Direct Entry MSN--not sure how to handle acceptance dilemma

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So, the story is that like many people here, I am applying for Direct Entry programs for 2010. I got an acceptance letter for program A, which is an excellent program, but for a few reasons not my top choice. They gave me 2 weeks to reply. I would very much like to go to program B, but I spoke to them and they probably won't be mailing letters out until the deadline for program A has passed. There's no guarantee, of course, that I will get into program B. How should I handle this? Is it OK to send in an acceptance and deposit to program A and then withdraw that if I get into program B? (This is provided I'm willing to lose the money.) I don't want to do something unethical, but I don't want to hold out for program B if I'm not getting in, especially when I already have a sure thing now. I know a lot of people get into this situation, and I'm not sure how they handle it.

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If I were you, I would call Program A and ask for an extention on the 2 week reply deadline. If they don't give it to you, accept program A and send in deposit.....then if you get into Program B, you can evaluate your options at that point. You're doing your best to respect the needs of the program, while still looking out for your own best interest.

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The program took care of their needs by requiring the monetary deposit from you. They will lose nothing and be handsomely paid for only a slight inconvenience to them should you change your mind. Give them their answer and if you have to change it later, don't worry about their interests, as they will have your money.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

You would not be doing anything unethical if you sent in your deposit to the first school then decided to go to the other. You'd be out the money, but that's why the school is requiring a deposit. They're protecting their investment (albeit I don't see how they're making that much of an investment before you start the program...) There are many reasons people change their minds, especially before they start their programs.

I am not sure I would make a big deal out of the first program not being your first choice should you end up going there. Again, it isn't a ethical issue but it might create a few bad feelings, KWIM?

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

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Thanks, guys. If it were just me, I would probably choose Program A, but Program B fits in so much better with my kids' schedules and is a shorter commute.... I probably will go ahead and send in the deposit to them. (The deposit is steep, too, so if they have just a few cancellations, they'll really make out.) Just don't want to burn any bridges, because I liked the people I met over there and it's a small world, you know?

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Gosh, I hear you about the commute and the other school working out better with your kids' schedules...but how far are the schools from where you live? What are the schools' reputations? From which do you think you'd get a better education?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
The program took care of their needs by requiring the monetary deposit from you. They will lose nothing and be handsomely paid for only a slight inconvenience to them should you change your mind. Give them their answer and if you have to change it later, don't worry about their interests, as they will have your money.

My thoughts exactly. School A probably has a waiting list and your cancellation (if you cancel later) will cause them only a little inconvenience -- and inconvenience they have prepared for by imposing a fee. The non-refundable fee compensates the school for the resources they invested in processing your application and acceptance (which might be more than you think). The fee reimburses them for their expenses and minimizes the number of people who say "yes" when they are not serious about attending.

From your standpoint, the fee may be a little steep, but it is to be expected that you pay for keeping your options open while waiting for school B's decision. If school B is really a better choice for you, then the extra expense will be worth it. And some lucky person on the waiting list of school A will get the chance to fill the spot you vacate. No one really gets hurt.

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If you have a good rapport with anyone at School A, let them know what is on your mind. All schools are used to 'changes' in admissions after the letters first went out. If they know that you are a 'soft admit', then can know that a extended waiting list might be needed. At my University, we usually exhaust the Waiting List within the first month unless we know that someone like you might be attending another school.

Even if you get into School B, treat the folks at School A fairly. You never know if you will pursue graduate school at School A at some time in the future.

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I'm planning to talk to School A this week. The problem with them (besides the thing with my kids) is that I may qualify for a special tuition rate (long story, and otherwise, it's horribly expensive) but they keep on not letting me know for sure. (I've emailed and called, etc., called again on Friday and will on Monday.) This may be a good place to say, "Until I make sure of the cost, I can't fully commit to your school." This is true, and it also buys me more time.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
I'm planning to talk to School A this week. The problem with them (besides the thing with my kids) is that I may qualify for a special tuition rate (long story, and otherwise, it's horribly expensive) but they keep on not letting me know for sure. (I've emailed and called, etc., called again on Friday and will on Monday.) This may be a good place to say, "Until I make sure of the cost, I can't fully commit to your school." This is true, and it also buys me more time.

Sounds very reasonable to me. I should think that a school that wants you as a student would be willing to work with you and be upfront about the costs, particularly since things are up in the air. Sure hope it works out for you, whichever school you choose.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

You have gotten some sage advice on this thread. If you have to cancel, it never hurts to send a letter explaining why and expressing your gratitude for the opportunity they offered. They know students apply to numerous programs. This should come as no big shock to them. And someone on their alternate list will add you to their hero list!

Good luck to you!

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So as you can see, I changed my name to reflect my life.... There have been some surprising developments in this case. I sent in my acceptance and $$ to Program A. I got into Program B, but they were so much more expensive that I decided to decline. THEN, Program C, a program for which I thought I had not a prayer of acceptance, sent me not only an acceptance letter, but enough of a scholarship to bring them in line with Program A costwise. The schedule for Program C is also much better. I sent an acceptance and a deposit in on Friday. My question is, how do I phrase my withdrawal letter to Program A? As suggested above, I plan to thank them and tell them how much I enjoyed the interview process with them (which I did), but what should I tell them about my reasons for withdrawing? Should I just say, "Unfortunately, I have to withdraw," or should I say, "I got a scholarship to a school that has a more family friendly schedule and a better commute?" I just don't know how specific I should make this. Thanks--I know I'll get good advice from this group.

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