Can one really commit to reserve housing if you aren't sure of attending?

<p>Are people really committing to attend CalPoly so they can reserve housing while waiting for other acceptances? I read somewhere that you can put down the $800 deposit but that is fully refundable if you cancel by a certain date. I didn’t think this was allowed? Will other schools be able to see that the student has committed to CalPoly? </p>

<p>My son was accepted to aerospace engineering at CalPoly and mech eng at UC Berkeley but for us, a lot depends on the financial aspects and we don’t have all the information to make a good decision yet. After reading about the necessity to book hotel, etc. for admitted students days, I think we should get on the ball and set things up. Any advice?</p>

<p>Has anyone compared the engineering between Berkeley and CalPoly? Some students at CalPoly were saying it was hard to get their classes and to count on taking at least 4 1/2 years if not 5 to graduate from CalPoly in aerospace engineering. Is there a way to find out the statistics on this? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your replies.</p>

<p>No, I am pretty sure you have to accept your offer of admission first. You get an email about the housing stuff, after you accept.</p>

<p>And you should contact OsakaDad. He has a lot of posts on here describing who they checked out UCB and others, and decided upon Cal Poly, if I recall correctly.</p>

<p>sutteyo, thanks for your reply. I’ve read that people ARE accepting their offer even if they are not sure of attending just to reserve housing. I didn’t think you could do that which is why I asked. Should ds accept his offer just so he can reserve housing even if he isn’t sure about attending CalPoly?</p>

<p>The deposit for housing is $2125 and can only be placed after you commit. From what I have heard housing is plentiful and after having been there last week, I didn’t see any “bad situation” except maybe a triple, which I don’t believe you have any control over anyway. You can request one for it to be cheaper and would certainly get it, but you can’t “not request” one if that makes sense. You may get it no matter what as housing told me 50% are triples. If putting that much down is an issue, I wouldn’t sweat it, many many people are in the exact same spot and will wait, if you already know about UCB you are ahead of most.</p>

<p>Well, my son did commit to attend Calpoly, because it’s his 1st choice and he does plan to attend. The UC’s and privates that he’s yet to hear from were all 2nd choice & beyond. He hasn’t put in for housing yet - he’s been to busy! I don’t think waiting a few days will make that much of a difference in the housing situation.</p>

<p>Thank you CADREAMING. If there is a chance that DS will go to CalPoly, I would be more than willing to make the housing deposit but I didn’t think you were allowed to commit and then back out later. That seems odd to me but I guess that is what people are doing since you are guaranteed to get the deposit back in full if you cancel in enough time. Thanks again for your reply. I read somewhere else that the housing deposit was only $800 so good to know the true figures!</p>

<p>From Housing FAQ’s:</p>

<p>"Can I get a refund if I change my mind about attending Cal Poly?</p>

<p>Students must cancel in writing 30 days prior to the move-in date to receive a full refund. Charges per day will apply thereafter. For last day to cancel without financial penalty please refer to the Housing Calendar for dates to cancel. The Cancel Form must be faxed or postmarked by the last date to cancel."</p>

<p>[Frequently</a> Asked Questions - University Housing - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo](<a href=“http://www.housing.calpoly.edu/content/_frequently_asked_questions]Frequently”>http://www.housing.calpoly.edu/content/_frequently_asked_questions)</p>

<p>When Cal Poly’s housing office starts to assign students to dorms sometime this summer, they will be assigned in order the money came in ($2125 housing and dining deposit). So those who reserve housing and pay the deposit first will be the ones to get their first choice of dorms. Those who reserve later may get their second or third (or fourth or fifth) choice. Since it is fully refundable until 30 days before move in, I would advise accepting your offer to enroll and go ahead and submit the housing deposit (if you can afford to) while you wait on decisions from other colleges. You can always change your mind. :)</p>