<p>Well, I live in Texas, and, as many of you know, UT has an awesome honors program (Plan II). I’d planned to apply to the honors program, but last month I was accepted to my 1st-choice school, and the preliminary financial aid from that school was very good. In fact, my dad said that, based on the preliminary finaid, I can attend this expensive school if I’d like. As a result, I’m now reconsidering applying to Plan II (though I already applied to UT), especially since the application would require an extra essay with which I’m having trouble connecting. The problem is that I already requested a rec from one of my teachers, and she’s probably aready sent it in. Would it be rude to decide not to apply to Plan II and save my energy? In the end, I think I’d realistically end up going to my 1st-choice school; UT and I just never fully clicked.</p>
<p>If you are pretty sure that you don’t want to apply to Plan II now, I think it is fine for you to explain the circumstances to your teacher - of course thanking the teacher for the recommendation. (A small gift would not be inappropriate, along with a nice thank you note.) Assuming that entry into Plan II is competitive, it really is an act of generosity to other students to remove yourself from the applicant pool – your “place” could end up going to a student who has no better alternatives.</p>
<p>On the other hand, you need to be certain that you will be able to attend your school of choice – so get your Dad’s advice on this one. Make sure that there are not going to be any unanticipated changes in your financial situation – the preliminary finaid award could go down if your folks’ 2005 income was better than they first estimated.</p>
<p>I do not think it would be rude, particularly if you had requested the rec before the acceptance to your first choice came through. It would be rude, however, not to keep your teacher informed of your decision. If you do decide not to apply to UT, tell the teacher just in case she has not already written the letter. </p>
<p>Consider that it might still be worthwhile to complete the UT application just to keep all of your options open. You could change your mind between now and May 1. What would you and your dad think if the financial offer from UT turned out even better than the one you already have? </p>
<p>Sometimes essays get easier if you approach them with the attitude that you have nothing to lose (other than perhaps the application fee.)</p>
<p>If you are sure you want to attend the school you’ve already been accepted by adn that it is financially feasible (which sounds like the case), I think it is very sensible and in fact approprriate to end the application process now and not proceed with UT. Simply explain to you teacher and thank her. There isn’t much point taking a spot in the Honors Program away from someone who wants and/or needs it, or putting the people who would be reading your apps to the effort of reading yours if you know ahead of time that you won’t be accepting an offer when it is made. In any case, congratulations.</p>
<p>I vote with BassDad, because until the final financial aid offer is in hand and your deposit check received, First Choice U. is not a sure thing. Finish the Plan II app, do a Class A effort, and hope it won’t be necessary.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I talked with my teacher about dropping the app, and she was fine with it. She was just excited that I’d been accepted to my first-choice school. Actually, I have already applied to UT, just not the honors program, so I do have a back-up to my first choice. Also, UT is extremely stingy with financial aid, so it’s never been a school I’ve counted as a financial safety (However, I still do have a financial safety that’s already accepted me).<br>
Thanks again–I’m super happy with my decision.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptance and on your concern for your teacher. You sound like a great kid and I’m sure your teacher was thrilled for you!</p>