<p>Most of the time, you will have all of the information you need to make a decision by May 1. Your home issues may be unresolved, however. Or if you are negotiating your merit/aid package, that may not be resolved. You will not have been assigned to your dorm by then. Many times the reason multiple deposits are sent is simply because the kid can’t make up his mind and the deposits are buying time. </p>
<p>There are times when a student is accepted to a university but not to a program where an actual headcount is required. By sending in a deposit, he can be “waitlisted” for the program. If he does not get into the program, he may go to another school where he has also placed a deposit. If he does get into the program, he goes to the first school.</p>
<p>Another scenario is when a school says there is a chance that a student could get merit money that other students have declined. That can make the difference between going to a school and not. THe school may not be able to give out the money until they know who is coming that has been offered the awards. That would not be until after May 1. </p>
<p>There are a number of other scenarios that I have seen. But most of the time, you have what you need to make that decision by May 1.</p>