Once you’ve been admitted to the college you plan to attend, it will be time to submit your enrollment deposit. If you need financial help to cover your deposit, you may qualify for a fee waiver! In this article, we cover what you need to know about requesting an enrollment deposit fee waiver.
Note: While we don’t offer funding for college application fee waivers, we’re here to empower you with the knowledge needed to transition to college. Learn more!
What is an enrollment deposit?
An enrollment deposit is a nonrefundable payment made to your college to hold your spot in the incoming class. This fee will vary by college, and can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000. Your college’s specific enrollment deposit fee and process should be covered in your acceptance letter. Your enrollment deposit is applied to your tuition bill and may be used to confirm your housing, registration for orientation, or cover other on-campus fees.
Requesting an enrollment deposit fee waiver
If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship, you can submit an enrollment deposit fee waiver request directly to your college. You may be able to do this through your online student portal or by getting in touch with your college’s admissions office. They can walk you through the process of requesting a fee waiver and make you aware of important deadlines so you can submit on time. Some colleges may also have the ability to “defer” the enrollment fee so a student is able to use their financial aid to cover the cost.
Is an enrollment deposit binding?
An enrollment deposit is meant to secure your spot at a college. While you do not have to attend the college if your plans change, it’s important to be aware that your deposit is nonrefundable. This means that regardless of the circumstance, you will most likely not get that money back. Keep that in mind as you make your college plans and decide what’s best for you.
Finding out you’re waitlisted for college can bring up mixed feelings, since you weren’t accepted, but technically weren’t rejected either. Being in this gray area and having to wait to see if a spot becomes available can make deciding on a college more challenging. So what do you do? Being waitlisted does not mean you should wait to make a college decision; instead, follow these steps to navigate the waitlist process.
You may have been prepared for an acceptance or rejection letter, but what about being waitlisted? What do you do now? Read your letter thoroughly, take a deep breath, and take some time to let the response settle in. Maybe step away for a minute to journal, meditate, or exercise. Taking care of yourself after every college application decision is important to make sure you respond with a clear and settled mind.
Find constructive ways to cope while waiting
Being waitlisted can be challenging, and the uncertainty of the situation can cause stress. It’s important to try and manage your emotions and maintain a positive mindset. Understand that being waitlisted isn’t bad, and it doesn’t define your abilities or your potential. Being waitlisted for college is simply a part of the competitive college admissions process. Take time to focus on your achievements and strengths through self-reflection. You’ve already accomplished so much!
Decide if the school is worth the wait
This is probably one of the most important things to consider if you’re waitlisted – is this school worth the wait or uncertainty? Take some time to decide if this school is still a top choice for you. Many waitlist decisions don’t come until after May 1 or even into early summer. If a school you’ve been waitlisted to is no longer a top choice, let them know so they can adjust their waitlist rankings for other potential students.
While you wait to potentially hear back, it’s important to reserve your spot at another school by May 1. Gather information about the waitlist process, such as the likelihood of acceptance and the timeline for decisions. In the meantime, remain proactive by exploring alternative college options and securing a spot at a school where you’ve been accepted. Keep in mind that reserving your spot at a college can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000, and that money could be lost if you eventually get admitted to and enroll in the school you were initially waitlisted to. Fee waivers to cover enrollment deposit fees are available for income-eligible students.
Check to see if there are instructions in the correspondence you received
Make sure that you read your correspondence from the college thoroughly. Some schools might require students to “accept” waitlisted status or even provide further documentation. If your waitlisted school is still a top choice, try writing a letter to the admissions office to show your continued interest in attending the school. In your letter, you can provide additional information about your accomplishments or interests while emphasizing your desire to attend. Make sure to also highlight any new achievements or information since submitting your application. If the school decides to offer you placement in the fall, they want to know you are likely to accept the offer and will be a good fit at the school.
Maintain strong academic momentum
Now is the time to focus in class, study hard, and get the best grades possible. Some schools may re-evaluate your waitlist status based on your senior year grades, so don’t let them slip. It’s important to show schools how you continued to work hard and focus on your academics even after applying.
Don’t miss another opportunity while waiting
Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? It’s applicable to your college decision! If you were waitlisted at one school, you may want to strongly consider enrolling at a different school that accepted you. Since being waitlisted can bring up a lot of uncertainty and can be a drawn-out process, it’s best to accept an offer from a school to ensure you will attend college in the fall.
Keep in mind that your education is a journey with multiple pathways, and being adaptable in your decision-making will ultimately contribute to a successful college experience.
Manage your expectations
It’s important to manage your expectations during this process. Many schools provide waitlist statistics on their admissions webpage. If you can’t find that information, try contacting an admissions counselor at the school. Looking up this information could help you determine the likelihood of being admitted. If the chances are small, it may be time to seek alternative options.
