How easy is to defer?

[chrisv]

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Just to accepted to one of my top choices (Western ), and I wanted to know how easy it is to defer at a school. I don't have a really strong reason...basically, I just want to get a job (as a waiter or something) and make some money. My financial situation isn't "bad" (no college loans) but I would like to 1) just take some time off, chill out & 2) make money. Would the schools go for it? Anyone with experience?
Thanks!

 

[Gunit2010]

...make some money as a waiter...defer...chill out...isn't medical school what you wanted? You need a better excuse than to make some money as a waiter.

 

[Dr JPH]

I only now of 2 people who deferred and both were for good reasons, not "I want to relax."

 

[DrBuffett]

...make some money as a waiter...defer...chill out...isn't medical school what you wanted? You need a better excuse than to make some money as a waiter.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with wanting to take a year off to relax. Preparing for and applying to med school is an extremely arduous process. I don't think that we can fault someone for wanting a break after that. Further, it is probably the last chance that we have to "take a year off." After school is over, you can't take a year off from your career so easily. My wife (a med student) and I have talked about that (re: having children) and it just seems like any hiatus would be disadvantageous.

So, I say go for it. Take a year off, but make a strong case to your school about it. Focus on the financial aspect of it. Let them know that you will be able to focus on your studies more when you are more financially secure. Otherwise, you can always be vague and tell them that you have a "personal" or "family" matter that you need to take care of. Those reasons rarely provoke further questioning.

Good luck!