Just accepted but...

[hyperwalt88]

Just received awesome news that I got accepted into a nursing program, but it is not my first choice. They need to hear back by 7/24, but my top choice doesn't release results until 8/1. I could potentially put down the deposit and then find out it was a waste 1 week later. Obviously I want to avoid throwing away money, but don't want to ruin my chances of getting into my top choice if I come off as too pushy by reaching out. Does it seem like I'm strong arming if I were to reach out to my top choice telling them that I prefer their program but have gotten into another one and I'm curious of my application status? When my wife was applying to PA programs, she was advised to disclose whether she got into other programs because it tends to boost your chances of getting into another one. The logic being that you're more desirable & it ups your chances. Not sure if that's the same with nursing or if it was specific to PAs.

Cons

• come off as pushy and ruin chances at top choice
• appear that I don't need their program since I already have a spot elsewhere and ruin chance with top choice
• waste money on deposit at 2nd choice (assuming I don't call)

Pros

• appear more desirable as a candidate because I'm already accepted by another program & boost chances at top choice
• slightly early acceptance to top choice
• save money on deposit to second choice program

This is the epitome of a first world problem, especially in the CA nursing space where spots are so tough to lock down. I'm torn on how to approach this delicate situation and would HATE to misstep when I'm so close to a final decision.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[babysplash, ADN, RN]

In my opinion, even if you ask in a polite way to the most polite staff member at your top choice, they will not give you an early admission decision just because you've already been accepted somewhere else. The school will probably will use everyday up until 8/1 to make decisions on who will be accepted so I would say to just pay the deposit at your second choice because there is no guarantee that you will be accepted to your top choice. It would be worse to miss the window for acceptance at your second choice and not be extended admission at your top choice. It is common for nurse students to apply to multiple schools and be accepted to more than 1, so no, it does not make you more desirable. They can fill your spot if you decline very easily.

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

If you want to be sure you have a spot somewhere, accept and pay the deposit. You can always decline later and lose the deposit if you do get an offer from first choice. If you don't accept and you don't get an offer from first choice, that would be bad!