The Importance Of Sending Non-Acceptance Letters – A Good Insurance Policy

The hard deadline of National Decision Day (May 1) is fast approaching and most college-bound students are focused on making the final decision of which college to attend. Seniors who already have made their final college selection and submitted an enrollment confirmation form are rejoicing in the aftermath of completing the college application process and are experiencing a sense of relief words cannot describe. Both sets of students are overpowered by the importance of making / having made the best decision for their future and sending notification of intended enrollment to their college of choice.

However, students are not completely finished with their acceptance of admission until they send letters of non-acceptance. Letters of non-acceptance are letters addressed to the colleges and universities that accepted students for admission, but they have chosen not to attend.

Many students reading this blog will have the same reaction: “Who cares about the schools I’m NOT going to attend?” The answer is: You just might. Here’s why.

Many colleges that receive courteous letters of non-acceptance from students keep those students’ records on file for one year, INCLUDING STUDENTS’ ADMISSION STATUS AND OFFERS OF FINANCIAL AID. This means if you discover next fall you don’t care for the college you’re attending (and wish you had enrolled with another school that accepted you), the admission doors to those other schools may still be open without having to submit any application materials. Upon your request, the other colleges may automatically admit you as a transfer student in the spring or fall of 2010. Furthermore, as a transfer student many schools will honor the financial aid offered to you in spring 2009 and apply that aid to your sophomore, junior and senior years.

Letters of non-acceptance provide smart insurance for college-bound students. Sending these letters not only is professional and courteous, but also may hold open offers of admission and financial aid at all colleges that accepted you.

My advice: Students should leave nothing to chance. After submitting an enrollment confirmation form to your college of choice, send letters of non-acceptance to your other colleges and universities. You may be very glad you did.

For more information visit MyCollgeCalendar.org