Applying for Housing even if I might not attend?

I know it’s probably a bit late to be asking this question considering how hard it is to get a first-choice dorm, but I’m not sure whether I should apply for housing if UT Austin isn’t my top school. The thing is I have auto-admit to the university and I’m just waiting for info on Honors programs (I applied for the Engineering and the Turing Scholars programs) and scholarship money, which are the two factors that would sway my decision to attend. Should I still pay the $50 and cross my fingers that I get into one or both of the Honors programs or nah (my decision to attend UT will also be affected by the decisions I get from some early action schools in about 2 weeks, so could I wait until then as well?)

It is just a risk/reward call on your part. If you are okay living off campus or in one of the less popular dorms if you choose UT, then wait. If not and you can afford the 50, then pay it.

If you think you may end up there and living in the dorm or dorm choice matters, then you should.

I would do it if there is any chance you might attend UT. And since you applied to UT, I would guess there is a chance you’ll go there. You have already invested in SAT/ACT tests (and maybe test preparation programs), AP tests, college application fees, fees to send score reports, etc, etc. so what’s another $50 for a housing application? Just do it!

I agree with the other advice her. I would submit your housing application now if there is even a 10% chance you will attend.

We just submitted housing deposit not knowing if my daughter will get in from out of state, She loves the school and we feel living on campus in dorm frosh year is mandatory. Do you think just submitting deposit this morn, if accepted, would enable her to get on campus dorm? We are just catching up on all the info about housing and if she attends she would prefer a few dorms on one side of campus. Not sure at this point, even if get housing, it would not be last choices. Thanks!

@ballet13 , You should almost certainly have an opportunity to get an on campus dorm by submitting your app now, and maybe even your first choice. If I remember right, students last year were still able to get dorms with January/Feb app submittals, but the longer students wait, the least likely to get your top picks.

@TXDad56 Thank you for the reassuring info. Now if she can get accepted!