Defering a year

[emaj1n]

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Does anyone know specifics about how schools handle requests to defer admission for one year? I'm sure schools handle requests differently, and I assume most schools prefer not to defer admission. Are there certain circumstances where schools will/won't recognize these requests? The school at which I'm thinking about deferring admission is EVMS.

P.S. Check spelling on subject...*deferring.

 

[FFwannabeMD]

BUMP!

I'm curious as well.

I was told by my student interviewer at Drexel that she's known a couple people to defer for a year post-acceptance without trouble, even after the start of classes. I've been told that at some other schools, the process is far more difficult.

 

[Hassler]

Can't you guys just call the admissions office of those schools and find out? I'll trust the admissions office people more than studentdoctor lol. Or you can check their website.

 

[ppancreas]

I had the same question about a month ago, as I'd decided to defer so that my boyfriend and I can start grad school at the same time.

There was nothing on the board, and virtually no info on the schools' websites, so I wrote a professional letter to each school I was accepted to, addressed to the medical selection committe, asking for the opportunity to defer for a year and why.

I thought about writing a letter saying that I wanted to defer so that I could travel, take classes, gain more work experience etc, but ended up just telling them the truth. Short and sweet- I'm excited to to their college of medicine, but want to wait one more year so that my boyfriend and I can start graduate school at the same time.

All of the schools were totally fine with my deferral request, but counseled me that once you have decided to defer to one school, you have to withdraw all of your other applications that are still out. So, the schools are just holding onto the letter until the end of the process, and the deferral is available if I need it.

 

[jackbauer]

deferral is a touchy subject, so no, it's not always easy to talk with the admissions office about it. some schools are very happy to let you take a year off for any reason whatsoever - those would be the schools who have accepted you as an outstanding candidate and understand that a deferral year is likely to make you a better professional. other schools are open to deferral as long as you are doing something concrete, i.e. marshall/fulbright type scholarship or finishing lab research to get to that amazing discovery you are about to make, etc.

it also depends when in the process you are accepted. the earlier you are accepted the easier it is to defer, because the more time the school has to find a replacement for your spot. many waitlist acceptees will find it difficult to earn a deferral.

 

[Depakote]

Does anyone know specifics about how schools handle requests to defer admission for one year? I'm sure schools handle requests differently, and I assume most schools prefer not to defer admission. Are there certain circumstances where schools will/won't recognize these requests? The school at which I'm thinking about deferring admission is EVMS.

P.S. Check spelling on subject...*deferring.

I do know that EVMS allows you to defer admissions. I do not know about the process. You might check last year's Class of 2010 thread, I know at least one person in that thread deferred admission. Maybe you could PM them and ask...

 

[bbabul01]

You have to request a deferral directly with the school. If they allow it, which it appears they do, they'll have a process for it. You do have to withdraw all other applications, and commit to their school, maybe with a deposit. Then when the AMCAS opens up again, you have to resubmit your application as a deferral application. This is to make sure you don't apply to any other schools etc. You don't have to repay any AMCAS fees, but you do have to resubmit transcripts and be verified and jump through all those hoops. Schools are usually understanding though. And if they say no, they're not going to withdraw your acceptance just because you asked. Good luck.

 

[Rowdy]

How late can you ask for deferral? I've been accepted at Drexel, but want to defer a year to finish my masters (i haven't asked yet, but it seems likely they'll grant deferral for this purpose). As I understand it, if Drexel grants me a deferral I'll have to withdraw my other pending applications, which I'm not prepared to do yet since Drexel isn't my first choice (i'm waiting to hear from schools i've already interviewed at, and I still have two interviews next month). How safe is it to just wait until my other decisions come in before asking Drexel about deferral?

 

[63768]

How late can you ask for deferral? I've been accepted at Drexel, but want to defer a year to finish my masters (i haven't asked yet, but it seems likely they'll grant deferral for this purpose). As I understand it, if Drexel grants me a deferral I'll have to withdraw my other pending applications, which I'm not prepared to do yet since Drexel isn't my first choice (i'm waiting to hear from schools i've already interviewed at, and I still have 2 interviews next month). How safe is it to just wait until my other decisions come in before asking Drexel about deferral?

it's probably the best idea to call up drexel and ask them when the deadline for that kind of thing is. that way you can still wait on your other schools and know when you have to submit your request for deferral.

 

[SoCuteMD]

How late can you ask for deferral? I've been accepted at Drexel, but want to defer a year to finish my masters (i haven't asked yet, but it seems likely they'll grant deferral for this purpose). As I understand it, if Drexel grants me a deferral I'll have to withdraw my other pending applications, which I'm not prepared to do yet since Drexel isn't my first choice (i'm waiting to hear from schools i've already interviewed at, and I still have 2 interviews next month). How safe is it to just wait until my other decisions come in before asking Drexel about deferral?

You are better off calling Drexel for this information. Asking before May 15th is the best idea. I asked just before May 15th and a guy in the class ahead of me (we would have been in the same class if I hadn't been granted my deferral) asked after May 15th. Although we had similar plans, his was denied and I was granted a year (the BEST year of my life thus far, might I add).

Good luck!!

 

[GuzzyRon]

How late can you ask for deferral? I've been accepted at Drexel, but want to defer a year to finish my masters (i haven't asked yet, but it seems likely they'll grant deferral for this purpose). As I understand it, if Drexel grants me a deferral I'll have to withdraw my other pending applications, which I'm not prepared to do yet since Drexel isn't my first choice (i'm waiting to hear from schools i've already interviewed at, and I still have two interviews next month). How safe is it to just wait until my other decisions come in before asking Drexel about deferral?

You have to ask Drexel ASAP (and all other schls you're waiting on) what their policy is regarding deferral to complete a program. At most schls I know, it is a requirement for accepted applicants to complete whatever they're into (bachelors, post-bacc, masters, Ph.D) before matriculation otherwise your acceptance gets withdrawn.