No matter what, make sure you talk to a trusted adult or educator about this decision and be prepared to act quickly. Do you have any questions or need some guidance as you make your college decision? We’re here to support you! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.
If you’ve been denied admissions from a college, especially one you really wanted to attend, it’s totally normal to be disappointed, sad, or a bit frustrated. There are many reasons a student can be denied from a college, and while the rejection may feel personal, it’s important to not dwell on it. You are still a capable student who can follow your dream path! With this in mind, try following these next steps if you’ve been rejected from a college.
Before taking any action, it’s important to understand the difference between being rejected from a college and being waitlisted. When a student is rejected from a college, they are not offered a spot in an incoming class. If they want to be reconsidered for admission, they would need to reapply the following academic year.
Being waitlisted, on the other hand, is different. When a student is waitlisted to a college, they are not immediately accepted or rejected. Instead, they are offered a place on a list that the college will contact if spots in an incoming class open up. Students must accept their place on a waitlist if they still want to be considered for admission. If a spot in an incoming class opens up, a student on the waitlist could be contacted by the college–either to be accepted or to be asked to submit additional application material. This could include things like current semester grades, new awards won, or new clubs participated in.
If you were rejected from a college that you really want to attend, you can attempt to appeal your rejection. When a student appeals their rejection, they are asking a college’s admissions office to re-review their decision–potentially resulting in an acceptance.
Be aware that not all colleges have appeals processes–and those that do may still not frequently admit students who’ve appealed. To learn whether the college you want to attend has an appeals process, head to their website or contact the admissions department. Be sure to follow all appeal instructions carefully. Depending on the college, you may be required to submit new application materials or make a strong case that there was something missing from your initial application.
It’s important to understand that appealing your rejection may not bring the results you want, and that there is a strong possibility you could be denied admissions again. While this can be discouraging, setting your expectations up front may be helpful before starting this process.
Take a gap year
You might also consider taking a gap year before reapplying to college. A gap year can give you time to work, volunteer, travel, complete an internship, or strengthen your academic profile through additional coursework. This experience can help you clarify your goals, build new skills, and potentially make your future college application stronger. If you choose this path, be intentional about how you spend your time so you can clearly demonstrate growth and purpose when you reapply.
Consider your other options
Take some time to weigh your other options if you’ve been denied from a college. For example, if you’ve been admitted to other four-year universities, consider attending one of those schools instead. You can re-familiarize yourself with their academic and student offerings and choose the one most similar to the school you were rejected from.
If the college you were denied from was the only school you applied to, you still have options! If you still want to attend a four-year college, try applying to one of the many colleges in the U.S. that offer rolling admission. Schools with rolling admission accept and review applications as they’re received until all spots in a given class are filled. If your application materials match the school’s requirements for incoming students, you can be accepted!
If you still want to attend college but aren’t sure if any of the other four-year schools you’ve been accepted to are the right fit, you may also consider attending community college. Community college is a great option if you want to take some time to reevaluate or explore your desired major or career path while reducing college costs. As we explain in the next section, you can always transfer colleges down the road!
Explore transfer options
Even if you were denied from a college one year, it’s not a guarantee that you will be rejected again in the future! Some students who don’t get admitted to their top school instead choose to attend another college in the meantime, keeping their GPA high, with hopes of re-applying as a transfer student. If this interests you, be sure you’re aware of your top school’s transfer requirements and acceptance rates to set expectations. When it’s time to apply, be sure you have all of your application materials ready to go.
Rejection isn’t easy! Be sure to ask for the support you need to succeed–whether it’s from friends, family, or educators. They can encourage you to stay on your path when times get tough and help you see the bigger picture. Asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience!
We understand that being rejected from a college can be disappointing and discouraging. However, we want you to remember that rejection can be redirection! You are in control of your path and can do anything you put your mind to!
If you decide to apply to college after the standard application cycle has closed, it’s not too late to get accepted! Here are some factors to consider when applying to college later in the school year.
There are many important factors involved when it comes to choosing a college, and making your decision should be based on which school is the overall best fit for YOU! We’re here to guide you in that process to help you make your decision with confidence. Here are four factors to consider when choosing a college.
Academics are the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing a college. Consider what you want to study, what majors each college offers, and how those majors align with your interests and career goals. Class sizes can also impact your academic experience. Do you prefer a smaller, more intimate classroom setting or a larger lecture hall? Think about your learning style and what environment would be best for you. Additionally, graduation rates provide insight into the percentage of students who finish their degree within a certain time frame. While a high graduation rate is generally a good sign, it’s important to also look at why students might not be graduating. Ultimately, choosing a college whose academics aligns with your wants and needs will set you up for success.
