<p>Do people who aren't sure they will be attending PSU send in the 3 deposits of $100 each, one of which isn't refundable if the student decides to enroll elsewhere? The admissions package certainly encourages sending the deposits in immediately, utilizing veiled threats of supplemental housing with 4 "OR MORE" students per room/clown car.</p>
<p>The sooner one sends in the deposit, the less likely the chance that the student will receive supplemental housing. However, there are a lot of students that actually like the supplemental housing and do not choose to move out of it when given the opportunity. The following link is to some photos of the supplemental rooms at PSU. <a href="http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/firstyear/supplemental/photo01.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/firstyear/supplemental/photo01.shtml</a></p>
<p>Another advantage of early submission of deposits is receiving earlier information about FTCAP (First-Year Testing, Counseling, and Advising Program) The earlier a student receives information about the testing and completes it, the earlier the student receives his/her appointment date for counseling and scheduling. This earlier date has the advantage of getting the student a more desirable schedule.</p>
<p>When they send you notice that you're being offered a housing contract, do they tell you the dorm/room at the same time? When you accept the contract, do you have to send any money?</p>
<p>You get your room assignment in July.</p>
<p>If you send in the $300 right away, but you don't complete the housing contract (which they say is legally binding), are you still less likely to get supplemental housing?</p>
<p>Also, which is the most desirable dorm for someone who wants to meet other people, but wants the best room type?</p>
<p>Legally binding????? AAAAAAARGH!!!!! </p>
<p>I've been helping my kid but trying not to be a helicopter parent or too pushy. I sent in the deposit for PSU knowing that I might lose $100 if my kid decided on another school. </p>
<p>The other day my kid responded to an email and did the housing contract thing all alone. I was happy that my kid was finally responding to some of the emails from schools... Yippeee, initiative! Good job! My kid also made appointments to visit the finalist schools again. Yippee, more initiative, good job!!!! </p>
<p>Did submitting a housing contract mean that my kid has committed to go to PA State? I didn't ask whether my kid actually read what was being submitted.....</p>
<p>Neonzeus, I just looked it up and it seems like YES it is legally binding. I second your argh!! Although I haven't sent in the deposit yet because the nonrefundable $100 irked me, I was about to, and want to secure a spot for my son in case he decides to attend (it's either PSU or Wisconsin, and he needs to visit both to decide). Now, of course, I won't, and I thank you for alerting me to this situation. If I were you, I'd contact the housing dept. and tell them what happened. Either get out of the contract (I can't imagine they won't let you out at this point), or see if they say something like, "Don't worry, we just say that to discourage people who aren't serious." (But I seriously doubt that the latter scenario is likely.) Here's the website I consulted: <a href="http://www.eliving.psu.edu/Current_Students/faqs.shtml#6%5B/url%5D">http://www.eliving.psu.edu/Current_Students/faqs.shtml#6</a>
Please let me know what you find out. Good luck!!!!!
By the way, I really hate the way PSU housing operates. It's unfair to pressure students to decide immediately whether or not they want to attend PSU by telling them that they may not receive their preferred housing if they don't send in their nonrefundable deposits ASAP. Why not hold up final housing decisions until May when students have to make their final decision as to which college to attend? They don't do room assignments until June or so anyway. Wisconsin is so much better about this; just a $50 refundable deposit, and the contract is voided if the student decides not to attend. I have to say that this situation puts Wisc. in a much more favorable light than PSU.</p>
<p>From what I remember last year, if you do not attend PSU, you are not responsible for the housing contract. I believe that clause in the contract to prevent current students from signing up for university housing and then deciding to live off campus. I would suggest calling the housing office to verify. From the Penn State housing site:</p>
<p>For questions about Penn State Housing, contact: Lynn DuBois, associate director of Housing, at <a href="mailto:uphousing@email.hfs.psu.edu">uphousing@email.hfs.psu.edu</a> or 814-865-5423.</p>
<p>Just another note: I contacted PSU several times with different questions. I have found the staff very helpful and pleasant and the policies very fair.</p>
<p>yeah - I know a few people last year who reserved a spot just in case and then backed out (with no trouble). You lose your money but that's all. PSU is probably putting out stronger messages due to the recent housing crunch. A call is a good idea.
If it makes any difference, all of the admin people we have dealt with at PSU have been unfailingly friendly, patient and cooperative (and we're usually able to reach them pretty easily). Definately not what I expected from a big state U. Wis is probably similar though - midwesterners tend to be friendly folk.</p>
<p>Just found this in housing FAQs: Living on Campus. (I would still suggest calling for clarification.) <a href="http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/firstyear/faqs.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/firstyear/faqs.shtml</a></p>
<p>What are the Conditions for Canceling My Contract?
First-Year Students: If you anticipate canceling your admission to Penn State University Park, you must inform the Admissions Office of your intent. </p>
<p>Send your cancellation request letter to:
The Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802-1276</p>
<p>Plaid, that is from the "current students" FAQ not "first-year studens". See the web site karp linked in #11, because that one also says, "Upperclass Students: Cancellation requests will be considered on an individual basis for students with extenuating circumstances only."</p>
<p>yes you will be OK. Once you are a student it is binding. But I think it is possible to sell it. There are message boards of kids trying to sell (and buy) contracts at different times of the year.
It also says on the link above that you have two weeks to submit your contract so your kid did the right thing. (Although it does not say what happens if you don't submit it within two weeks)</p>
<p>Thank you all for your help. I called housing and they said that if we cancel the enrollment we would not be held to the housing contract and any money we paid toward housing would be refunded. So the only loss would be the $100 enrollment deposit.</p>
<p>I'm so relieved! The housing contract is binding for the current student (the one who's going to main campus from a satellite next year), but that's fine since he's a definite PSU student. New students can cancel, so my other kid might still decide on another school. This has been a good opportunity to warn my kid about reading ALL the print, especially after turning 18.</p>
<p>While the contract is "legally binding", it may be cancelled by providing notice prior to matriculation. Depending on when notice is given, all or some of the deposit will be retained as "liquidated damages," which means total damages.</p>
<p>Can you spell R-I-P-O-F-F? </p>
<p>Wrong. It's L-I-Q-U-I-D-A-T-E-D-B-Y- ...</p>
<p>Get used to it. It's a brand new language for saying "gimme your last nickel". ;) No, make that your dad's last nickel. :eek:</p>