Is "double depositing" okay if I refund before May 1st?

<p>Due to some scholarship nominations/certainties I recently submitted my deposit to two schools. I'm terrified by some of the stuff I have been reading online about double depositing, but it only seems like a problem when people "buy time" by waiting until the summer to make their decision and then just not showing up to the other school.</p>

<p>I don't plan on doing this. Both institutions have refundable deposits, and indicate that I must submit my deposit to reserve housing. Both institutions are also notorious for filling up their on-campus housing fast, so I submitted both deposits. I have been nominated for a scholarship at one of the schools, and if I don't get it, I'll probably not go there, but I want to make sure I'd have housing if I did get it. </p>

<p>Was this okay?</p>

<p>Submitting duplicate housing deposits (or more) is fine. Many people do that for schools that do not guarantee housing or have limited housing. Submitting duplicate tuition deposits is a no-no (although I’m sure people do it). Most tuition deposits are non-refundable.</p>

<p>Thank you for the quick response. I’m fairly certain neither of the deposits were tuition deposits, since they are both refundable. Each school says I have to submit the deposit before I can get a housing contract, and housing contracts are given priority based on the day you send your deposit. I’m terrified though. I really don’t want to get rescinded.</p>

<p>Make sure you check the fine print. Often times you have to make the enrollment deposit first before you can get access to needed information to make the housing deposit. There are schools that do pressure students to make these deposits prior to May 1 for fear of housing selection and shortages. There’s nothing wrong with doing this as long as you only make a commitment to attend (enrollment deposit) to one school at a time. Double depositing is unethical.</p>

<p>You are able to submit housing deposits to more than one school…but not admissions deposits. You DO want to keep an eye on dates. Those deposits are only refundable up to a certain date. You want to make your decision and get the one housing deposit back before its too late.</p>

<p>So, to clarify, if my housing application is contingent upon my deposit and both schools fill up relatively quickly, I should be alright?</p>

<p>I’m really scared. No one in my family has ever gone to college and I had no idea this was a problem.</p>

<p>Yes. If you’re in Texas, I know for a fact that UT’s housing deposit is entirely different from its admissions deposit (as it is at the other large state school I’m dealing with). You are encouraged to pay the housing deposit for UT as soon as possible, but that is /not/ an enrollment deposit or a committment to attend.</p>

<p>Yes, if it’s just housing deposits (it should say on your receipt or on your online portal) then you are fine. Just remember to request a refund in time. Check the dates and write yourself a reminder.</p>