+1 to fencer's post.
You, me and the man behind the tree cannot predict the future.
What happens if you get an apptmt, but a DQ for DoDMERB, thus wait for a waiver that might never come. Meanwhile, you have the apptmt. in hand so you don't place a deposit at your plan B university, yet the waiver doesn't occur, where will you go come next fall?
I don't think they have ever had a 100% retention rate out of BCT, some leave, some are medically turned back. What will you do if you are 1 of them?
We all understand this is your desire, but even when that BFE arrives, IMPO you still need to protect yourself.
A poster's DD contract Guillian Barre Syndrome during BCT, I believe she was a recruited athlete. She was sent home by August.
Some feel that it gives an easy out for the cadet during BCT. Some feel it is best to have a safety net. They feel it is a good idea for what ifs. What if at your family's Memorial Day picnic you play a fun game of flag football and break your leg? By Memorial Day you will have lost the university slot if you don't pay the deposit. Yet, you would be in a cast come I-Day, thus you could not attend. Where do you go come fall?
You need to talk to your folks about this decision. There are colleges that work with SA appointees regarding the deposits, due to the fact that at a certain date it becomes non-refundable. It is college by college, but IMPO it doesn't hurt to talk to the school. You may want to talk to the det too to see if they can assist you for the JIC. Deposits cost a couple of hundred, and depending how many apps you send out, plus ACT/SAT, prom, graduation, etc., sr. yr is a very costly yr for the folks. I think overall we were always thought we were lucky to walk away with being out 1500-2000 dollars for our srs.
Talk to them now to see how they feel about paying a deposit.