know how miserable a wait list is myself.

[Lyra1960]

I agree it is ethically questionable to say yes to two schools fully knowing that you will not go to one. However, I don't think it is at all unethical to say yes to one school and then find out you got off a waitlist and tell the original school you are not going. Also, if you "say yes" and do not give a deposit (when required) the school simple will not consider it an official yes and will not hold your spot. I do not think it is right to say yes to two school that do not require a deposit for the sole reason that you cannot make up your mind before the deadline. At some point you will have to and it's not fair to other students. However, I do think that everyone has the right to take up to the deadline to decide. It is courteous to turn down a school when you know for sure that you will not accept the offer before the deadline, but if you are really not sure, I think you deserve all the time up to the deadline to make an informed decision without feeling pressured from either the school or other students.   

[ahirsh7]

If you're accepted to two programs, you should decide between the two by the April 15th deadline. Declining your offer later should be reserved for life changes or being accepted off another's program's wait list. Schools do expect some to people to later decline their offer, hence why wait lists are selected from well into the summer. I think unless you've JUST been accepted to one of the programs you're deciding between you've had enough time to make a decision. I know it's an incredibly difficult decision...I declined my other acceptances with quite the heavy heart, but what will more time do? Unless you have a meeting or visit planned?

Edited April 15, 2015 by ahirsh7