I know there are a few other posts asking questions similar to mine, but I was wondering if anything had changed since then. Firstly, does it matter when you send in your initial SRD application? If all contracts are emailed out at the beginning of February to everyone who has sent in their application, would it really matter the date that you submitted the application that puts you on their list to be sent a contract to? Also, is it necessary for me to overnight my contract the same day that I get it in order to avoid the risk of being waitlisted? How likely is it to get off the waitlist if your contract is received within the next few days? Thank you in advance!
Forgive my ignorance is SRD application just an application for regular decision? I know there has been alot of discussion about applying for the priority deadline vs regular. And the answer for that question is that you may or more likely may not hear back any sooner than February. Applying for the priority deadline does not guarantee an earlier answer. Some students that UT really desires, will hear back in November and December, if they have applied by the priority deadline. Again, this is just a small % of the students who apply and most hear back in February.
As far as receiving an admission to your desired major, you do not have to overnight that. Actually I think you accept on line but I could be wrong. I think you have until May 1st to decide. Do apply for housing early. If you plan to submit an application and want to live on campus, apply for housing when you send your application. If you can apply for housing before sending the application?, I would do that but I don’t think their system allows that. That would be advantage to getting your application early.
@SophieUT2017 my daughter lived at SRD for 2 years and was an RA there, so I can answer your questions. Let me start by saying that my information was current as of spring 2017, but it’s possible SRD will use a different system for 2018-19 due to overwhelming demand.
SRD uses the date of your original application to determine room assignments. This really only matters if you prefer a room other than a regular double. There are plenty of regular doubles but other room types (sunrooms, suites, singles) are limited. Housing contracts are sent out in January now. (I realize their website says February, but it’s been January for the past 3 years.) It used to be that you could get a room if you returned the housing contract promptly, within 1-2 weeks. For 2017-18 (current year), SRD filled up in less than 24 hours. Some potential residents who sent their contracts via Fed Ex (delivery by end of day) were placed on the waitlist.
Because SRD demand was so high this year, they are considering another way to manage contracts. I haven’t heard what it is. However, if they use your date of original application, you may wish you applied early. My advice would be to apply now. Only $50 of the application fee is not refundable in case you don’t attend UT or live at SRD. Yes, it’s a risk because you may not know the status of UT admissions by the time the SRD contracts go out. But if you want to live there (or keep your options open), apply now. You’re obviously interested in SRD so why wait?
To summarize and answer your questions:
- Apply to SRD now. Don’t wait.
- Overnight your contract to SRD and pay to have it delivered early in the day.
- Lots of girls will get into SRD from the waitlist. Their housing contracts go out before all UT admissions decisions are made, so some girls won’t be accepted to UT and will cancel their contract. But you can’t count on it.
- SRD staff is very patient and will be glad to answer all your questions. They get a lot of phone calls from potential residents and parents. Go ahead and call/email them if you have more questions.
- Feel free to send me a message if you have other questions that I can answer.
Good luck and hook 'em!
@FloMoMom Thank you so much, the information you gave me was so extremely helpful. Do you know when during January contracts are released? Also, if I submit the first application as soon as I can and SRD chooses to offer contracts based on initial application date instead, would I have any real chance at getting a regular double room at this time? I know there are a lot of applicants who have been on their list for months - years. SRD really is where I want to be, but I want to make sure I’m realistic in my likeliness to get a room. Again, thank you so much!
@GTAustin SRD stands for Scottish Rite Dormitory, a very popular private dorm for women.
@SophieUT2017 Contracts have been emailed to applicants the last Monday in January the past few years. Yes, I think you have a real chance of getting accepted even if SRD changes their application process. $50 of your application fee is non-refundable. That’s a small drop in the big bucket of college expenses. Just do it. You’re going to love SRD!
SRD also stands for “Spoiled Rotten Daughters.” 
I know, because I was one!
I still have an SRD shirt that says that. It’s over 30 years old now.
@FloMoMom @MaineLonghorn this is a weird question but is there a small kitchen where residents can cook for themselves sometimes? I know SRD is known for its great food but I have some dietary restrictions and often just like to cook for myself.
@bellalexi Sorry, no kitchenette at SRD for residents. You should ask if they can work with your dietary restrictions. If not, perhaps you are better suited to live in an apartment off-campus where you can cook for yourself.
I’m hoping someone can help me. My daughter received a contract today for SRD that requires a non-refundable $750 prepayment fee. If we return the contract and include the $750, will we be able to get any of that back if they end up not being able to offer her a room? I guess my concern is that she’ll be put on a waitlist, we will wait, and wait, and wait, and eventually might need to take an on-campus dorm room before all of the good dorms are gone. From what I understand, it that were to happen, we’d be out the initial $250 deposit and the $750 prepayment fee. Is that correct? She really wants SRD, but I’m not willing to gamble with $1000. Can anyone clarify? We are going to call tomorrow, but I know that it’s very important to get your contract mailed off ASAP. Thanks!
@artsygirlmom My information about SRD is from 2015 so it’s possible things have changed. Your initial deposit of $250 includes $50 nonrefundable application fee and $200 security deposit. The security deposit is refundable. The prepayment of $750 is nonrefundable unless you cancel your contract by April 10 and SRD finds someone to replace you (usually not a problem). In that case, they will refund $250. So if you cancel by April 10, the nonrefundable portion of your payments is $550 ($500 of your prepayment plus $50 application fee). I’m not sure what, if anything, you get back if you cancel after April 10. That’s a good question to ask when you call this morning.
If your contract is never executed (meaning your daughter doesn’t get a room at SRD) then I think you get everything back except the $50 application fee. Read the contract carefully for details, and call to clarify your questions. SRD is a wonderful place to live. My daughter lived there for 2 years. I encourage you to send the contract back right away and hope for the best. She’ll love it! <3
Thanks @FloMoMom That clarifies things. We have the contract ready to mail; I’m just waiting on my daughter’s lunch break to call and get clarification on a few questions.