<p>It looks like the schools that I applied to have pretty different policies regarding when they will inform students whether they have been rejected or accepted. Specifically I've already been admitted to my safety school, and they require a deposit postmarked by May 1st to ensure that a seat is held. Unfortunately some of the other schools I'm applying to will not let me know their decision until May 15th or later, so I'm wondering whether or not it would be worthwhile to put down the deposit (it's relatively small) to make sure that I have a seat for the fall semester. If I do that is it still possible to not attend the first school, and would that be a hindrance if I end up applying to the first school for grad school? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.</p>