Hello. I’m currently a senior applying to undergrad. I have a problem that I’m not sure how to solve. So, I’m on the priority WL for Carnegie Mellon. However, in the event I don’t get in, I have to go to my back up school Boston University. The problem is, the enrollment deposit for BU is due May 1 and CMU’s decision doesn’t come out until May 7. Is there anything I can do. If not and if I have to pay the enrollment deposit, does it mean I have to go to BU? I would rather not pay $600 and end up going to CMU if I’m fortunate enough to get in… Thanks.
If you would attend BU if you don’t get off the CMU waitlist, you must pay the deposit by May 1. If you are then accepted off the waitlist to CMU and choose to go, you forfeit the deposit. Most schools do not begin to take students from their waitlists until after May 1 when they have a clearer idea of whether they have filled all their spots.
It’s quite straightforward;
- Your $600 BU deposit does NOT obligate you to attend, however, it does ensure a place in their class.
- Should you be fortunate enough to be admitted to Carnegie Mellon and opt to matriculate, your $600 deposit is forfeited (and you should immediately notify BU that you are withdrawing).
- Fundamentally, that’s the way the system works for essentially every waitlist situation; obviously, no one wants to lose his deposit, but that’s life.