Hi all,
How do I decline a university place after receiving admission? All the universities that I have places at have said that they require me to complete the acceptance process by 1 May 2017. If I do not want to accept, then do i just ignore them?
Thanks!
I’ve seen people say you just ignore it and if you don’t enroll they assume you’ve declined, but I’ve also seen angry parents talking about getting kids removed from waitlists earlier. The second argument doesn’t really have the much validity in my opinion because you would have to have a significant number of applicants turn down an acceptance early for the college to be worried enough about their yield to take kids off the waitlist before May 1st. One kid declining does not automatically open up a spot. So, I would say you probably don’t have to let them know. I’ve also seen where kids have asked if they should at least turn down schools they eliminated from their list, not all but some, and people have advised against this because sometimes last minute your circumstances or opinions can change, so then in that scenario you should leave all options open. So, then again don’t. Still, I’m a high school senior as well so I can’t say for sure. Good luck wherever you end up!
Send a polite email to admissions if you are sure you aren’t attending. You never know what is down the road. It isn’t uncommon for students to want to transfer to a school later in where they were admitted and decided not to attend. So a polite decline can’t hurt. But take your time until May 1. Don’t let anyone bully you into deciding early if you want to think about it.
Many schools want an answer, positive or negative, and provide a way for you to give whichever it is. You should decline but not until you are sure of where you are going. Don’t feel rushed.
Remember that every year, there are a handful of people who have computer glitches, etc. and whose acceptances are not registered as such. The schools that want your decision are making sure they aren’t counting you as a no when you meant to be a yes. That is a courtesy, so you should return it with an answer.
You should definitely provide an answer, but only when you are 100% sure, not only of your decision (and the accompanying financials), but that you are legitimately enrolled in the school you plan to attend. Most schools we encountered provided a very clear-cut way to do this (typically on the applicant portal), and many of them included a follow-up survey about the decision. If it’s not obvious, just email the admissions office or your representative, politely.
But if you ARE sure, don’t delay. It’s just inconsiderate of others who may be waiting for an answer regarding the school’s waitlist.
I disagree that waiting is inconsiderate. It may be unnecessary, and there’s peace of mind in having acted when you know your mind, but it’s no public service. Most schools go to their WL the first week of May when all the results are in and they know which students they need to keep the class in balance.
You do not have to respond to colleges before May 1 if you do not want to. However, once you have enrolled in a school, I would recommend either declining through the portal, or sending a polite email to your rep- you never want to burn bridges.
I would only respond no to a college before May if you are 1000% absolutely, positive that there is no chance you will attend. If that is the case, some colleges provide easy ways to respond no (ex. through a portal, with a postcard enclosed in the acceptance) or you can send an email to admissions. Agree, that if you don’t reply the school will eventually assume you are not enrolling, but a reply is very quick to do, completes the process cleanly, and reflects well on you as well as your HS.
many admissions portals have an option to “Decline” an offer of admission. You just press the button, no email necessary.