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This question is mostly for the current transfer students.

If you are admitted to a school A, and receive a deposit deadline (e.g. mine is 7/16), but want to wait to hear from another school (B).

1. Does paying the deposit at A preclude you from accepting a spot at school B, or does it just lock down your spot at school A?
2. Is there a way to approach school B to see if you can have your application moved up for review, so you receive an answer in time?

SoNorthern wrote:This question is mostly for the current transfer students.

If you are admitted to a school A, and receive a deposit deadline (e.g. mine is 7/16), but want to wait to hear from another school (B).

1. Does paying the deposit at A preclude you from accepting a spot at school B, or does it just lock down your spot at school A?
2. Is there a way to approach school B to see if you can have your application moved up for review, so you receive an answer in time?

1. Depends on the school. At least in the past, NYU did not allow you to do this - in order to submit your deposit, you had to certify that you have withdrawn from all other schools (including where you actually attend). Read the fine print.
2. I don't know - could be risky, but you can always ask school A for an extension if you can give them a reasonable justification. You're already in, it can't hurt.

Most schools will take a deposit as intent to go forward, but not as a binding one (or a requirement to withdraw from other apps). For this reason, the logical choice at most places is to pay the deposit and then eat it if you get into the other school you are waiting for. It sucks, but it is probably worth it in the long run.

On the second question, you can try. A better idea (and the one above) is probably to try and ask for an extension. Be sympathetic.

Interestingly, went both ways.

One school was very receptive, and willing to review my application sooner rather than later. The other seemed far less willing to accomodate.