My Offer of Admission deadline is too soon!

Hi guys, I was accepted to Vanderbilt University today but it says that they want a reply by May 2nd. I have sent out four other applications, including one to my dream school, Cornell Hotel School, whose known not to send out decisions until mid-May or even later (in the third week). Does anyone have any advice on what to do in this situation?

Two weeks (4/18 to 5/1) is fairly common with prestigious schools.

First off, I would suggest contacting them and asking if there is anyway to get an extension. What is the worst that will happen? They will say no? It’s not like they will resend their offer because you ask about having a little bit more time to think about the biggest investment in your life.

Second, you could consider paying the deposit on 4/30 if you have yet to hear from your other schools. I honestly don’t know enough about the ethics/procedure of this to comment fully. Hopefully someone else can explain. But, I might guess that it could go something like this.

-Accept admission to Vanderbilt. Prepare to attend. Plan on attending.
-Oh, look!! What is it? A bird, a plane. No, it’s May 20th and you heard great news from a top school. You could change your plans then. I don’t see it much different than paying a deposit and waiting to hear back from the school you were deferred from.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll try calling up Vanderbilt to see if they can do that for me. Also, do you think it’s a good idea to call Cornell and maybe have them provide a decision sooner?

@Janizary If you call Cornell and inform them of your impending deadline, they can add a note on your application for expedition.

Hello! you can easily ask for a deposit extension! just tell them how you’re making a big commitment to change schools so you hav to make sure you make the right decision! good luck