Size and Location
Would you prefer a big university in the heart of the city or a small college in a rural area? These are the types of questions to ask yourself when considering what college size and location are a good fit for you. Additionally, talking to current students and touring the campus are great ways to get a feel for the college and its student life.
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One thing students quickly learn when they arrive to college is that it’s filled with people from all walks of life, beliefs, and values. Campus culture is an important factor to consider in your decision because it influences so many of your day-to-day experiences. Asking questions about what social organizations and support services are on campus is a good way to gauge if you will feel at home there.
Ensuring that your experience and beliefs are celebrated and honored on your campus can also make or break your college experience. Is there a safe space for LGBTQ+ communities on campus? What is the political climate on campus? How does your #1 choice address race issues on campus? These questions are very important when considering the best fit for your future.
Financial Fit
One of the most important factors in finding the right fit for many is financial. It’s important to explore all of your options, but maintaining realistic expectations is key. If you’ve already been accepted to a few colleges, comparing your financial aid offer letters will guide you in making a financially fit decision. While one college may have higher tuition and overall costs, that same college may offer you grants and scholarships that make it the most affordable. One of the biggest mistakes that someone can make is taking out an unreasonable amount of loans because they are fixated on attending a specific college. Affordability based on your offer letters can and should play a role in determining what college you attend.
Choosing a college is a big decision, and we’re here to support you along the way! Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.
Learn how to talk to your family about college planning, costs, expectations, and goals with clear communication tips to reduce stress and build support.
An important aspect of your college experience is feeling like you are part of a welcoming and thriving community. While the main purpose of going to college is to receive your degree and find a career path that fits your goals, you are still a person with social and emotional needs, and your environment has a direct impact on them. Therefore, the campus culture, size, activities available to students, ideologies, and more can impact your overall experience. College is a great way to be exposed to new ideas and perspectives, but it’s important to note what you’re looking for in a potential school to make the best decision for you. Here’s what to consider when researching colleges to make sure you feel safe, supported, and able to thrive during your educational journey.
Take a moment to reflect on what is important to you
It’s important to acknowledge that colleges and universities in this country have a historical legacy of racism. While lots of work has been done by lawmakers, administrators, and educators to create a more accessible and welcoming environment in higher education, remnants of historical racism still exist and continue to impact minority students. To address these issues, institutions have implemented diversity initiatives, campus affinity centers, and programs that support historically underrepresented students.
The way we navigate through the world is influenced by our identities; our race, sexual orientation, gender/gender expression, socioeconomic status, and more have a direct impact on how we show up in the world. These identities can become more prevalent in different spaces and times. Many students use college as a way to expose themselves to new environments, perspectives, and ideologies while others prefer something similar to the environment in which they grew up. Both are totally okay, but it’s up to you to determine what that looks like for you. As you decide what school to attend, take a moment to reflect on these questions:
What parts of my identities need to be reflected and celebrated in the environment I am in?
Who do I need to be surrounded by to feel safe and supported?
What would be really hard for me to leave behind?
Who can be my support system during a challenging time in college?
Do your research
There are several ways to learn more about the climate and environment of the college you are looking to attend. The best way to do so is to visit the school in person to get a feel of the student population, campus life, the resources available to you, and more. Because that is not always possible (especially the further a college is away from you), you can always research the school virtually to get more perspective on if it’s a good fit for you. During your research, look at the school’s demographic profile and pay close attention to:
Racial/ethnic demographics: This can help you gain a better understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of the campus community. It can also signal whether or not the college welcomes the experiences and perspectives that students from different backgrounds bring.
Gender breakdown: It’s important to not only consider the percentage of male and female students, but also any available data on trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students. Reviewing the college’s policies and resources related to gender identity can also provide insight into its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all gender identities.
Socioeconomic diversity: This can help you understand how well the college serves students from different economic backgrounds and can provide insight into the resources and support that are available (i.e. financial aid, scholarships, work-study jobs, and access to internships or other career development opportunities).
Student services offered: This includes cultural centers, mentorship programs, resources for students with disabilities, and more. The availability of resources (and the types of resources offered) can be critical to helping students feel supported and included on campus.
Some schools might even have results from a climate survey posted directly on their website. These reports show direct student feedback to the college on their experience as a student. If a school you’re interested in publishes this data online, be sure to look at the results from people who share similar identities to you to gauge what the school is doing to make them feel safe, seen, and supported. It’s important to note that these results are from a specific time period, so the college may have done work since sharing its findings to enhance the student experience.
