Sending housing deposits soon?

<p>I thought I saw a post like this in the past so I'm really sorry if this is a repeat question. Anyways, I just wondered if anybody was sending housing deposits into schools that you're already accepted to? I'm worried that if I wait until mid-April to send a housing deposit, when I'll make my final decision, that I won't get a good dorm or a compatible roommate. What do you guys think? Would it be smart to send one or two housing deposits out to schools that I'm already accepted to and fairly sure I'd be okay attending if I'm not accepted into MT programs at the schools I'm still waiting to audition for?</p>

<p>Most housing deposits are refunded. They are pro-rated depending on when you decline the school. If you’re pretty sure about attending a certain school, I would definitely put in a deposit. You may lose $50 or more but I looked at it as a contribution to the school. For me, I only did that for one school but it was my alma mater so I didn’t feel so bad (even though I wish my son had attended my school). Believe me, my family is not well-off at all so it’s not like I’m advocating throwing money around. When I sent in the deposit for my daughter early, she got a great lottery number and lives in the dorm of her choice- which filled up in about a day! I sent the deposit in November and she didn’t find out if she got into the BFA program until February. (She got into the school at the end of September). She didn’t even audition for any school until February. We made a good choice! Good luck!</p>

<p>Housing deposits are usually refundable except for a small portion, but don’t you need to put a non-refundable deposit down on the school itself first?</p>

<p>It varies from school to school. In our experience (2 kids so far) - some large publics will let you (actually advise you to) put down housing deposits very early in the process - before admissions decisions are in. They usually have limited housing and don’t guarantee housing. We have put down deposits in October for such schools. In one case, we lost the $50. In another, it was refunded. S2 also put down an early deposit at one private with a new dorm. They had told us that it was first come, first served. Better safe than sorry. He will probably lose that deposit.</p>

<p>Different schools work differently. In addition to putting a housing deposit down on those schools where I could I also put reserved rooms for move-in days and Parents Weekend for the schools my daughter was interested in. It’s a bit of a logistical headache but definitely paid off when she finally chose her school and we had the hotel all taken care of. (You’ll know which school you kid is going to way before the refund cutoff.)</p>

<p>with all the expense of the auditions I can’t imagine putting deposits on all the dorm rooms for a dozen schools even if I get some of them back</p>

<p>Depends on the school, but at some, if there is any chance you will be attending, you should put it down as some of them do not guarantee freshman housing and fill quickly. I know Cal State Fullerton fills before students even receive admissions status- or at least it used to. I know they have built some more housing, but I believe they still do not guarantee on campus housing for freshman. My D never applied but a friend who went got stuck in dorms of a nearby school and did not enjoy the experience at all!</p>

<p>You don’t have to do it for a dozen schools but if there’s one you’d be happy to attend and housing is a bit scarce there, may as well go ahead.</p>

<p>I guess I’ll have to see where housing is scarce…my D plans on taking a gap year if she doesn’t get into an MT program.</p>