<p>I have a BIG BIG dilemma, and I hope you guys can help me.</p>
<p>I have just been accepted for transfer at one fairly prestigious university, which I call A.</p>
<p>The deadline for replying to this university is May 1st.</p>
<p>However, I have also applied to four Ivy Leagues + Stanford, and as you know, these schools will only reply May 15, or possibly a few days or a week earlier.</p>
<p>In any case, I need to pay $250 to secure a place at A.</p>
<p>Question:</p>
<p>In the acceptance package, University of A requires me to "return the enclosed response (acceptance) card postmarked no later than May 1 to secure a place", and also to "send a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 to this office postmarked no later than May 1". </p>
<p>It also says that "as a matter of courtesy, please withdraw any applications you may have pending at other institutions once you have mailed a deposit to University of A".</p>
<p>But as you guys know, the chances of getting accepted into any of the Ivy Leagues is 10% or less, but I don't want to miss out on University of A's offer. But University of A requires me to reply before knowing the transfer results of all the other universities I have applied to.</p>
<p>Should I go ahead to pay the $250 deposit first? If I pay the deposit, does it mean that my deposit and acceptance is BINDING, e.g. I cannot go to Stanford even if I'm accepted there subsequently? </p>
<p>Should I ask for an extension? My fear is, if I ask for an extension, University of A will not grant me the extension and simply pass my spot to another guy on the waitlist.</p>