Make sure the school has the resources you need
You can get to know a lot about a school by paying attention to the resources available to the students. Does the school have a robust list of clubs? Do they have affinity centers for minority students (multicultural centers, LGBTQ+ centers, etc.)? What mental health services are available to students? You might not need any of these services, but it’s good to have an idea of what the school provides in case you ever come to a point where you might need some support.
Colleges that support your identity and experience
In response to the historical exclusion of certain communities from higher education, many affinity based colleges/universities and programs were created for students to pursue education while being around a community that shares an identity or lived experience. Also called minority serving institutions, these include Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), women’s colleges, and more. These institutions have provided a safe and supportive environment for students all while receiving a great education. Many of these schools have specific programs, training, resources, and funding to help ensure your success.
As you do your college research and come closer to choosing a school that’s right for you, remember that no place will be absolutely perfect. However, you do have a high chance of finding a school that can align with your needs to ensure your success! Need someone to talk to about your college decision? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.
Going to college is a monumental occasion not just for you, but also for your family – so it’s important to start an open conversation with them throughout your college planning process. We recognize that this can be a very emotional or difficult journey for you, especially if your family is not as supportive of your plans as you’d like them to be. However, making room for open and honest communication about your college journey can lead to better understanding, empathy, and resolution. We’ll share some tips and considerations for talking to your family about college.
We recommend taking some time before having a conversation with your family about going to college in order to consider some questions or points they may raise. This could be things like whether you’ll be able to continue your religious practices on campus, how safe your chosen school and its surrounding community is, and if your family will be able to contribute financially to your education. Starting a dialogue with your family feeling prepared and open to talking about any major concerns they may have will not only show them that you care about their input, but are also confident and rooted in your decision. Having trouble making a decision about your post-high school plan? Check out this article for some strategies.
Communication is key
By discussing your goals and plans for college, it will help your family understand the best way to support you. In turn, hearing from your family about their hopes and concerns will help you determine where you are aligned and where you are not. Difficult conversations are inevitable if you are not in agreement about your college plans, but it’s how you handle these disagreements that matter most. Your family’s strong feelings or even opposition may come from a place of genuine concern for your well-being (financially, socially, and emotionally), so it’s important to really listen to their perspectives during your conversation, even if you don’t necessarily agree. Your family wants you to succeed just as much as you do, so showing up willing to hear them out is important.
If at any time you feel like you have come to an impasse with your family, there are some resources that can help. Try talking to families that have recently gone through the college application and decision process such as cousins, church members, or coworkers. You can also reach out to your school counselor to see if they can connect you to recent graduates and their families to hear about their experiences. The sooner your family tackles any disagreements and continues the college planning process with the same goals in mind, the better.
Consider your family dynamics
Going to college will most likely change some dynamics within your family. Again, the most important thing you can do to avoid any confusion is to communicate early and frequently. Your family may need to recalibrate to ensure their needs are still met once you’re in college. Even if you choose to stay at home and attend college nearby, you will probably be available less frequently than you used to be once you start balancing class, extracurriculars, and other important responsibilities. Working as a family to create a realistic plan with realistic expectations is key to minimizing unnecessary stress. Give each other grace as you all learn what works best for your family.
Learn together
Financial aid nights, senior events, college visits, and school conferences are easy ways to engage your family in your college journey and spark meaningful conversations. This is especially helpful if you’re first-generation (the first in your family to attend college). If you’re not first-generation, these events can be just as helpful, since the college application process has changed considerably in recent years. Being on the same page and having a mutual understanding of important deadlines, requirements, and processes can unite you in your college decision.
When Conversations Get Emotional
It’s normal for conversations about college and other big changes to bring up strong emotions. If discussions start to feel heated, consider taking a short break and revisiting the topic once everyone has had time to reflect. Choosing the right time and place—when no one feels rushed, distracted, or already stressed—can also make a big difference. Try to avoid starting important conversations during high-pressure moments, like right after work, during busy family events, or when deadlines are looming. Giving each other space and approaching the discussion calmly can help everyone feel heard and respected.
Example questions you can start with
“What are your biggest hopes or concerns about me going to college?” Opens the door for honest discussion and shows you value their perspective.
“How do you feel about the schools I’m considering, and what questions do you have about them?” Invites dialogue instead of defensiveness.
“Can we talk about what college might realistically cost and what financial options we should explore together?” Gently introduces the financial conversation in a collaborative way.
“What expectations do we have about staying close to home, visiting, or helping out once I’m in college?” Helps clarify family dynamics and responsibilities early.
“How can we support each other through this process?” Reframes the conversation as a team effort instead of a disagreement.
Deciding to attend college is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to feel supported along your journey! If you have any questions about applying to college or need advice on how to start an open conversation with your family, we’re here to help! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.
