Currently enrolled at two universities. What to do?

July 15, 2009 9:52 AM

Currently enrolled at two universities. What to do?

Last year I applied to and was accepted by University A. I deferred for this past school year and am expected to attend this fall.

However, this past fall, I applied to University B, to see if I could get in. I did, yet I have still decided for financial reasons to postpone going to university for financial reasons so that I can keep working/saving money for one more year.

The plan was to withdraw my enrollment from University A, and then defer University B for this upcoming year. However, I was informed that I could defer University A for a second year.

My question is, is it legal to be enrolled in two universities at the same time, deferring from both of them for a year?

I have no qualms with withdrawing from University A, but I certainly don't mind having the extra option for in a year's time. I would ask one of the universities this question, but if this is something that could get me into trouble, I'd rather not bring it up with them (as I already am currently enrolled in two universities), and just withdraw right away from University A without pursuing a second year of deferral.

Thank you!

posted by 2X2LcallingCQ to Education (6 answers total)

It wouldn't be "illegal", but it might be against either or both instutition's policies (or perhaps simply their preferences).
posted by onshi at 9:55 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

For clarification, I mean that I highly doubt that it's illegal in the sense of being explicitly prohibited by law; on further reflection, it's conceivable that you signed a legally binding agreement (a contract) with one or the other institution which includes terms barring concurrent deferred enrollment at another institution.
posted by onshi at 9:58 AM on July 15, 2009

This is different for each school. Some schools do not restrict enrollment, some allow cross-enrollment with certain institutions, and some prohibit it.

You can call and ask them without getting into trouble by posing the question as hypothetical. You have no obligation to tell them you're already enrolled in another school if your intent is to abide by their policy once you find out what it is.

However, you sound like you really want to go to University B. Why not just commit to University B and formally withdraw from University A? Then you can spend your energy planning your way into a comfortable University B life.
posted by zennie at 10:29 AM on July 15, 2009

"Admitted" and "enrolled" are not the same thing, I don't think. If you have deferred admission at Univ A but are not registered or taking classes, I would not think of you as enrolled. Likewise Univ B. When it comes time to take classes, you will certainly want to know the schools' policies. However, I personally see no ethical problem with holding onto deferred acceptances at two universities while you wait to see how the next year works out.
posted by not that girl at 1:06 PM on July 15, 2009

It doesn't seem like it would be illegal to me either; however, it does seem like it could be unethical under certain circumstances.

For instance, if you're supposed be receiving a scholarship, stipend, fellowship, or some other form of money from University A that could go to someone else if you tell them you're not coming, you should definitely tell them.

If you're just one in a herd of 8,000 admitted freshmen, it probably doesn't matter much to anyone, and you can keep your options open. But if you signed anything, read it.
posted by nosila at 3:03 PM on July 15, 2009

Have you matriculated at either university? In my college, it was not okay to be taking courses at two institutions simultaneously without prior permission, but students could enroll wherever they wanted during the summer months when classes were not in session (while still enrolled at my college). You aren't actually attending either university, so I don't think any school officials would have a problem with your arrangement.
posted by halogen at 3:36 PM on July 15, 2009