if you decline, is there no going back?

[Anonymous]

If you realize afterwards the choice was wrong?

[Anonymous]

Correct. Once you decline, they move onto other kids.

[Anonymous]

My strong suspicion is yes, there’s no going back, but probably doesn’t hurt anyone to give admissions a call. I doubt they are moving to waitlists already.

[Anonymous]

I don't think the door is closed for future years- if you explain that you made a mistake a current school isn't a good fit and why you think their school will be, I think you've got as good a shot as anyone else provided teacher recs, etc are good.

[Anonymous]

Depends on how desirable the school is, but for one with many applicants, yes, if you decline you won't get the offer again.

[Anonymous]

If you accepted this weekend and already changed your mind, yes I think you can contact admissions at the declined school first to see if you can still attend. I doubt they've moved forward that quickly yet. If you get that spot, accept it and back out of the contract at the other school (you will loose your deposit).

[Anonymous]

If you have already changed your mind, unless your kid is exceptional, I'd think they'd want a more drama free family

[Anonymous]

If you turn down a school's offer and in later years want to apply the same child again, I think you would need to be very honest and upfront in your application about why you turned the school down initially and how the circumstances have now changed. I think there are a number of reasons that a school might be won over by a compelling renewed application by a strong candidate, including a past need to address learning differences, changes in a family's finances or commute to the school, experienced discrimination / bullying / social difficulties at current school, etc. I find it unlikely that an Admissions Office is going to hold a grudge if they are presented with a coherent explanation for the change of heart. But you will, of course, be back to square one in a probably even greater pool of qualified candidates.

[Anonymous]

Wait, are you saying you declined but now want to enroll for this year, or you declined and your kid is going into K but might later want to apply to the upper school?

[Anonymous]

We do know someone for who declined GDS for K in favor of a K-8. Child was later accepted for HS. Family explained that the then commute to the LS was too long for their young child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We do know someone for who declined GDS for K in favor of a K-8. Child was later accepted for HS. Family explained that the then commute to the LS was too long for their young child.

OP, this was clearly a long time ago.
No one can say it's impossible, but pretty close to it. Are you asking about a situation like this PP wrote about someone else or do you mean in a shorter amount of time?

[Anonymous]

There is always a chance if the spot hasn't been given up to someone on the waitlist. Keep in mind they wanted you. Post-offers (Post March 3) THEY ARE SELLING THEMSELVES TO YOU.