Best approach to declining?

[Anonymous]

Would appreciate any insights others might share on the best approach to declining an acceptance. Clearly, sooner is better given waitlists, etc.

In our case, my kid has had lots of contact with 4 schools, especially with coaches, and hasn't had a lot of experience letting people down.

We were intending to advise the coach first by phone, then email admissions, then have my kid follow up with a thank you email. Better thoughts/ideas?

[Anonymous]

That's way more than what we did. We checked declined and sent a follow-up email. Most reply with a thanks so they can goto waitlist if needed. Sometimes they ask where you're going. We answer. And that's that. They're expecting declines, don't stress about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's way more than what we did. We checked declined and sent a follow-up email. Most reply with a thanks so they can goto waitlist if needed. Sometimes they ask where you're going. We answer. And that's that. They're expecting declines, don't stress about it.

Thanks; appreciate that.

[Anonymous]

Phone is too much. Definitely skip that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Phone is too much. Definitely skip that.

+1. Do not call the coach.

OP it’s not that big of a deal. Your child is not turning down an NFL draft pick.

[Anonymous]

Click the decline form in Ravenna and email the coach. No need to call. No need for thank you letters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's way more than what we did. We checked declined and sent a follow-up email. Most reply with a thanks so they can goto waitlist if needed. Sometimes they ask where you're going. We answer. And that's that. They're expecting declines, don't stress about it.

This is what we did too.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think your original suggestion is very gracious and would be appreciated.

And if there’s any chance you want to be considered in the future, it could be remembered/noted in your file. Everything goes in the file, according to my MiL (25-yrs as admissions director).

[Anonymous]

We emailed the coach and the admissions head, but it was a very personalized experience, so we responded in kind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think your original suggestion is very gracious and would be appreciated.

And if there’s any chance you want to be considered in the future, it could be remembered/noted in your file. Everything goes in the file, according to my MiL (25-yrs as admissions director).

OP here; thanks for this insight. Appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would appreciate any insights others might share on the best approach to declining an acceptance. Clearly, sooner is better given waitlists, etc.

In our case, my kid has had lots of contact with 4 schools, especially with coaches, and hasn't had a lot of experience letting people down.

We were intending to advise the coach first by phone, then email admissions, then have my kid follow up with a thank you email. Better thoughts/ideas?

This is very gracious. I might avoid phone calls to the coach because they might try to get you to change your mind, especially if finances are a factor. I think text/email is better. The email to admissions is very gracious and will go a long way if your child decides their initial choice may not be the right fit and wants to transfer. Again, if your family was given aid this would also be appreciated by schools with tighter aid budgets.

[Anonymous]

Agree that calling would be awkward.

[Anonymous]

Question...if the admissions decision was not through Ravenna and does not have a decline button, do we just email admissions prior to the deadline to decline?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would appreciate any insights others might share on the best approach to declining an acceptance. Clearly, sooner is better given waitlists, etc.

In our case, my kid has had lots of contact with 4 schools, especially with coaches, and hasn't had a lot of experience letting people down.

We were intending to advise the coach first by phone, then email admissions, then have my kid follow up with a thank you email. Better thoughts/ideas?

I like this approach. Plus, it teaches your child how to be gracious and kind.

[Anonymous]

If the school does not use Ravenna, email Admissions back to let them know. Should they ask where you are headed, let them know. They expect declines and they plan for that. It is in everyone's interest to have a good fit.