As National College Decision Day (May 1) approaches, it’s time to make some potentially tough decisions. You’ll need to choose which college you’ll be attending in the Fall. That doesn’t mean you should only notify your chosen school. Instead, it’s recommended to politely let the other colleges know of your decision to decline. Below, we’ve outlined why this is a good idea, explained how you can politely turn down a college acceptance offer, and provided a template you can use for your own letters.
Should You Let a School Know You’re Not Attending?
Flickr user Oran Viriyincy
Yes, if a college or university sent you an acceptance letter, etiquette is to let them know you’re not attending. Since they considered your application and sent you an offer, it’s only polite to thank them for their time and consideration. Plus, if you decide your accepted college isn’t for you later on and you want to reapply to a school you have declined, this notification will work in your favor.
There’s one more reason you’ll want to let a school know you’re not attending: other applicants. Some colleges and universities waitlist students, which means they’ll be accepted if spots become available for them. By declining an offer, you potentially open a spot for a student who does want to attend. If you don’t notify the school in time or at all, that student might not be accepted.
But remember: if you applied under Early Decision, you usually can’t decline their offer without potential consequences. You’re expected to attend the following Fall.
When Should You Notify Them?
It’s best to notify a college you’re not attending as soon as you know you won’t be. This takes a task off your plate while also giving other students the chance to receive acceptance letters.
If you’re torn between schools, that’s okay. Just make sure to send in your choice on their decision day, usually May 1, or prior.
How To Turn Down a College Acceptance Offer
You’ll want to send a college more than “not attending” when you decline their offer. Here are three tips to turn down a college acceptance offer:
1. Be Polite
No matter your reason for declining an acceptance offer, always be polite and thank them for the opportunity. Although you will be attending a different college in the fall, you never know what’s going to happen.
You could decide in a year or two that you don’t like your first choice and wish to attend this college instead. Even years from now, you might discover a job opening at this particular school you qualify for. It’s entirely possible that the representative remembers you or your application comes up during your job interview.
Declining offers politely keeps the door open for opportunities later on. Plus, it’s just a great life lesson as you begin a career.
2. Follow a School’s Instructions
Some colleges have very specific instructions on how to accept or decline an acceptance offer, usually included in your acceptance letter. You might have to submit formal paperwork or you can simply send in an email letting them know about your decision.
If you have any questions about accepting or declining a college’s offer, you can reach out to the admissions department.
3. Write a Thank You Note
Write a note to the college, thanking them for the opportunity, and explaining that you have to decline their offer. Even if you have to submit formal paperwork, it’s still a good idea to send a separate thank you note along with it.
If you’re not sure what to write in your note declining the college’s offer of acceptance, use this template:
Here is a sample letter of how to turn down a college acceptance letter:
Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. __________,
Thank you for your consideration and the acceptance into [college name]. I have carefully considered my options, and although I am honored to be accepted to the school, I will have to regretfully decline the offer. I truly appreciate your assistance.
Thank you again/Sincerely,
Your Signature
You can add more to it if you’d like, too. You might want to touch on why you decided not to attend, how it was a difficult decision, or a mention of where you’ll be going in the Fall.
If you had direct interactions with school representatives who may have assisted you with your application, conducted your interview, or something else, send them a separate thank you note. Thank them for their time, explain how their assistance impacted you, and mention that you’ll regrettably not be attending their college in the fall.
These simple steps will go far in helping you build connections early on in your college career and are great lessons for networking into the future.
Choosing a college is a very important decision, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully. If you receive more than one acceptance letter though, you’re going to have to decline some offers. Always follow the instructions you receive, and always aim to be polite. It’s sure to serve you well in the future.
When deciding which college to attend, you’ll want to compare your options. College Raptor’s College Match makes it easy to explore, compare, and learn about thousands of schools throughout the United States. Plus, it’s completely free!
