Deferring my acceptance (ATSU-SOMA)

[E3ZY219]

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Hello SDN community,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I recently got accepted and put my deposit down for ATSU-SOMA (DO School), and things were looking great.

A couple days ago, my maternal grandfather (stage 4 throat cancer/cigarettes) was taken into critical care and is now on life support because he cannot breathe on his own.

This has devastated me literally 11 days before orientation. I have already had a lot going on during this pre-matriculation stage, but this has just put me over the edge. I'm feeling the emotions, depression, and confusion kicking in.

I didn't know what to do, until my friend told me that I could defer my acceptance. I wanted to ask for advice before doing so.

Is this a bad idea? Who should I ask? What is the procedure?

I want to go into Med School, but feel that at the moment, this could impact my performance.

Thank you all.

 

[ERinspired]

Contact your dean’s office. They’ll be able to answer your questions much better than SDN.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[E3ZY219]

Contact your dean’s office. They’ll be able to answer your questions much better than SDN.
/QUOTE]

Okay. Thank you for your response.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

You're seriously considering delaying your acceptance? Are you sure you even want to go to Med School? You know how many people would kill to be in your position?

 

[de Ribas]

Hello SDN community,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I recently got accepted and put my deposit down for ATSU-SOMA (DO School), and things were looking great.

A couple days ago, my maternal grandfather (stage 4 throat cancer/cigarettes) was taken into critical care and is now on life support because he cannot breathe on his own.

This has devastated me literally 11 days before orientation. I have already had a lot going on during this pre-matriculation stage, but this has just put me over the edge. I'm feeling the emotions, depression, and confusion kicking in.

I didn't know what to do, until my friend told me that I could defer my acceptance. I wanted to ask for advice before doing so.

Is this a bad idea? Who should I ask? What is the procedure?

I want to go into Med School, but feel that at the moment, this could impact my performance.

Thank you all.

What if next year before you start you will have something else come up?

 

[E3ZY219]

You're seriously considering delaying your acceptance? Are you sure you even want to go to Med School? You know how many people would kill to be in your position?

How does a family emergency mean I don't want to go to Med school? Don't people defer for much more minor reasons?

 

[E3ZY219]

What if next year before you start you will have something else come up?

So this is unheard of?

 

[Chicken Little]

You're seriously considering delaying your acceptance? Are you sure you even want to go to Med School? You know how many people would kill to be in your position?

A fair amount of people every year delay their acceptance. You don't have to be rude about someone's unfortunate circumstances. The seat will most likely be offered to someone on the waitlist. Not unheard of for people to get off waitlists a week before orientation starts.

Do what you have to do OP.

 

[dial1010usa]

Hello SDN community,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I recently got accepted and put my deposit down for ATSU-SOMA (DO School), and things were looking great.

A couple days ago, my maternal grandfather (stage 4 throat cancer/cigarettes) was taken into critical care and is now on life support because he cannot breathe on his own.

This has devastated me literally 11 days before orientation. I have already had a lot going on during this pre-matriculation stage, but this has just put me over the edge. I'm feeling the emotions, depression, and confusion kicking in.

I didn't know what to do, until my friend told me that I could defer my acceptance. I wanted to ask for advice before doing so.

Is this a bad idea? Who should I ask? What is the procedure?

I want to go into Med School, but feel that at the moment, this could impact my performance.

Thank you all.

I'm so sorry to hear that but I will not defer. Time will heal, i know its easier saying than doing. I know you are in very tough situation but you have 11 more days. Talk to your family and ask them what they think. If you are asking people here, majority of them will tell you not to defer.

 

[de Ribas]

So this is unheard of?

When does orientation start?

 

[Chromatic543]

I think you should tell ATSU what you're telling us. I don't think it's a bad idea, although I'm not sure if ATSU does deferrals.

 

[de Ribas]

Deferred admissions are approved on a case-by-case basis, and only granted in rare cases.

From ATSU website

 

[E3ZY219]

When does orientation start?

Eleven days :/

 

[de Ribas]

Hello SDN community,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I recently got accepted and put my deposit down for ATSU-SOMA (DO School), and things were looking great.

