<p>Is there any binding legal contract saying you must attend if you pay the non-refundable deposit? Or do you just forfeit the money if you plan on going elsewhere? (Not saying I want to go anywhere else of course :p)</p>
<p>They pretty much just thank you for your money (without actually thanking you)</p>
<p>There is nothing legally binding about paying the deposit. All it does is get the ball rolling in terms of dorms, learning communities etc... But it is not very ethical to send a deposit if you aren't sure Michigan is your first choice. You could be harming another applicant's chances.</p>
<p>can you wait until april, after you hear back from all of your other schools, to make the deposit or do you need to pay to reserve your space?</p>
<p>Your acceptance letter should have told you the deadline for responding, which I believe is sometime in late April. Perhaps even May 1st. So you can definitely wait until the deadline to respond.</p>
<p>isn't it a disadvantage to wait until very close to the deadline, because by then most people will have already enrolled and you may not get your choice of housing/learning community or whatever else?</p>
<p>That is correct. If one is pretty sure that her/his first choice is Michigan, it is best to commit as soon as possible. Not only does it make things easier with dorms and financial aid, but also with first trimester class registration.</p>
<p>but why would you want to wait to pay the deposit?? here is someone who haven't had the chance to be able to decide to pay, and there you are thinking about delaying! shame on you! i will pay for you if that's what it'll take!</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>sorry. a little disoriented. :D</p>