College deposits and withdrawal refunds help!

Applying to College
1

Hi so recently I applied to a school in North and I also live in the North. I really liked the school because it was in the city and the professors seemed nice and the programs they were offering were great. Recently I found out I no longer want to go to this school. The staff treated me horrible at orientation. I was abandoned and lonely. A staff that worked there was being impatient that I find this email or proof saying I earned these credits. He started saying sorts of things like "I get paid by the hour and started asking me personal questions that ended with me upset. I felt unwelcome at the orientation. Then at my high school I tried transferring credits over they kept nagging me for a lousy credits which was more credits I got from the community college I took the class through. The schools been nagging me constantly about the credit and the fact I reported that staff that made me feel unwelcomed. This whole process has been frustrating and emotional that it caused a lot of stress and pain to me and my family. I invested little savings I don’t even have to better my myself and learn to get a good job in the future to help other people with same struggles. I’m upset how much this school lied to me and how they just wanted my money. The next problem that came to light was I found room assignments and I didn’t get a dorm. Now I am on the waitlist for room or a hotel. I am also out of state which makes this whole situation worst. I do not know the area that well and are they going to pay for this/ how will I get to my class. My mother gave up her life savings for my family to move so I the youngest and last child to go to school. Now I got to be some puppet that’s going to be homeless and won’t attend school. I can’t sleep at night because of all of this that’s been happening I decided I want out of this school its not worth it to try to attend this expensive schools that can no longer attend to my needs I am student with a specific learning disability(dyslexia) whose been advocating this whole chaotic situation with this college for 2 months and less then 2-3 weeks I supposed to attend here. I feel like I am still in high school where my school didn’t attend to my needs and made my anxiety and depression increase due to stress. I wanted a fresh start and they want give me back my deposit and this whole situation is all wrong and messed up. I’ve been advocating for myself my whole life. I just would like some help and guidance to what to do. I just don’t want to be charge an not be able to attend any school because of this.

Thank You

2

There seem to be two issues here – 1) you now feel that they cannot provide you with the academics and/or support that you had previously thought you would get and 2) there is no housing. As such, you now want to withdraw.

For the first issue, the tuition, my sense is that you will be faced with losing your deposit should you withdraw. There’s no way around that, as withdrawing is your choice.
Most deposits are no more than $500.00, which although a large sum to lose (getting no return for your investment), in the scheme of things over four years, it’s a relatively small price to pay.
Have you submitted all or any part of your first semester of tuition? As long as you withdraw within their posted time frames prior to the start of classes, you should be able to get that back.

For the second issue, the housing, you may have more leverage.
As a student with special needs, you require a safe space to live. Does the school guarantee housing for first years? Did you get your housing deposit in before their deadline? If so, then you have a legitimate grievance and should be able to get your deposit returned since they did not deliver on their promise. If not, then if you withdraw, you may also lose that deposit. Check their policies about deposit - both tuition and housing - refunds, on the contracts you (or your parents) signed.

If nothing else, you’re already learning lessons.
Sometimes, after reflection, we change out minds. Regardless, we are still responsible for our commitments and sometimes are required to face uncomfortable situations.

I would also recommend that you take a moment to calmly explore your distress here.
Are you upset because a staff member disrespected you, and that the administration has made it difficult for you to transfer your credits? Welcome to the world!!! It may - or may not - be a reflection of what you may learn on this campus. Things do not always run smoothly and this can actually be a way for you to gain needed skills in resolving issues. Self-advocacy will be a skill you’ll need all you life.
Are you scared about this new phase in your life and looking for the escape hatch? If so, thoroughly consider both outcomes before making your decisions. Do you have trouble making decisions? If yes, find a counselor at your old school who can give you added insight to your specifics.
Are you worried that the money spent and any debt incurred will not be worthwhile in the long run? This is a solid concern and again, one that you should talk frankly with a counselor about, either at your old school, or even someone in the Financial office at your prospective school.

Whatever you do, try to keep a cool head and use the adversity for learning, regardless of the outcome.

3

So are you asking how to get your deposit back, or any tutition paid if you withdraw? Take a deep breath and calm down. I can’t really tell what the main problem is, other than you decided you no longer want to go to this college. Have you actually asked anyone in the financial aid office how refunds work? Have you got loans to consider? Did you make an appointment to meet with a college counselor to discuss your concerns? Ask a counselor to help you sort out the credit issue. Does the college have an office to assist learning disabled students? If you don’t know, call the admissions office and ask. Many, many learning disabled students go to college. There should also be an office for incoming students. Have you talked to anyone there? Does this college guarantee housing for freshmen? If not, what options are avaialble to help freshmen find housing?

I am getting the sense that you are panicking about going to college. Think back as to why you decided to attend. And think about the future you will give up if you don’t go to college. I am guessing your mom didn’t give up her life savings for you to work in a shoe store forever. I think you need to be proactive, stop being afraid, and start taking steps to get answers to your questions. Do not make a rash decision that you might regret forever. And please, try to clam down. It is very difficult to make sense of what is really bothering you. I can’t tell if you are actually just upset that people didn’t seem to be friendly, or if you have totally made up your mind not to go to college.

And fwiw, my son is dyslexic and your spelling is a thousand times better than his. I think you are more qualified to go to college than you think you are. There are many resources to help college students these days, inlcuding free tutoring, drop in centers for help with course work, meeting with professors during office hours, and tons of free online videos like Khan Academy, not to mention the campus libarary, which undoubtedly can assist you with whatever you need to help you succeed. Get a sheet of paper and a pen, and make a list of the steps you need to make this happen, and don’t throw your future away because you are frustrated.

4

What college is this? Is it a state school or a for-profit school?

Some of what you’re describing is normal paperwork. They’re not “nagging” you for information about other credits. You’re required to provide transcripts from every school you’ve attended. You’re fortunate this college is reminding you that they’re still due. Many would just list it on your student portal and let you submit it or not. Students who don’t get the paperwork in aren’t permitted to register. If housing works out and you want to attend this college, you need to contact your high school guidance counselor and get the transcripts sent.

I don’t know what you mean when you say the staff member was asking you personal questions. Questions related to finances and your current housing situation – how much you and your parents earn, who you live with, and how long you’ve lived there, etc. – are relevant and required for them to process your aid. Were they trying to find out if you have a place to live if they can’t find housing?

It sounds like finances are an issue. Attending an OOS college is more difficult when costs have to be carefully monitored. You need to write to the college registrar (email is fine) and formally withdraw. Notify housing and whichever office handles the meal plan too. @Blossom (one of our more experienced posters) can probably tell you the office that handles that. You may want to copy the financial aid office too.

What state are you in? Is there a community college within commuting distance of your home? You may want to start there. They’re usually more affordable and the staff is used to helping guide students through the system.

5

Thank You! And yes this was a learning experiences and a sad loss. I thought about my decision long and hard that I decided to withdrew. Throughout this bad outcome a positive one came out of it. I was able to find a school that would still accept me for the fall 2016 and a much less deposit from the last school.

6

@austinshauri the expirence I dealt with this school was normal. Yes it was defiantly harassment through phone calls and emails when I did not want to respond to them. I left numerous voicemails explaining many concerns and nobody from the office would never get back to me.

7

Thanks for the update.
Sounds like you made the right choice for your circumstances. Congrats and best
of luck to you moving forward.