A couple days ago, my maternal grandfather (stage 4 throat cancer/cigarettes) was taken into critical care and is now on life support because he cannot breathe on his own.

This has devastated me literally 11 days before orientation. I have already had a lot going on during this pre-matriculation stage, but this has just put me over the edge. I'm feeling the emotions, depression, and confusion kicking in.

I didn't know what to do, until my friend told me that I could defer my acceptance. I wanted to ask for advice before doing so.

Is this a bad idea? Who should I ask? What is the procedure?

I want to go into Med School, but feel that at the moment, this could impact my performance.

Thank you all.

What's the primary reason for your desire to defer?

1. Your personal health and mind condition?

Or

2. Not having anyone else take care of your grandfather?

 

[E3ZY219]

A fair amount of people every year delay their acceptance. You don't have to be rude about someone's unfortunate circumstances. The seat will most likely be offered to someone on the waitlist. Not unheard of for people to get off waitlists a week before orientation starts.

Do what you have to do OP.

Do they consider cases like mine? I just don't know how to tell them or who to tell.

Will they simply hold my seat throughout this new cycle?

 

[E3ZY219]

What's the rpinary reason for your desire to defer?

1. Your personal health and mind condition?

Or

2. Not having anyone else take care of your grandfather?

My personal condition and my mother. Losing someone so close will definitely take a toll before this HUGE life transition, and my mother's well-being.

 

[de Ribas]

Do they consider cases like mine? I just don't know how to tell them or who to tell.

Will they simply hold my seat throughout this new cycle?

What you mean hold your seat?
They will fill your seat for this year with someone else of course. Next year you just start the school.

 

[Osminog]

How to Defer a Medical School Acceptance

 

[E3ZY219]

What you mean hold your seat?
They will fill your seat for this year with someone else of course. Next year you just start the school.

That's what I meant. Hold a seat for me for next year. I know they will fill my seat this year if I defer.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

A fair amount of people every year delay their acceptance. You don't have to be rude about someone's unfortunate circumstances. The seat will most likely be offered to someone on the waitlist. Not unheard of for people to get off waitlists a week before orientation starts.

Do what you have to do OP.

Yeah, but he/she is just demonstrating an inability to handle stressful situations. OP needs to be stronger than that.

 

[de Ribas]

That's what I meant. Hold a seat for me for next year. I know they will fill my seat this year if I defer.

Deferral, if approved, means that you can start the school next year without having to go through the process again.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

How does a family emergency mean I don't want to go to Med school? Don't people defer for much more minor reasons?

You're delaying because of a single event. You're showing that you can't handle stress...not a good sign of a future Physician.

 

[E3ZY219]

You're delaying because of a single event. You're showing that you can't handle stress...not a good sign of a future Physician.

Then why do people get deferrals? What is a plausible reason?

 

[de Ribas]

Then why do people get deferrals? What is a plausible reason?

Read osminogs Link


It says mostly for professional and other academic reasons.

 

[MyGrainAura]

You're seriously considering delaying your acceptance? Are you sure you even want to go to Med School? You know how many people would kill to be in your position?

If this was meant in jest then A) it wasn’t funny

If it wasn’t meant in jest then B) you have some real growing up to do. This is precisely why non-trad applicants have a boon in demonstrating empathy.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[WhereMyLiberalsAt]

You're delaying because of a single event. You're showing that you can't handle stress...not a good sign of a future Physician.

Knowing ones limits...

Prioritizing...

Delaying starting school to care for their mother...

Gaining a life experience that will change the way they practice medicine...


OP I would figure out this situation without the opinions of SDN. Call your school and then discuss the options they give you with your family. I’m sorry OP that this has happened to you and your family.

 

[MedicineN'Jazz]

The comments on here are just downright scary. OP, email your dean of academic affairs ASAP and tell them your situation. You’ll likely be granted that leave of absence. I’m so sorry to hear about your situation, and fwiw I think you’re making the best decision that you can.

 

[Goro]

How does a family emergency mean I don't want to go to Med school? Don't people defer for much more minor reasons?

