Verbal Answer vs. Letter?

[Anonymous]

I have one school that is sending out letters on the same day as the deposit is due at another.

Has anyone ever been able to get a verbal answer from a school rather than wait for the letter? I dont mind calling them but just curious if I'll be barking up the wrong tree... then again their decision has already been made right? Doesnt really matter who I irritate... ha ha

[Anonymous]

We called the school and said something like, "I'm holding an acceptance from another school which needs to be answered today. I would much rather send my child to your school, but don't want to say no to the other school if DC won't be able to attend your school. Can you tell me if it's okay to decline the other offer"?

We got our answer. However, this is a younger sibling at a school with very strong sibling preference and we know the admissions director and the school very well. I could see that approach really angering some people, especially if you aren't already parents there.

[Anonymous]

We are in the same boat, OP.

Was actually thinking of sending in the deposit, but "forgetting" to include the contract for the first school while waiting to hear from the second. Can deal with losing the deposit fee if necessary but don't want to commit to full tuition. (And don't bother to flame me. I am aware of the questionable ethics of this approach...)

Not sure what we're going to do.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat and feeling very stressed out over it.

[Anonymous]

I think the 12:21 approach can work, with the right approach. Be very specific about the school and the dates (so you don't sound like you're lying just to get an answer). Emphasize that you want to be fair to the other school, but your strong preference is with them. I can't imagine being pissed about that (as an Administrator).

As for sending in the deposit w/o the contract, seems risky. Contracts don't have to be written to be enforceable. If there's something in the packet that says sending in the deposit is a commitment, it could have the same force and effect. On the flip side, it could mean you didn't send your contract in and don't have a spot in the other school. Then you have neither. Just something to think about. I would at least try to call the first school. They're not going to rescind your offer because you've called. I think the worst that can happen is they won't tell you, and that's pretty crappy on the day the letters go out.