Rejecting accepted offer and reapplying next year

[Zian]

Hi, I have been reading topics about rejecting already accepted offers for better options. However, I am going to be rejecting the offer because I cannot afford it. I was waiting to hear about some scholarships, and I tried to delay my decision time, but the school said no. I did not get anything so I cannot attend next Fall. However, I am going to be reapplying next year, and I would like to apply to the school I am going to reject again. Do you think it's possible? The offer is for Masters and is partly funded (40% of tuition). I am an international student from developing country. 

It's not like I have a choice but rejecting - no money is no money. It's just I am trying again next year, and this school is one of my top choices. And yes, I knew it could have turned like this, but what could I do? I emailed them about extending April 15th deadline and they said no. I am also fine with losing the deposit. 

[fuzzylogician]

I'm not sure there is a question in there, but for what it's worth, I think you're making the right decision. Simply write them and tell them what you told us: this is one of your top choices and you would love to attend, but unfortunately you can't afford to at the moment. You hope to strengthen your profile and reapply again next year, hoping for better outcomes in terms of funding. Thank them for their consideration, and you're done. Short, professional, and to the point. 

[Zian]

Thank you, fuzzylogician! There is a question - I saw people here saying rejecting an offer is like burning bridges, and I certainly don't want to burn any with this school. So I was wondering how would they see it - as me being irresponsible accepting an offer I was not 100% sure I could afford, or they'd understand and consider me next year. 

[fuzzylogician]

Frank answer: it doesn't matter, you have to do it because it's the only financially smart thing to do. 

Frank and to the point answer: no one here can possibly tell you what other people will think. Best you can do is write that professional and polite email and hope for the best. 

One thing that wasn't clear: if you accepted the offer before and now you're changing your mind, that might affect them because it might mean they won't be able to accept another student for your spot this late in the game. If they made an offer and you decline, that shouldn't affect anything, students decline offers all the time. Either way, it doesn't change what you have to do or how you'll do it, so just get it done with. The sooner the better.