Technically, I think I’m currently enrolled in two schools. I paid the deposit for my new school last month, but I haven’t withdrawn from my previous one yet. The latter says I can do it any time before the Fall semester starts, but I’m wondering if I might get penalized for waiting too long.
If you haven’t signed up for any new classes at your previous school, they really can’t charge you for the term, so it’s like you withdrew already. I would also imagine that the act of sending your transcript to this new school is also a good indication to your old institution that you have transferred. However, it would probably be best to notify your old academic advisor and or some admissions or registrar personnel that you have permanently transferred.
I’ve notified them. My advisor told me I can wait until late August to officially withdraw, and to call her then. The school keeps sending me emails asking me to choose my classes though. I see no reason to wait.
Would there be any reason to wait to withdraw if I’ve already sent my final transcript?
I also started this thread because I know that it’s unethical to pay two deposits and enroll in two schools at the same time, and if caught, comes with consequences. I was just wondering if anything like that applies here, too.
The reason why your advisor has told you to wait to withdraw officially, is because she is well aware that often students change their minds about transferring at the very last minute. She doesn’t want you to shut this door until you know that you won’t need it to be open.
So, if you are dead-certain about the transfer, go ahead and either withdraw, or ask for a formal leave of absence for next year. If you are uncertain about the transfer (for example if you are waiting on admission to a specific program, or for the financial aid package to be finalized), then hang on to your current college/university for a bit longer.
There likely isn’t any reason to wait aside from the reason mentioned by @happymomof1 . If you are absolutely certain about transferring, then you might as well go ahead and withdraw. It’s one less thing to worry about taking care of later on.