Good luck!!

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?

It’s a nice gesture to contact coach and admissions via email. Having kid send their own email as well or thank you note is nice too.

Email:
1. thank you, but not accepting offer
2. going to school XXX
3. the reason why

If you have younger children, especially ones that might prefer a school your older child declines, I'd write a bit more in the decline email.

Accept via normal process online electronically.

Decline via normal process online electronically.

Parent write quick email to admissions contact at each decline school. For us, these were generally short - saying thanks but child has chosen elsewhere.

In your case, perhaps email to each coach too - maybe more personal since, honestly, they are more likely to be disappointed than admissions who have tons on WL to grab.

If child wants to reach out to coaches - also send an email note.

Send happy email to coach at accepted school - saying you will be happy to be joining and ask for any feedback on whether/how to prepare this spring/summer.....asking "next steps".