<p>So i got accepted into a nice, small college, and they offered me a great scholarship. Unfortunately, they only gave me a week to decide whether I want to accept it. Also, they want to me to put in my deposit, as "proof" that I accept their offer. Is this ethical or fair or even legal...? I still haven't heard back from my other schools that are higher on my list (of where I want to go). I'd much rather make a decision after I hear back from all of my schools and their financial offers. However, this special scholarship and its circumstances is putting a lot of pressure on me. If I decide to accept, do you think they will notify my other colleges? I know I can always decide to not attend the small college, and go to another one if it is my first choice and/or gives me better financial aid. I'll just lose the deposit...Any advice? Thanks. </p>
<p>Two things jump out here.
- It may not be ethical according to NACAC regulations, but if it’s a school you are truly considering you may want to phone them on Monday and ask for an extension prior to submitting your deposit. Be sure to let them know that you are prepared to give them an answer by XXX date (sometime after the April 1 NACAC response date).
- Is the deposit refundable? If so, although still potentially unethical, you may choose to secure your scholarship with a deposit as long as they confirm that you can get all or part of the deposit back. Some schools have a pro rated formula for refunds, i.e. full before April 1, half before July 1 and nothing after August 1.</p>
<p>It is a common practice to put down a deposit before being 100% sure as to where you want to go. They do not even know where else you have applied (unless you told them for some reason).</p>
<p>@ hop, I do not think it is refundable… The school is not a top choice, but I would be happy to go there. It’s just I have other schools I have not heard from, that I would rather go to. I’ll probably just call them on Monday. Do you think I can just say yes to the scholarship, and leave it at that?</p>