No, they don't. Deferrals are actually uncommon, and usually reserved for emergencies.

But it sure sounds like you're not ready for med school

 

[dj-Roomba]

I am starting this year after deferring acceptance last year. My child has a congenital heart defect and has needed surgery 3 times since I was accepted last year. The dean was very understanding when I requested a deferral. Contrary to what others have said I think its important to make sure you are in the best mind set before starting something as rigorous as medical school

Different school BTW

 

[gensurghopeful]

Defer if you can and that's what you need to do, sure why not. At the same time, realize that making yourself comfortable is not always an option in life, and esp in the medical world of being a doctor.

 

[Tozanzibarbymotorcar]

Yeah, but he/she is just demonstrating an inability to handle stressful situations. OP needs to be stronger than that.

Lol seriously? OP is deferring school not dropping out. I think this is a much more responsible move than failing classes and needing to take a leave. If the OP has the financial resources and time then take the time off. Start school when you don’t have too much on your shoulders. Nobody will ever know except your school and they probably won’t really care as long as they collect tuition from the next student at the end of the day.

 

[Tozanzibarbymotorcar]

No, they don't. Deferrals are actually uncommon, and usually reserved for emergencies.

But it sure sounds like you're not ready for med school

Yeah but how did this translate to the OP not wanting to go to med school at all?

 

[de Ribas]

Yeah but how did this translate to the OP not wanting to go to med school at all?

I have already had a lot going on during this pre-matriculation stage,

Looks like OP admits that there were many other reasons to defer or not to start med school this year.

Nobody here judges OP, but tries to help OP realize their own motifs and to provide some guidance. That what is OP asking for.

Otherwise, if one absolutely cant start med school, contact your school and see if they will allow it. Simple as that.


OP is asking:

Is this a bad idea?

People share there views. Some people, including me, believe that OP needs to be able to overcome stress, learn how to cope with it, and go on with life. Once the schools starts, it is at least 7 year long journey during which a lot will happen.

 

[ciestar]

Looks like OP admits that there were many other reasons to defer or not to start med school this year.

Nobody here judges OP, but tries to help OP realize their own motifs and to provide some guidance. That what is OP asking for.

Otherwise, if one absolutely cant start med school, contact your school and see if they will allow it. Simple as that.


OP is asking:


People share there views. Some people, including me, believe that OP needs to be able to overcome stress, learn how to cope with it, and go on with life. Once the schools starts, it is at least 7 year long journey during which a lot will happen.

Agree, but at least for OP this happened before med school, not during. It gets a lot more complicated once you’re in the thick of things. Example: my mom is in the hospital but due to clerkships...i have to be selfish and do what I need to do for myself.

OP, obviously the best thing here is to speak to student affairs and see what they suggest. If they grant a deferral, that might be best for you, but be aware they’re not obligated to do so..or a LOA might work here (my school has granted these) if the deferral is too late. Not sure of their policies, but you obviously have to ask. Sorry you’re going through this.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

I'm sorry for your loss. But imagine of your grandfather had died in the middle of Medical school halfway through the year. What would you have done? Don't you think that if your grandfather was still alive he would want you to be strong and move forward with your education and not put your life on hold for an entire year. I understand that you need time to heal though. In medical school and as a physician your going to see a lot of cases where you have a strong relationship with a patient for a while and they might pass away suddenly in the emergency room. Not to sound insensitive but you would have to deal with it pretty quickly and move on. You won't be able to take a leave of absence for every patient that dies. And I feel your pain. Two of my family members passes away recently within one year of each other. But I would never put my life on hold because of that.

 

[Pdazzle11]

Literally horrified at the responses. SDN is a toxic site filled with self righteous idiots who put being a doctor above all else. You could literally lose a leg and an arm and people on this site would say “what’s the big deal, go to med school.” Call up the admissions office and see what they have to say. You have a very legitimate excuse for deferring in my opinion and while the easy thing to do is to say “suck it up” sometimes that’s not possible. Good luck to you!

