Deferring an acceptance

[Ham-doctor]

Hello,
I recently was admitted into a veterinary program. However due to some complications, I am considering deferring as the program starts in the spring. If I defer, does that mean I have to eventually go to that specific program or does it just mean I have a little bit more time before accept?

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[Minnerbelle]

I mean it would be rather dishonest to say you would like a deferral, have them save you a spot, and say nah actually I got in somewhere better so I won’t be going anymore… though there isn’t likely anything that forces you to stick to that decision.

Unless something has changed, doesn’t VMCAS ask if you’ve previously been admitted to vet school? Saying yes adds a little sketch factor to your application. Not sure how it’s perceived now, but it was pretty frowned upon back when I went to vet school many moons ago. The mantra was only to apply to schools you would be ok going to.

 

[pp9]

Hello,
I recently was admitted into a veterinary program. However due to some complications, I am considering deferring as the program starts in the spring. If I defer, does that mean I have to eventually go to that specific program or does it just mean I have a little bit more time before accept?

Deferring means you have accepted an admissions offer, but both you and the school have agreed that you will not start with the next incoming class for whatever reason. Your matriculation is delayed, essentially.

I'm confused about the bolded part of your question in particular, and the wording overall. Have you already signed an admissions offer, or are you undecided? Are you thinking you don't want to go to this school? Are you thinking you'll defer, but then try again in the next admissions cycle to get in elsewhere? Are you worried that you're going to be legally bound to attend this veterinary school when life might be pulling you away from the veterinary field? If you are wanting to push matriculation off with the hope of getting into a different school next year, I'm with Min in that it's a questionable (and risky, on your part) move. More detail here could help if you are comfortable offering more explanation.

 

[Ham-doctor]

I mean it would be rather dishonest to say you would like a deferral, have them save you a spot, and say nah actually I got in somewhere better so I won’t be going anymore… though there isn’t likely anything that forces you to stick to that decision.

Unless something has changed, doesn’t VMCAS ask if you’ve previously been admitted to vet school? Saying yes adds a little sketch factor to your application. Not sure how it’s perceived now, but it was pretty frowned upon back when I went to vet school many moons ago. The mantra was only to apply to schools you would be ok going to.

Hello, thank you so much for the explanation and I agree it would be very dishonest. I realized how the wording of my question came off and I would like to clarify. I am not deferring because I would prefer somewhere better. I deferred because I was offered a position for a non-vet related job and I wanted to explore that career path, but was hesitant to defer if it meant having to eventually return. I was afraid that if I ended up not wanting to return to vet school, that I would be obligated to.

 

[Ham-doctor]

Deferring means you have accepted an admissions offer, but both you and the school have agreed that you will not start with the next incoming class for whatever reason. Your matriculation is delayed, essentially.

I'm confused about the bolded part of your question in particular, and the wording overall. Have you already signed an admissions offer, or are you undecided? Are you thinking you don't want to go to this school? Are you thinking you'll defer, but then try again in the next admissions cycle to get in elsewhere? Are you worried that you're going to be legally bound to attend this veterinary school when life might be pulling you away from the veterinary field? If you are wanting to push matriculation off with the hope of getting into a different school next year, I'm with Min in that it's a questionable (and risky, on your part) move. More detail here could help if you are comfortable offering more explanation.

Hello, I do apologize as I realise how much question came off. To keep it short, I was offered a oppurtunity to do research and I wanted to explore that. I was afraid that if I ended up wanting to pursue that and not do vet school I would not have a choice as I would be legally bound. Also sorry for the confusion, im not sure why that specific section came up bolded.

 

[Cowsrcool]

Hello, I do apologize as I realise how much question came off. To keep it short, I was offered a oppurtunity to do research and I wanted to explore that. I was afraid that if I ended up wanting to pursue that and not do vet school I would not have a choice as I would be legally bound. Also sorry for the confusion, im not sure why that specific section came up bolded.

if you defer, you are not legally obligated to attend the university. You can ultimately decide not to attend if that becomes your choice.

 

[pp9]

Hello, I do apologize as I realise how much question came off. To keep it short, I was offered a oppurtunity to do research and I wanted to explore that. I was afraid that if I ended up wanting to pursue that and not do vet school I would not have a choice as I would be legally bound. Also sorry for the confusion, im not sure why that specific section came up bolded.

You should discuss this with the school to understand what their deferral process involves and to see if they even approve your deferral request. With that said, I have never heard of a student being legally bound to a school in any way. Even students who do attend schools (or commit to a school in writing with a monetary deposit) are free to drop out or transfer (usually after first year) without legal repercussions.

I do know one person who deferred for a year due to doubting the career choice/having been offered a once in a lifetime internship, and then did not end up going to vet school at all. It happens.

 

[battie]

Not for nothing, deferrals are given for significant life extenuating circumstances. I'm not sure a school will accept a deferral for this reason. Unless you mean youve already secured the deferral at this point.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Hello, thank you so much for the explanation and I agree it would be very dishonest. I realized how the wording of my question came off and I would like to clarify. I am not deferring because I would prefer somewhere better. I deferred because I was offered a position for a non-vet related job and I wanted to explore that career path, but was hesitant to defer if it meant having to eventually return. I was afraid that if I ended up not wanting to return to vet school, that I would be obligated to.

Hello, thank you so much for the explanation and I agree it would be very dishonest. I realized how the wording of my question came off and I would like to clarify. I am not deferring because I would prefer somewhere better. I deferred because I was offered a position for a non-vet related job and I wanted to explore that career path, but was hesitant to defer if it meant having to eventually return. I was afraid that if I ended up not wanting to return to vet school, that I would be obligated to.

You’re never obligated to go to or stay in vet school. If they ask for some sort of deposit for allowing a deferral, you might lose that. But if you choose vet med isn’t for you, you can walk away at any time.

 

[leman1]

I was working with a student in the Master of Veterinary Science program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was admitted to a school to start in a Spring cohort and accepted the offer, but then successfully deferred just so she could finish the MVS program. It seems like deferring is fairly common, so I would also assume that students backing out after deferral is fairly common. The only downside I see would be any financial implications and how that could impact future admission to that specific program.