FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED !

As a high school senior after you complete the college application process and have been admitted the next step will be making a deposit! A deposit is meant to be a signal that you have made your college decision and are reserving a place in the entering class. At some institutions the deposit is refundable before a certain date and at others it is non-refundable. Institutions need to tell you upfront whether the deposit is refundable or not.

Why Deposit? At the most selective institutions you are depositing to literally reserve a spot in the class. The highly selective institutions have far more admits then they can enroll and use the deposit to determine level of commitment.

At most other institutions the deposit continues to be a sign of commitment but also carries a slightly different meaning. Although making your deposit does secure your place in the next class the timing of the deposit is many times used in assigning housing and other campus opportunities.

There are several steps in the process and one action on your part prompts another action on the behalf of the college. Housing for instance is assigned based upon when the housing document is received. When you deposit one of the items that prompts is for the college to send you the housing form. So the earlier you deposit the earlier you will receive the housing form and other materials such as registration for classes. What this means is that you are more likely to receive your first preference on a residence hall assignment and or date to come and register.

Please remember: Institutions cannot force you to deposit prior to May 1 or hold any incentives over you to do so. What I have outlined for you above is how the process works though. Just like those folks that "call ahead" and then by-pass me at my favorite eating establishment, the sooner you deposit the higher you are in line for the next decision that needs to be made.

Todd's Tidbit's:

Remember to check to see if the deposit is refundable.

Is the deposit applied to your tuition like it is here at Wartburg or is it just an additional expense of your educational experience. (At Wartburg if you enroll your deposit is applied toward your tuition) At many other institutions the deposit is a seperate revenue stream for the college that is not applied toward tuition and fee's.

The deposit is your own personal signal to the school that "I am commiting to you". This will prompt the institution to provide you with other important decisions to make such as those I have outlined.

Deposit amounts range from $100 to $600 at many institutions so depositing a several institutions isn't an option for most people. Usually in March after federal financial aid awards have been sent out you will see more communication from colleges about making your deposit.

The bottom line is when you are ready to make this important decision, make it. But do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision until you are ready.

Please know that just like your favorite ice cream place, the person in front of you usually gets served before you do! So when you deposit and subsequently when you turn your forms in does make a difference in many of the other decisions you will make.