The colleges don’t like it but double depositing is not unethical! It a prudent strategy, and you may also want to consider not declining any offers of admission until much later in the summer when hopefully things have settled down and financial implications are known. In 2019, the Justice Department required National Association for College Admission Counseling to make changes to their established “Code of ethics” which NACAC recently changed to a list of “best practices.” Now, colleges can continue to solicit students who have not responded to admission offers by May 1st (many colleges have moved decision day to June 1 given COVID 19 issues). Last year there were reports of students who had not responded by May 1 receiving emails with enhanced financial aid awards in May and June. There is noting to lose so absolutely make a double deposit by May 1 at your first choice schools and do not decline other offers of admission. This will give your family the options they need in these uncertain times. And if anyone wants to have a conversation about unethical behavior in admission departments, I am happy to engage.