 

[de Ribas]

Literally horrified at the responses. SDN is a toxic site filled with self righteous idiots who put being a doctor above all else. You could literally lose a leg and an arm and people on this site would say “what’s the big deal, go to med school.” Call up the admissions office and see what they have to say. You have a very legitimate excuse for deferring in my opinion and while the easy thing to do is to say “suck it up” sometimes that’s not possible. Good luck to you!

Looks like you have missed the point.

We don't know everything that goes in OP life currently. People share their views based on the provided story.

There are things in life that can be coped with and others that can require a break.

You dont stop being a spouse or a parent when you experience some other issues in life. We constantly cope with multiple sources of stress in our life. We dont quit other things to deal with an individual problem that has came up.

There are many factors that take effect in how one can handle stress. So we can't really judge OP in one way or the other. They know their own situation and the extent of it. OP definitely has a choice and an option to try to defer if the school will allow it. Nobody said that medical school is above everything else in life. Don't make things up. In fact personal life and health, physical and mental, is more important. But, some posters just wanted to make OP think if they are ready for 7+ year journey where one has to experience a lot of hurdles at school, life, relationships and health. You won't be able to quit every time you face a new hurdle and come back to school to continue.

7 years is long enough to experience more relatives to get sick or even pass away. I have had 4 grand parents. They are/were all in their 80s and 2 of them were with chronic illnesses. My grandfather just recently passed away after fighting diabetes for over 15 years. He passed away a week before my wife was due with out third child. I couldn't fly 2000 miles to be at the funeral because everyone left and nobody would stay with my wife with 2 other kids and help her in case she went into labor. I was doing post-bacc and worked full-time at the same time. I was very close to my grandfather. We spent many years together before and he was my great mentor. I was sad. But I had to cope and get back in the game very quickly as I had pregnant wife, 2 chidldren, school and job. You cant quit. You need to go forward.

I feel very sorry for OP. I have lost my 2 grandfathers. 1 to diabetes and other one to heart disease. I can imagine what they are going through.

I distinguish between something that one can cope with and something like severe personal illness that will take away time and energy during school year. Something that will require LOA for sure. Or if I am the only child of a severely or terminally ill parent and will require regular care.

 

[Blanky]

I am starting this year after deferring acceptance last year. My child has a congenital heart defect and has needed surgery 3 times since I was accepted last year. The dean was very understanding when I requested a deferral. Contrary to what others have said I think its important to make sure you are in the best mind set before starting something as rigorous as medical school

Different school BTW

This seems more in line with a major life event.
Your grandfather passing is a natural part of life and you will feel a little better soon. Some people on here are screaming for empathy and just sound silly. This is part of being an adult. These things are painful but how long does the average person miss work after their grandfather passes? Maybe there is some specific details we do not know about, and I am generalizing and not referring directly to OPs life.

 

[Blanky]

How much time off work does the average person take after the loss of a grandparent?

 

[de Ribas]

How much time off work does the average person take after the loss of a grandparent?

Maybe a day or two to go to the funeral if it is not on the weekend. If you are the only caretaker of your grandparent, maybe couple days more.

 

[GypsyHummus]

OP, I’d ask your school ASAP if you could do this. I’ve heard of it happening before.

As for everyone else, y’all need to calm down. This would be a win win for everyone, OP gets to spend the last few weeks with a family member and some poor sap gets off the waitlist.

 

[rg2o3]

How much time off work does the average person take after the loss of a grandparent?

Usually a day or two to attend funeral and wake. Sometimes none if out of state. Sometimes a few more if theyre the one that has to set up the funeral and wake. But not very many.

 

[Osminog]

This would be a win win for everyone, OP gets to spend the last few weeks with a family member and some poor sap gets off the waitlist.

"Win win for everyone"? Oh, please.

OP misses out on $300K+ of potential salary and wastes a year of his life so that he can cope with a normal, natural life event. That's a win?

A "poor sap" gets off the waitlist this cycle... but an equally "poor sap" is placed on the waitlist instead of being accepted next cycle because OP takes up a spot in the class. That's a win?

