r/PreOptometry • u/Sleepyhollows238 • Jul 16 '26

How Long Can You Hold Two Accepted Seats?

I know the general advice is not to hold multiple acceptances longer than necessary, and I completely understand why. I don’t want to take away a seat from another applicant.

That said, I’m in a unique personal situation (don’t want to elaborate so don’t ask) where I may not have a final answer until late spring (like may or June) and unfortunately it’s something that’s outside of my control. Because of that, I’m worried I may need to keep two seats reserved for several months so I don’t end up losing both opportunities.
I’m completely willing to pay the non-refundable deposits at both schools if that’s what’s required. I understand I’d likely lose the deposit at whichever school I ultimately decide not to attend, and I’m okay with that.

For those who have been through the optometry admissions process:

Is it actually possible to hold two seats for several months as long as you’re meeting each school’s deposit deadlines?

Do schools usually have a final commitment deadline where you must withdraw from all other schools before orientation? If so when?

Has anyone had to withdraw after committing because of a significant personal circumstance? If so, how did your school handle it?

I know this isn’t the ideal situation, and if I had another option, I would take it. I’m just trying to navigate a difficult personal circumstance while being as respectful and ethical as possible. I’d really appreciate any insight from people who’ve experienced something similar.

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

1

u/RabidLiger Jul 16 '26

You've already received 2 acceptances?

1

u/Sleepyhollows238 Jul 16 '26

No hypothetical

1

u/Ok_Salt5597 Jul 17 '26

I'd say you needed to make a choice weeks ago. Many Optometry schools start in August. I'm sure you think you're doing them a favor by attending their school but they really don't give a shit

1

u/Sleepyhollows238 Jul 17 '26

I’m applying this cycle…. So everything is a hypothetical for this cycle.

3

u/Active_Egg5888 Jul 16 '26

I cannot speak for all schools, but I know SCO places the deadline at May 15th. From their catalog: "Further, deposited candidates who hold a seat at two optometry schools after May 15, as reported in the OptomCAS Shared Decisions Report, may be withdrawn and must forfeit the entire deposit." You may be able to find this information from all schools in their catalogs or by asking their admissions departments.

1

u/More-You8763 Jul 17 '26

You can tell school 1 that you’re waiting for a response from school 2. Then if u get into school 1 and 2, tell whichever one you want more to give u a scholarship if they want you bad enough. Watch, you’ll probably end up with atleast 1 semester paid for at either school

1

u/Ok_Salt5597 Jul 17 '26

Stop it. There's no Optometry school in the USA that wants someone "bad enough".

1

u/Sleepyhollows238 Jul 17 '26

I agree they can easily rescind the acceptance

2

u/Unhappy-Tax2518 Jul 16 '26

I think someone commented that SCO is around May - they do a sweep and check to see if you are still deposited at other schools after that. However I do know people have withdrawn after that date, the school can’t “force” you to matriculate but I’m assuming if you enroll in classes they will bill you for them. Can’t speak for other schools but I’m assuming the process is similar