<p>My D got Non-Resident tuition scholarships at two schools. One just sent a letter stating she received the scholarship. The other sent a letter and asked her to accept or decline the award on receipt. (it also states that she may be eligible to receive other awards). I have a couple questions:</p>
<p>1 - Other than knowing for sure you are not attending that school, why would she decline?
2 - Does accepting hurt or help chances at other awards (she is also in the running for an additional percentage towards OOS tuition)?
3 - Is it ok to accept and then ultimately not choose that school?
4 - would not replying yet be holding up her financial aid award letter?</p>
<p>The questions are too specialized to be able to give a general answer. I am inclined to say to accept unless there is some binding clause in there. For example, Carnegie Mellon University is very clear that in accepting their offer of admissions, you are making a commitment and not accepting any other offer and that their offer will be withdrawn if it is discovered otherwise. </p>
<p>I have a friend whose daughter had to make commitments of sorts in order to get the merit award at a school. This was before her acceptances were received. They even had to go to the school to accept the danged thing even though they did not know what their other options were, but the school did not insist on a binding contract or exclusive commit to attending. You had to take or leave the award, however, when offered. They did go and accept the award, since there was a real chance that the girl might go to the school, but ultimately she went elsewhere.</p>
<p>But without knowing the schools, the awards, the letter, the conditions, it’s not something that anyone can advise you.</p>