3 answers
Alyssa
Student
Wausau, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How do you cancel an acceptance to college?
I'm a senior.
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3 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
If you have a contact at the admissions office, you could simply write or call them. You don't owe them any explanation beyond "For personal reasons, I am not able to attend <school name> at this time. Thank you for your help." - or something similar. If you don't have a specific person you've worked with, contact the admissions office's general email or phone number. You are not the first person to do this, nor will you be the last. They understand this, and should be more than willing to help you.
Depending on where you are in the process, and the school's policies, you may still owe them some money, so be sure to check all that before you commit.
Depending on where you are in the process, and the school's policies, you may still owe them some money, so be sure to check all that before you commit.
Clint Nagel
Counselor
32
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Clint’s Answer
I will second Fred's advice above, and reiterate communicating with schools you do NOT plan on attending regarding your commitment elsewhere definitely demonstrates a level of respect and professional courtesy. You do not owe anyone a detailed reason for your decision and the fact that you are communicating your commitment elsewhere will be well respected.
Lesly Beltran
EMT and Medical Assistant
102
Answers
West Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
To provide a comprehensive answer on how to inform colleges that you have chosen not to attend, follow the steps below:
1. First and foremost, make sure to finalize your college decision, as colleges typically require a response by the National College Decision Day, which is May 1. Once you have made a firm decision, it is essential to inform the colleges you will not be attending as soon as possible.
2. Prepare a well-thought-out and courteous email to each of the colleges you do not plan to attend. Since these colleges have offered you admission, it is crucial to express your appreciation for their offer and their consideration of your application.
3. Begin the email by thanking the admissions office for their time spent reviewing your application and for extending an offer of admission. You may also want to mention specific aspects of the college that you appreciated learning about during the application process.
4. Clearly communicate your decision not to attend the college, but do so in a respectful and polite manner. You might say something like, "After much consideration, I have decided to pursue my education elsewhere."
5. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can briefly explain your reasoning for choosing another college, without criticizing the college that accepted you. This might include factors such as financial aid packages, location, academic programs, or extracurricular opportunities.
6. Express sincere gratitude once more for their offer to collaborate, and state that you are honored to have been considered for their institution.
7. Be sure to always maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the email to avoid burning any bridges. You may find yourself wanting to transfer, attend graduate school, or collaborate with faculty at this college in the future, so it is important to leave a positive impression.
8. Finally, proofread your email carefully and ensure that you address it to the appropriate person or department (usually the Office of Admissions) before sending it.
By following these steps, you will be able to inform the colleges that you have chosen not to attend in a comprehensive, respectful, and professional manner.
1. First and foremost, make sure to finalize your college decision, as colleges typically require a response by the National College Decision Day, which is May 1. Once you have made a firm decision, it is essential to inform the colleges you will not be attending as soon as possible.
2. Prepare a well-thought-out and courteous email to each of the colleges you do not plan to attend. Since these colleges have offered you admission, it is crucial to express your appreciation for their offer and their consideration of your application.
3. Begin the email by thanking the admissions office for their time spent reviewing your application and for extending an offer of admission. You may also want to mention specific aspects of the college that you appreciated learning about during the application process.
4. Clearly communicate your decision not to attend the college, but do so in a respectful and polite manner. You might say something like, "After much consideration, I have decided to pursue my education elsewhere."
5. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can briefly explain your reasoning for choosing another college, without criticizing the college that accepted you. This might include factors such as financial aid packages, location, academic programs, or extracurricular opportunities.
6. Express sincere gratitude once more for their offer to collaborate, and state that you are honored to have been considered for their institution.
7. Be sure to always maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the email to avoid burning any bridges. You may find yourself wanting to transfer, attend graduate school, or collaborate with faculty at this college in the future, so it is important to leave a positive impression.
8. Finally, proofread your email carefully and ensure that you address it to the appropriate person or department (usually the Office of Admissions) before sending it.
By following these steps, you will be able to inform the colleges that you have chosen not to attend in a comprehensive, respectful, and professional manner.