<p>What does one do when an acceptance comes in with a deadline for response that is well before other schools have made decisions. If we don't accept this school's offer by a certain day, S will not be considered for financial aid. While this school is a top choice, S has a lot of interest in some of the other schools. </p>
<p>There are several posts on this topic beginning at the bottom of page 1 of this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“Final Decision! - Musical Theater Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1427147-final-decision-p1.html</a></p>
<p>There is a related discussion starting mid-way in page 7 of this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“How many programs should you audition for? A "Freakonomics" approach - Musical Theater Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1243010-how-many-programs-should-you-audition-for-a-freakonomics-approach-p1.html</a></p>
<p>Another discussion can be found starting at the bottom of page 1 in this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“Western Carolina University - Musical Theatre Program - #16 by Lulu63 - Musical Theater Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1214374-western-carolina-university-musical-theatre-program-p2.html</a></p>
<p>Mid-way down page 2 on this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“University of Utah - BFA Musical Theatre - #16 by 4inoregon - Musical Theater Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1303217-university-of-utah-bfa-musical-theatre-p2.html</a></p>
<p>Try <a href=“http://www.nacacnet.org/research/publicationsresources/marketplace/student/documents/studentetsNEW.pdf”>http://www.nacacnet.org/research/publicationsresources/marketplace/student/documents/studentetsNEW.pdf</a>
Ths is the national association of college admissions counselora. It very clearly states students have the right to wait and make decisions on accepting admissions and financial aid offers until May 1 unless you applied early decision. If the school you are considering is not in compliance with this I would refer them to this document. Furthermore, no school can require you to make an admissions decision before you know your financial aid package as obviously that will have an impact on whether a student can afford to go to that school or not. If that link doesn’t work just google student rights in college admissions decisions or go to nacacnet.org and use their search for more info on your rights.</p>
<p>Ikemom, It would serve you well to really explore the school’s policy and get into conversation with them. We never encountered this situation for our kids, but others in the past few years have endured pressure from schools to make a decision. In 2012 there was exceptional controversy with one school where accepted students were actually released after deposits were not made to that school, if I remember correctly. I believe that school’s policy has changed. It’s true as vvnstar’s post notes that the association of counselors is in agreement about the deadline. But, legally speaking it could be a different issue. It’s a shame these different policies aren’t always disclosed before application/audition. Perhaps some of the college or independent counselors who visit here can help with any current approaches to this or leverage an accepted student can use. It’s good that you brought this up as it seems to be that time of year. I’m sorry the practice seems to be continuing with some schools. It’s practically impossible to make a decision on a school without knowing about other acceptances and then subsequent scholarship and financial aid money. Wish you well! </p>
<p>Thank you all for the help. There is a wealth of information on CC and I feel like lucky to have this resource. It’s very clear this isn’t a new problem. </p>
<p>Everyone’s posts are very helpful. I would only add that you should definitely try emailing them and referring them to the link. Remind them that you can’t in good conscience commit to one school before financial aid decisions are in and before you have the results from other schools–see how they respond. It’s possible they will push back the deadline. I’d get this in writing; I’d email them rather than phone them. I also think this is a job for a parent as opposed to a student. Good luck.</p>
<p>Last year Montclair’s letter asked to please let them know by April 1 but we waited until May 1and all was well…</p>
<p>Ask for an extension</p>
<p>One of my D’s top choice schools gave her a sizeable scholarship but wanted her decision well before the May 1 deadline (several years ago). Another School was not going to release admission decisions until April ( she was a transfer) so she told the first school she could not make a decision until she had all of her offers. To our surprise, the first school upped their scholarship offer each time she told them she was not ready to make a decision. In the end she accepted the offer at the first school- she was already leaning that way and they made it very attractive financially. </p>