What's the best way to decline my UC Berkeley offer of admission?
I'm in kind of a weird spot right now because I just got into UC Berkeley, which was a huge reach for me. But after a lot of thinking and visiting some other colleges, I realized Berkeley isn’t really the right fit for what I want, both academically and just in terms of vibe.
I want to make sure I go about declining my offer the right way. Is there a specific process I'm supposed to follow? Should I email someone or is there a portal I need to use to officially decline? Also, should I say anything particular or is a simple "no thanks" enough? I don't want to burn any bridges, but I also want to make it clear as soon as possible so maybe someone else can get off the waitlist.
If anyone has done this before with Berkeley (or other UCs), please let me know how you handled it and if there's anything I should avoid doing.
I want to make sure I go about declining my offer the right way. Is there a specific process I'm supposed to follow? Should I email someone or is there a portal I need to use to officially decline? Also, should I say anything particular or is a simple "no thanks" enough? I don't want to burn any bridges, but I also want to make it clear as soon as possible so maybe someone else can get off the waitlist.
If anyone has done this before with Berkeley (or other UCs), please let me know how you handled it and if there's anything I should avoid doing.
2 weeks ago
•
9 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
You can officially decline your UC Berkeley offer through the university’s online applicant portal, known as MyAdmissions. Log in with the same credentials you used when applying, and there will be an option to “Decline Admission” or something similar. This is the formal way Berkeley tracks who is accepting or declining, and you don’t need to email admissions or any particular staff member separately unless you want to provide further explanation (which is entirely optional).
As soon as you know your decision, it’s a good idea to take care of it so a spot may potentially open up for someone waiting. When you decline in the portal, the process is straightforward—usually a couple of confirmation screens and then it's done. You don’t have to give a reason or write any sort of explanation unless the portal specifically prompts you for feedback (sometimes they ask what school you’ve chosen instead, but that’s optional).
You don’t have to write a formal note or apology. However, if you want to be extra polite, some students choose to send a short email to the general admissions address, expressing gratitude for the offer and letting them know they’ll be attending another institution. For example:
“Dear Berkeley Admissions,
Thank you very much for offering me admission to UC Berkeley. After careful consideration, I have decided to attend another university this fall. I want to express my genuine appreciation for your offer and all the work you do for students. Wishing you all the best for the coming class.”
This is not required, but it’s a nice gesture and never hurts.
You definitely won’t burn bridges—colleges understand students choose from multiple offers every cycle. As long as you decline respectfully and in a timely fashion, you’re handling things the right way. Don't forget to keep records or screenshots just in case there are any issues later and double check your email for a confirmation.
Congrats again on your acceptance, and best of luck at the college you’ve chosen!
As soon as you know your decision, it’s a good idea to take care of it so a spot may potentially open up for someone waiting. When you decline in the portal, the process is straightforward—usually a couple of confirmation screens and then it's done. You don’t have to give a reason or write any sort of explanation unless the portal specifically prompts you for feedback (sometimes they ask what school you’ve chosen instead, but that’s optional).
You don’t have to write a formal note or apology. However, if you want to be extra polite, some students choose to send a short email to the general admissions address, expressing gratitude for the offer and letting them know they’ll be attending another institution. For example:
“Dear Berkeley Admissions,
Thank you very much for offering me admission to UC Berkeley. After careful consideration, I have decided to attend another university this fall. I want to express my genuine appreciation for your offer and all the work you do for students. Wishing you all the best for the coming class.”
This is not required, but it’s a nice gesture and never hurts.
You definitely won’t burn bridges—colleges understand students choose from multiple offers every cycle. As long as you decline respectfully and in a timely fashion, you’re handling things the right way. Don't forget to keep records or screenshots just in case there are any issues later and double check your email for a confirmation.
Congrats again on your acceptance, and best of luck at the college you’ve chosen!
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years