Can you commit to a nursing school then back out?

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Hello, I'm a pre-nursing student with a non-nursing bachelor's degree so I'm applying to ABSN/Entry-Master's programs. All the nursing schools I want to apply to have different deadlines, which means different dates you will be notified of acceptance/rejection, and different dates you need to commit by if a school that accepted you.

For example, these are rough estimates off the basis that you are usually notified of acceptance/rejection 10 weeks after the deadline and you need to commit to a school 4 weeks after you are notified. If I applied to and were accepted to CSUN, I would have to commit by 11/15/19. But let's say I also applied to UCLA which will not notify me of my acceptance/rejection until 2/1/20. Does that mean if I want to go to UCLA, I shouldn't apply to CSUN (because although I want to go to CSUN, I want to go to UCLA more, and if I am accepted to CSUN, I cannot commit because I'm still waiting for UCLA's response?)

My questions are

1. Should you not apply to schools with far apart deadlines because you might have to commit to a school that releases their decision earlier while you are still waiting for a different school to notify you?

2. Can you commit to a school, give the deposit, then change your mind and back out if your top choice school later accepts you at a later date? Is it possible to do this or are there any serious negative consequences besides not getting your deposit back?

Please let me know if anything was unclear. And thank you for reading. I really appreciate any help!

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You are overthinking this. Apply to the schools you want an acceptance from. When you get the acceptance you are looking for, then disengage from any previous commitments. These schools are used to this process and probably won't give your application packet a second thought once they file it away.

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I had the same question because I’m in this situation now. I’m also afraid of burning bridges incase I apply to their program in the future. Sounds silly but it does cross my mind!

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Specializes in MSICU.

I applied to 4 nursing programs. I heard back from 3 of them at the same time basically (I was accepted to all of them), so I was able to turn down 2 seats and accept the best of those 3. When I hear back from the fourth I will decide whether to take it or keep my current seat. Several advisors from different programs have told me this is completely normal and even expected (which is why they keep a list of alternates!).

My question in regards to the scenario you described is, are these applications all to start in the same semester? Those deadlines are at odd times and very far apart so I'm wondering if both would start at the same time? If so, apply to all you would be willing to attend. Accept a seat where you can until you hear back from everybody and make a final decision. If NOT, and you are talking about starting in different semesters, I would evaluate if you would be willing to wait an additional semester to go to your top choice school? If so, then wait until your top choice comes up for applications and then apply to all the programs you might want to attend. However, if you are talking about actually starting one program and then switching to your top choice, that would be a hard No.

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The worst thing that will probably happen if you decline before starting is you won't get your deposit(s) back. This can be pretty steep as deposits can range anywhere between $100 -$500!

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Having the same situation here and please help out if you can.

I got accepted to an ABSN program for the fall term 2019 but has to take two classes before the fall term begins. Currently taking the classes right now.

BUT, I am still waiting on another school, which is my first choice. If I got accepted to my 1st choice, will I still be able to back out from the other one?

Please help ?

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On 3/10/2019 at 9:56 AM, Mergirlc said:

The worst thing that will probably happen if you decline before starting is you won't get your deposit(s) back. This can be pretty steep as deposits can range anywhere between $100 -$500!

Please see my above post. People back out all the time for all sorts of reasons. That's why there's a waitlist and extremely happy people who get off the waitlist and into the program. You will not be refunded any monies you have already spent though.

One caveat, if you sign anything just double-check it to make sure they don't have some weird penalty clause. I've never heard of this happening, but you never know.

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I’m pretty sure you have to pay tuition on your classes up front. Up to you if you want to lose thousands of dollars in fees since you would have already started the semester at CSUN. I would apply to schools that I would see myself going to. If UCLA is the goal, stick with it. Don’t be the selfish person that drops out in the middle of the semester, makes another person lose out on a nursing seat, and loses a lot of money along the way. Make good choices!

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