That’s ridiculous. Having said that, I would suck it up and pay the $50 if it was high on my kids list. But it sounds like a money grab.

For UT Austin it is important to do this right away.

Anonymous wrote:We did it for both UF and UT. I’m wondering if it’s a backhanded way of showing demonstrated interest? Who knows.

it is most assuredly demonstrated interest. Shameful inequitable practice to have $ count for interest

Anonymous wrote:What's the deal with these housing shortages? Is this a prevailing situation at colleges or just certain ones?

only big publics have this issue

Anonymous wrote:Is anyone doing this?
Texas at Austin just sent an email about this---$50 (non refundable) to secure a space on a housing list. EA Acceptances are not out until mid January.
Do other schools do this? Should we pay the money?

none of the elite schools do this. Not a single school on either of my kids' lists did this, including our instate flagships which were the backups. but you have to if you want UT as a fall-back option if they get denied from the better ones

We did it for both UF and UT. I’m wondering if it’s a backhanded way of showing demonstrated interest? Who knows.

I had no idea this was a thing until last year when I had a friend with a child applying to 4 southern schools (she lives in AL) and they ALL wanted rather large housing deposits before her child had decided on a school. And some of them were non-refundable. I would be LIVID if I didn't get my money back.

I guess $50 isn't so awful, but if my child didn't even get into the school AND there is a chance they wouldn't refund my money? What a disgusting money grab