 

[rg2o3]

This is sad, very sad. The loss of anyone in your life is terrible. However, unless your grandparents raised you, and were your source of survival and growth, I’m not sure I would put my life on hold for an entire year. To be honest, would they want that? Would they want you sitting around grieving for an entire year? Or would they want you out there chasing your goals and living your life? They had the chance to live theirs, now it’s your turn.

Be sad, be angry, grieve, cope, for a few weeks...then go crush medical school and follow that dream.

 

[GypsyHummus]

PCPs usually don’t make 300k+ right out of school. Realistically OP is missing out on 180-200k attending salary. Though tuition will prolly increase by 3-5k.

Seeing how DO schools are expanding, I doubt there will be a net loss in seats. Poor sap will prolly get in somewhere if gpa and mcat are good enough.

Plus, this gives OP to save up money and travel if they do choose. Once you start Med school, you kinda go full speed till you get out of residency.

It’s OPs seat, he can decide what to do with it if the school lets him.

"Win win for everyone"? Oh, please.

OP misses out on $300K+ of potential salary and wastes a year of his life so that he can cope with a normal, natural life event. That's a win?

A "poor sap" gets off the waitlist this cycle... but an equally "poor sap" is placed on the waitlist instead of being accepted next cycle because OP takes up a spot in the class. That's a win?

 

[Osminog]

PCPs usually don’t make 300k+ right out of school. Realistically OP is missing out on 180-200k attending salary. Though tuition will prolly increase by 3-5k.

Actually, when you delay by a year, you lose a year of salary from the end of your career, not a year of salary "right out of school." $300K is a conservative estimate.

Seeing how DO schools are expanding, I doubt there will be a net loss in seats. Poor sap will prolly get in somewhere if gpa and mcat are good enough.

The expansion of class sizes is irrelevant to the point I made. There would still be one fewer seats because OP would take up a seat, and therefore someone would be waitlisted who would otherwise have been accepted.

Plus, this gives OP to save up money and travel if they do choose. Once you start Med school, you kinda go full speed till you get out of residency.

Nice consolation prize for delaying one's career by a year for no good reason.

It’s OPs seat, he can decide what to do with it if the school lets him.

No one's saying otherwise.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

If this was meant in jest then A) it wasn’t funny

If it wasn’t meant in jest then B) you have some real growing up to do. This is precisely why non-trad applicants have a boon in demonstrating empathy.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Growing up to do? Because I'm being rational and objective? Deferring a Medical School acceptance is irrational and demonstrates inability to handles the stressors of life. In my opinion, OP has growing up to do before embarking on becoming a Physician.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

PCPs usually don’t make 300k+ right out of school. Realistically OP is missing out on 180-200k attending salary. Though tuition will prolly increase by 3-5k.

Seeing how DO schools are expanding, I doubt there will be a net loss in seats. Poor sap will prolly get in somewhere if gpa and mcat are good enough.

Plus, this gives OP to save up money and travel if they do choose. Once you start Med school, you kinda go full speed till you get out of residency.

It’s OPs seat, he can decide what to do with it if the school lets him.

A GAP YEAR is used for travelling and working. DEFERRING is wasting OP's time, the school's time, and wasting time that OP can potentially work as a physician in the future.

If you can't handle life's stressors, you have some maturing to do, and should avoid applying to Medical School until you are ready.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

This is sad, very sad. The loss of anyone in your life is terrible. However, unless your grandparents raised you, and were your source of survival and growth, I’m not sure I would put my life on hold for an entire year. To be honest, would they want that? Would they want you sitting around grieving for an entire year? Or would they want you out there chasing your goals and living your life? They had the chance to live theirs, now it’s your turn.

Be sad, be angry, grieve, cope, for a few weeks...then go crush medical school and follow that dream.

Best advice right here.

 

[Saleemrodman1]

OP, I’d ask your school ASAP if you could do this. I’ve heard of it happening before.

As for everyone else, y’all need to calm down. This would be a win win for everyone, OP gets to spend the last few weeks with a family member and some poor sap gets off the waitlist.

This is not a win-win if you look at the big picture.

OP is wasting his/her own time, wasting the school's time because now they have to admit another student when their class was full, and wasting a year of work that OP could have put in as a Physician.