<p>My daughter has been at the same school K through 9 so it's been a long time since we've done this. What is the correct way to decline a spot? Phone call, email, handwritten note? Thank you.</p>
<p>Phone call is not necessary-- While a hand written note is always the most polite, nowadays I think a nicely worded email that states “Thank you for your kind off but I must decline” and state where you will be attending will suffice. The AO has much to do and they don’t need/want long explanations. But your present school in particular will appreciate the gesture and after all it is very nice that they made you the offer.</p>
<p>The best etiquette is to decline as soon as possible! Schools are counting beds and your warm, succinct and timely response could make a world of difference for some other lucky student.</p>
<p>^^ as soon as you are sure that a school is not on your short list, let them know.</p>
<p>Thanks! Exactly my sentiments (about declining promptly so there is movement on a wait list). The timing is not great as admission packets arrived in the middle of exams. My daughter barely has had time to eat which is why I’m asking all the questions.</p>
<p>Some schools (acceptance and waitlist) sent a form which also asks which school you will be attending. If you are still deciding where to attend is it better to send back to your definite no without a school for next year identified?</p>
<p>Legacy? Is there any special etiquette for declining an offer from a school where DC was accepted as a legacy?</p>
<p>^^. The days where that made much of a difference are long past at most top schools, No distinction in the way to notify them–</p>
<p>HOWEVER, one exception-- if the development office or another member of staff, faculty, significant donor, trustee et al. went to bat for your child then that person(s) should be contacted FIRST so not to have them sandbagged but the news from someone in the AO–and they will contact them…</p>
<p>Etondad, that’s very helpful advice. Thank you.</p>
<p>Thanks Etondad!</p>
<p>I was wondering just that. I spoke to my childs counselor about declining an acceptance offer plus filled out the post card they sent. Wasnt sure if I should also send a letter. Sounds like Im covered as is.</p>
<p>The counselor had mentioned he would speak to the AO that day since she had inquired so I know there was a conversation.</p>
<p>We were counseled to send a polite, bare bones email <em>asap</em> to each school we would be declining as soon as the decision was made - basically ‘thank you, but our child will not be attending’ is all they want to know right now. We did write a little letter of thanks and explanation along with the postcard a couple of weeks later when the dust settled.</p>
<p>Yes, they all project for yield but are grateful to hear back as soon as possible, because the specifics of your child’s situation may open up a spot for a kid with a similar background (ie, if yours is a girl declining a spot for 11th grade, then that may allow the school to extend an offer to another 11th grade girl who would jump at the chance).</p>
<p>MA2012, if you are certain you will not attend a given school, it is fine to just decline on the postcard without listing a school. You can always follow up later if you like. But between now and April 10, the schools really just to know if you do not plan to accept. It’s a hugely busy time for them and they have kids who would really love a chance to attend.</p>
<p>We are finding it awkward to say no to one school. They are so very nice, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the school. It just doesn’t happen to be our first choice. They have emailed to ask my daughter to call as they want to catch up and to congratulate her (see I told you they were nice). I will have her call them back, but I know it will be hard for her to tell them over the phone. </p>
<p>Any advice? Should I just have her call, say thank you and that we have not yet decided and are weighing all options?</p>
<p>Just send an email politely declining. As our consultant said to me last year “it’s their business” they don’t get offended. They may follow up and ask which school she is attending instead.</p>
<p>Some schools also send in a reply RSVP type card together with the acceptance letter.</p>
<p>
Happened to my niece as well. They called and really wanted her to attend so they offered more aid. She attends that school now and is quite happy. You never now, perhaps they really want your kid and are willing to sway you?</p>
<p>Some schools are very invested in yield, and will try anything to talk you into choosing them once they have offered you admission. </p>
<p>For example, we were actually told we would regret the decision to turn down school … for the rest of our lives (we have not regretted it a second). </p>
<p>Hand written notes, calls from parents and other students, requests to explain why not, and where we were going, t-shirts, posters, trinkets, you name it, we got marketed it. </p>
<p>This is not about you, it is about YIELD.</p>
<p>I remember we forgot to decline the spot and so the school called our house to find out.</p>
<p>Good reminder for me 2prepMom! We had already pretty much decided anyway… just waiting a little longer to be absolutel sure… not interested in taking a spot from a WL kid… so will release our space soon…</p>
<p>Our top choice has indeed sent all manner of things, but it doesn’t feel like a bribe. It truly feels welcoming. Not sure how they managed that… but it might be because it was our first choice anyway! :-)</p>
<p>I sent each school a hand-written note. Two of them called us and appreciated it. I believe it is a good way especially if you have another child who may apply later or re-apply next year. It is always good, I believe, to make a good impresssion. </p>
<p>My friend even sent a thank-you note, handwritten, to the schools that rejected his son and he was accepted this year! It is just a small part of formality but it would not do you any harm.</p>
<p>@ognopgod, would you mind explaining the meaning of your user name? I’m pretty dense when it comes to figuring them out. I have a hard time spelling your name so maybe knowing the meaning will help me! What kind of campus/geography is your S14 looking for? My S14 is also looking at a business degree and we just saw some great schools in boston/nyc. Two of them were somewhat “life-changing.” Have you visited schools yet with your son?</p>
<p>I just wrote a simple email… and some school has online ones where I just needed to click no.</p>