<p>S has several acceptances to really good schools which he will not be attending. They have sent him lots of nice mail, and he would like to reply in kind. Some of the schools did not send any form or card to send back.</p>
<p>What is the best way to word a non-attendance letter to a college? He does not want to send a long, elaborate explanation.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help.</p>
<p>Most schools send you a card to send in if you decide to not attend. Perhaps your son can write a nice note on the back.</p>
<p>The precise wording isn't too important. I'd just be sure to include a gracious thanks for the consideration of your application, and inform them that you will be attending another college. You may or may not want to include the name of the school. If they have been especially helpful in some way, you could mention that.</p>
<p>Most schools will send a follow up survey to find out what variables went into your decision process, and may ask what school you are attending and where you applied, etc.</p>
<p>It's tough to turn down really nice offers where people have been very kind and helpful. It may help your son to realize that they don't want everyone that they accepted to actually attend...they wouldn't have room to house them all!</p>
<p>Good question. At least one of our schools has not included a response card in their acceptance package, so we were wondering the same thing. We felt we should definitely acknowledge some of the wonderful ways the school was welcoming and how friendly the admissions staff were.</p>
<p>Colleges know that every accepted student will not enroll. Just keep the note short, simple and gracious.</p>
<p>Don't stress on it. Just let them know in one way or another, and that's it. Especially since these are "really good" schools I honestly don't thnik they care as much about you as much as you think. If Duke's yield % was 100%, they would be in deep sh-it.</p>
<p>Don't feel sorry for them. You paid $50+ for the app</p>
<p>Thanks, all, for your good advice. DS is reading over my shoulder right now. Best of luck to all.
AM</p>
<p>Is it necessary to formally turn down colleges? I would think that just by not sending in a housing deposit by the deadline would get you off the hook. Is this 'just to be nice' or a requirement?</p>
<p>Yes, it is necessary...if you were on a waitlist, wouldn'[t you want people to be timely in replying to open up some spaces?</p>
<p>Its just manners, actually.</p>
<p>The schools will have an unofficial grace period for deposts- mail, etc - and then they have to enter things into computers, print out list of those replying, etc</p>
<p>What if your deposit got lost in the mail...and the school said, gee no check, guess they aren't coming and pull your admitance, does that seem right? With a card, they no FOR SURE you aren't coming, and can work much more efficiently for all involved</p>
<p>Sending in a card or note clarifies everything and is just courteous to all involved</p>
<p>I know I'm a little late on this posting however, would it be better to send a physical letter to the school. Or an Email to the admissions coordinator? I'm currently struggling with the same issue. And need some hlep!!</p>
<p>Five--ten minutes of your time, to write a note or an email that, as previous posters have said, could free up space and provide a slot for someone for whom that is a dream school--be a good do-be, treat others as you would like to be treated, take the time and do it! You're all in this together.</p>
<p>@Jess: College staff drown in the barrage of email they receive every day, and some of it goes unopened for various reasons. Plus, we old-fogey types (over 25 :D) often appreciate a physical letter that you took the time to write, sign, address, and mail. If you want it to be a nice gesture, and/or if you want it to be received and handled in a timely manner, I recommend postal mail.</p>
<p>Edit: I write this as one of the most Net-dependent, postally challenged people of my generation. Even those of us who have Ethernet cables coming out of our belly buttons seem to appreciate the personal nature of a handwritten note.</p>
<p>"I was thrilled to be accepted to X University. I was faced with a difficult decision, and have chosen to attend Y University. Although I will not be attending X University, I would like to thank you for your offer of admission."</p>
<p>I’ve always encouraged our sons to hand-write notes/cards whenever they will as that really adds a personal touch, even if it is to turn down offers! Good luck…</p>
<p>You may be applying to graduate school there someday, so be nice, send a gracious note, and keep your reputation shiny.</p>
<p>Working all highschool career to be judged by numbers and stats to be held to the schools “standards”, and then to turn around and reject there acceptance…I cant wait!</p>