<p>S was accepted to his clear favorite school. Received an initial scholarship award that, while appreciated, alone won't make attendance possible. We are within a day or so of filing our CSS & FASFA info. Preliminary EFC puts us very close to the 'doable' range - but of course that's just the estimate.</p>
<p>We plan to talk with the school about financial arrangements. QUESTION: is it better to send in an 'acceptance' deposit before discussions, or wait for finiancial discussions to conclude? Acceptance is predicated upon sufficient financial aid being given, I think. </p>
<p>Understand, we want to do what is right and above board here. If the finance numbers can be worked out, he will definitely attend. Does it help to let the school know he is serious about attending (if numbers permit), or will the deposit not influence them?</p>
<p>What's the 'right' order in which to do this?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Was he accepted early decision or was it a rolling admission school? Unless it’s an early decision, most schools won’t require a deposit until May 1. Carefully check the deadlines, both for depositing, for financial aid applications, and for scholarships. They can and do vary.</p>
<p>It’s better to wait until financial discussions conclude before sending in a deposit.</p>
<p>Was this an Early Decision acceptance? If not, then wait until you get the finances sorted out. If it was not an ED acceptance, you have until the end of April to make a final decision. If finances are a significant concern, you really shouldn’t accept an offer of admittance.</p>
<p>Now…if this is an ED decision, you have to make up your mind within the guidelines the school has set forth. Most ED schools have students complete the Profile or a school form early so that they can give an estimated financial aid award. Did you do this?</p>
<p>Is this school one of the small number that guarantee to meet full need for accepted students? If not, they might very well leave you with a gap between the Cost of Attendance and the EFC. The EFC from the FAFSA also might NOT be the family contribution the school computes using the Profile information.</p>
<p>So…short answer…now that I’ve rambled on and on…if this is NOT an ED acceptance, you have nothing to gain by accepting the offer of admission now.</p>
<p>Other threads indicate that his first choice (where he was accepted EA) was WPI. If this is the school you are considering, they do not guarantee to meet full need. Regardless…do not send a deposit until you have the finances worked out.</p>
<p>Thank you both for the replies. We thought it was best to wait, but asking the board here for input and opinions can be (and was) helpful. And yes, he was accepted EA to WPI, and it is clearly his top choice - it is now down to the total financial picture coming in at a workable level.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>What do yup mean by it looks doable? If the school does not meet need the EFC isn’t of much help. You don’t know what you’ll get in total. I would not accept before seeing the whole package.</p>