If you can't decide, can you put down two deposits?

[Anonymous]

Make a decision and move forward. All choices have consequences, positive and negative. Lead by example and make a decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since the deadline for returning contracts is coming up in a week and we're still unable to choose between two schools, is it acceptable to put down deposits at two schools to give us a bit more time? I understand that we will forfeit the deposit at one school, but we are completely even split on which school.

No. It's explicitly prohibited and you risk losing both spots if the schools find out (which could very well happen, although it might not). Sounds like you've got two equally good choices so just find a mental equivalent of flipping a coin if you need to.

[Anonymous]

You're going to have to make a tough decision at some point. Might as well make it now, save the deposit money & not burn a bridge or two with the schools.

[Anonymous]

You can call the schools and ask if you can have x extra days because the reception to another school is on a particular date. They are likely to say yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since the deadline for returning contracts is coming up in a week and we're still unable to choose between two schools, is it acceptable to put down deposits at two schools to give us a bit more time? I understand that we will forfeit the deposit at one school, but we are completely even split on which school.

No. It's explicitly prohibited and you risk losing both spots if the schools find out (which could very well happen, although it might not). Sounds like you've got two equally good choices so just find a mental equivalent of flipping a coin if you need to.

Prohibited by whom?

[Anonymous]

Put down a deposit on a private school because we won't know the results of the public/charter school lottery before the deposit deadline, and we won't know what our options are until those results come out. Depending on where we get in, we may forfeit the deposit and go public, or stay with the private school. Since it was the private school that set the deadline for deposits to be before the DC lottery results come out (3/27), we can't be blamed for waiting to make our decision until the options are known.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Put down a deposit on a private school because we won't know the results of the public/charter school lottery before the deposit deadline, and we won't know what our options are until those results come out. Depending on where we get in, we may forfeit the deposit and go public, or stay with the private school. Since it was the private school that set the deadline for deposits to be before the DC lottery results come out (3/27), we can't be blamed for waiting to make our decision until the options are known.

There's a big difference between putting down a deposit on ONE private school when you might go public, and putting down deposits on two because you can't make up your mind. Entirely different situations.

[Anonymous]

Jesus, to have this as a problem...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is going to change after you put down the deposits to help you make a decision? Is there additional information you're still waiting on, or is this simply an unwillingness to make a choice?

Exactly. The decision won't change. Tour the schools one more time each and make the decision and don't look back. Here on DCUM, people compare all the time but I am sure your child will get a great education no matter what.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since the deadline for returning contracts is coming up in a week and we're still unable to choose between two schools, is it acceptable to put down deposits at two schools to give us a bit more time? I understand that we will forfeit the deposit at one school, but we are completely even split on which school.

What you are asking is : why should I have to make a decision when I don't want to ?

Perhaps you don't like either option ? In that case choose neither. Otherwise, decide.

The reason is that you have been invited to join a community and their process requires that they have your commitment, yes or no , in two weeks time. The process requires a certain degree of decorum in order for it to work for everyone ( as opposed to working for just you)

Decide, OP.

signed a parent way ahead of you with an upper school kid at a Big 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since the deadline for returning contracts is coming up in a week and we're still unable to choose between two schools, is it acceptable to put down deposits at two schools to give us a bit more time? I understand that we will forfeit the deposit at one school, but we are completely even split on which school.

No. It's explicitly prohibited and you risk losing both spots if the schools find out (which could very well happen, although it might not). Sounds like you've got two equally good choices so just find a mental equivalent of flipping a coin if you need to.

Prohibited by whom?

Its in the contract , schools are barred form accepting deposit from a family who has already submitted one to another school. Its similar to NCAA rules on signing an athlete ( once a letter of intent is signed, no additional contract can be entered into. So, whoever get's your check first ( or deposits it first, is your school) AND if you tell eitehr AD that you have doen this, likely they both dump you ( and count themselves lucky as that is pretty unethical behavior on your part )

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can call the schools and ask if you can have x extra days because the reception to another school is on a particular date. They are likely to say yes.

Bad idea...

What you are saying then is, " we like your school, but aren't completely sure , will you still take us if we flount your deadline ?

If I were them I'd move on as soon as teh phone call ended " NEXT kid"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can call the schools and ask if you can have x extra days because the reception to another school is on a particular date. They are likely to say yes.

I did this. It wasn't a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can call the schools and ask if you can have x extra days because the reception to another school is on a particular date. They are likely to say yes.

Bad idea...

What you are saying then is, " we like your school, but aren't completely sure , will you still take us if we flount your deadline ?

If I were them I'd move on as soon as teh phone call ended " NEXT kid"

No, I"m the poster who said she did this. Both schools were fine with it. They wanted my children to attend, and they were happy to let us have a few extra days.

Also, did you mean to write "flaunt?"

[Anonymous]

This is all crap about bad "form" on parents' part. Let me tell you the schools only care about the $$$! As long as they get their non-refundable deposit do as you please. If you ever choose to back out of one of their contracts, you will see the fangs, but as for some delicate handling of your precious offer they are not that concerned.