Deferral Advice

[ThaJewelofPR]

Okay, this is my current situation: I got accepted to UTSW in Dallas, and I'm still waiting to hear from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Both my family and boyfriend live in Houston, so I am really hoping to get into BCM. If I go to UTSW, I would be in Dallas for a year by myself until my boyfriend finishes undergrad at Rice and can move there. I have the option to request a one year deferral; if I were to take advantage of this, I could stay in Houston and do research for another year (and hopefully publish another paper in that time!). My boyfriend and I are very serious (we've been dating for more than 3 years and have plans to get engaged soon). Should I defer a year, or just have a long-distance relationship for a year? Is anyone else going through a similar situation?

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[Flopotomist]

don't defer.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Deferring in your situation is probably not the best idea. You have the rest of your life to live with your man and it looks like you already took a year off, so I would try to get started on my education sooner than later.

Ideally, you'd get into Baylor and this wouldn't be an issue for you. Good luck!

 

[potato51]

Enroll this year. It'd be really really tough, but you'll be just a few hours separated, and you'll be away from him 9 months minus holidays and breaks. And with med school starting, you'll be mighty busy anyway.

But let's hope Baylor comes through for you first. Good luck~!

 

[ThaJewelofPR]

Thanks, guys. I know you are all right; I was just throwing the idea out there, because it is always a possibility...I really do want to go on with my education, though. Things will be okay for 9 months... 🙂

 

[RxnMan]

I understand some of your problem - I am wondering how I would juggle being with my girlfriend and med school if I get in.

I would see what the penalty for deferring would be. If there's no penalty (i.e. you are still assured admission), then I'd take the year off. Publications are one thing that separate good residency applicants from great ones. Use that year to get to know your future spouse better. Besides, time spent on strengthening your relationship will make it better able to weather the rough spots that will happen during your clinical years.

 

[ThaJewelofPR]

I know for sure that I will be allowed to defer a year for research...I will be able to retain my acceptance no problem....Thanks for your advice, Rxnman!