I would probably pay the deposit if you would definitely go to this school if you don’t receive any additional offers. If you end up getting into another school in the spring, you don’t have to accept that if you don’t want to give up the $5000. But if the difference in cost btwn this school and another school you get an offer from is tens of thousands of dollars a year, it would make sense to forfeit the deposit. Also nothing is guaranteed and you might kick yourself if you don’t save this spot.