<p>We were in information overload during the entire application process, but now it seems to have gotten too quiet. What's the best way to decline offers of admission / merit money from schools that DD is not going to? Is it best to do it now and free up wait list spots or wait until (closer to) the May 1 deadline?</p>
<p>Many thanks!</p>
<p>If you have already accepted an offer then you should decline other offers as soon as possible. Some schools allow you to do this online (same way you would accept the offer, except you choose decline). As for schools who do not have this option, you should write them an email or mail them a letter respectfully declining. Congrats and good luck!</p>
<p>“Is it best to do it now and free up wait list spots?” Your intuition here is correct. It also frees up Fin Aid possibly that the schools can use to entice other students. It just makes it easier for the colleges, which in turn, makes it easier on more nervous students.</p>
<p>Thank you, 94atlanta, for asking the question our family has been discussing! Is there a protocol for this? (Phone call, letter, email, white flag, smoke signals? Just kidding on the last two!) </p>
<p>I’m a phone person, and let’s just say I have had some interesting experiences calling admissions or financial aid offices with parent-appropriate requests. I guess the lesson here is all colleges don’t put their best folks on phone duty, nor do they offer office hours conducive to a busy student’s school and EC schedule. Not surprisingly, those are the schools D1 is not considering. But we have not deposited anywhere as she is still working with her top four schools. Is it too soon for us to do this? We do want to be considerate of other students who are negotiating award amounts or who are on wait lists.</p>
<p>Most schools include a card or something I the packet or in the email. As soon as you know a school is a no go, tell them.</p>
<p>Why would waiting even be considered if you know? Kind of selfishnin my opinion to not notify asap you are declining. Even just a fax of the acceptanc letter with a note attached saying, thank you but we are having to say no. Believe me they don’t take it personally and the simpler the response the better.</p>
<p>Agreed, Seahorsesrock – but I think we are all looking for a best practice for this. And as much as my D1 would like to make a decision now, and be done with it, we are examining each of her top four carefully to make sure her final choice is the best fit personally AND financially. That’s why we are reluctant to let go of all of her remaining choices – perhaps we are unreasonably afraid that something will blow up financially and change everything. I have posted in another thread about that possibility.</p>
<p>Smething can blow up may 2nd as well. You can spin the numbers around in circles, but they will be what that are. You can consider, but in your gut you know of the top four two are no’s. </p>
<p>If it blows up in your in your face may 2nd, what decision would you make. That is the question.</p>