<p>I'm looking into transferring to Berkeley or some other college. However, the latter doesn't send out decisions until June which is worrying me given the fact that Berkeley sends their decisions out in late April.</p>
<p>When do you need to make a decision as to where you will be going? I would hate to reject Berkeley because of the "other college" and then be rejected from the "other college".</p>
<p>"This is an issue that arises with Transfer Admissions.</p>
<p>PROBLEM:</p>
<ol>
<li>As you say, there is no universally accepted date for response to transfer admissions decisions.</li>
<li>This often creates conflicts, where one or more schools want to hear back from you before you have even heard from other schools.</li>
<li>To make matters worse, there often seem to be a few schools which are VERY VERY late in transmitting their admissions decisions (well into June, sometimes).</li>
</ol>
<p>SOLUTIONS:
Extensions: Some schools will readily extend the time for your decision. Some even say so in their acceptance materials. Some don’t say so, but you can call and ask. Some will say no, some yes. You might want to give some thought to the reason you give for wanting the extension - “waiting to hear from other schools” can work; but you might also consider “want to visit your school and can’t make the time until after my finals,” “don’t have my financial arrangements fully worked out” or whatever you can think of (as long as it’s honest). Re seeking an extension: It is OKAY to do this. Many times students worry that it will be frowned upon. YOU ARE ALREADY ACCEPTED, so it does not hurt to try.
Getting an earlier answer:You can try for an answer from the school(s) upon which you are waiting. Again, some will give you the earlier response; some won’t. Sometimes they’ve actually made the decision, but you just haven’t received it yet. Again, I don’t think it will be a “black mark” to seek the earlier response. It can be scary, I know. But it really shouldn’t hurt to ask. And, you’re basically telling them that you’re wanted elsewhere but prefer their school. No harm in that .
When you are finally and truly stuck: Let’s say you have an acceptance to your second choice, but haven’t heard from your first choice. Go ahead and accept the spot at the bird you have in hand. Let’s hope that the deposit is not too stiff; because you do stand the chance of losing it.
a. This is not the same as double accepting as a freshman admit, which has the common May 1 reply date. You are truly in a bind, not of your own making. So it’s not an ethical violation, imo (and I think most others who have commented on the issue feel the same way).
b. If you get a “Yes” from your first choice, let the other school know right away that you are withdrawing from your spot. Some will even give your deposit back. Again, it can’t hurt to ask.
c. Related topic: Housing can be very tight for transfers at some schools. Sometimes they will tell you to return your housing form immediately upon acceptance <em>even if you are not sure yet if you are going to this school.</em> Go ahead and do this. Often there is no housing deposit until you actually make your decision to go to this school."</p>