Deferral Request

[JmanDO]

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So I've been lucky to get into the MSTP program I want but I'd also like to defer for one year, since it's a long commitment, and I feel after the time period I'll be more eager and ready to tackle the heavy workload. I don't want to simply squander my time, I'd use it to do service work abroad.

How do I politely ask for a deferral? I figure it'll be tougher-than normal seeing as how these programs are even more competitive. Would they fill my seat this year with someone else and make me interview again or simply save me a spot for next year, no hassles?

Has anyone done this before?

 

[1 Ku MuDaPhuDka]

I met a kid during a revisit this year who deferred for a year before accepting a position in this year's MSTP class. He said that it was not a big deal at all and he just asked the program director if the option was available and he kindly agreed. So it's definitly possible and easier to do than you anticipate. Obviously its program specific, but a thoughtful director would consider the option I think.

 

[dmblue]

talk to the school

 

[JmanDO]

Well I couldn't very well ask them at the interview. I'm still worried that if I ask and they say no, there will be a bit of negative feelings lurking.

 

[dmblue]

Well I couldn't very well ask them at the interview. I'm still worried that if I ask and they say no, there will be a bit of negative feelings lurking.

....

if you want to take a year off, you have to talk to them.

Just come up with a good explanation of what you want to do and why you want to do it. You can either be honest to them or you can tell them that you really want to do a service project abroad, and you think this is your last opportunity to do this.

As long as you can explain it to them, there won't be negative feelings. Regardless, you are ACCEPTED, so relax

 

[JmanDO]

Are you insinuating that my plans are fake? I assure you they're not.
But I understand what you're saying, I just couldn't ask at interview b/c they'd be less likely to accept me then. I keep worrying that they'd be insulted and rescind my acceptance, but I suppose the worse that could happen is they say no.

Have you ever heard of a deferral request being granted only if the requestee could provide proof/updates of the activity they said they'd be doing? I ask because my service project would be located in Ghana-obv no net connection for long periods.

 

[JmanDO]

Also, when I ask, should I write an email or a letter and attach it as a pdf?

 

[dmblue]

Are you insinuating that my plans are fake? I assure you they're not.
But I understand what you're saying, I just couldn't ask at interview b/c they'd be less likely to accept me then. I keep worrying that they'd be insulted and rescind my acceptance, but I suppose the worse that could happen is they say no.

Have you ever heard of a deferral request being granted only if the requestee could provide proof/updates of the activity they said they'd be doing? I ask because my service project would be located in Ghana-obv no net connection for long periods.

Sorry, I think I edited that post and the meaning was misconstrued. I don't believe you are faking. I more meant that you can either give them a BS explanation or explain it honestly, both of which will probably be convincing enough to have them let you defer.

They shouldn't be able to rescind your acceptance for a request, they may however just say no. I have heard of a few people doing this, so you wouldn't be the first. The one thing I would tell you is tell them early, so that they can fill this year's class with someone else and you would then count for next year's class.