<p>Got a reminder email today that this is due by Feb. 28th. Is this a firm commitment to the university? I sent them an email back asking them the same thing…we really need until almost May to decide, we still haven’t heard back from every college!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Are you sure it wasn’t a reminder to sign up for the honors college?</p>
<p>Not sure…I sent them an email back just asking for clairty…</p>
<p>Presidential scholars don’t have to apply to Honors. It’s part of the award. This may in fact be a request for your commitment (read tuition deposit, which is not refundable). It’s not binding in the sense that you can rescind prior to May 1 and commit to another university. You have to notify Auburn first of your intent before accepting another universities offer to avoid a double deposit which is unethical. Once you pay the tuition deposit you are given information to pay your housing deposit (which is partially refundable) to ensure Honors housing. You are placed in line according to the receipt of your deposit. Unlike previous years Presidential scholars no longer receive priority housing over other Honors students. </p>
<p>These policies of collecting deposits so early as a clear source of revenue is a real source of contention with me. I think it is bad PR. I understand the housing deposit. That’s not unique to Auburn and partially refundable. Making the tuition deposit the gateway to housing when there is a known shortage, and let’s face it that Honors housing is a draw, is very, very frustrating. </p>
<p>I may have a few of the small details mixed up. I’m sure someone will correct me. The basic premise is tuition deposit to get information needed to pay housing deposit. One is partially refundable prior to May 1 (almost positive it’s housing, not tuition). Paying housing early ensures your place in line for your first choice of dorms. </p>
<p>Good for Auburn. Not good for applicants.</p>
<p>Presidential scholars do not need to apply for honors you are automatically invited to be apart of the Honors college. You do need to inform them if you are going to accept the invitation to be apart of the Honors college. I believe that is what the February 28 date is. I looked at my Daughters Presidential scholarship letter and she has till May 1 to accept.</p>
<p>But is accepting the Honors college like telling them you are definitely attending AUburn? Seems like a way to force an early decision. I sent them an email and waiting for their response, I’ll let you know what they say. Thank you all for trying to help me figure this out!</p>
<p>fsceagle - It is frustrating, and yes it most certainly is the ‘full court press’. Keep in mind that you are free to commit to another university prior to May 1 as long as you notify Auburn first which releases you from any commitment there. You can’t commit to two (or more :@), which is unethical, but you are free to rescind. I checked the ‘fine print’ and called. As I said, I don’t like the practice as they are currently set up, but it’s their ball game, so if you want to play it’s their rules.</p>
<p>Please let us know what you find out when you hear back. Best of luck, and congratulations on receiving the Presidential award!</p>
<p>I spoke with a nice lady in honors today. The acceptance is to just say that if you attend that you will participate in honors. They do not guarantee housing even for freshmen though, so do encourage a housing and tuition deposit asap half of which is refundable. I can’t believe they can’t guarantee housing for freshmen!!! She was extremely nice though!!</p>