Non-Trad defer acceptance??

[123GO]

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I know that this question has been asked before, and I did use the search function but the threads were a little old so I wanted some perspective. I was accepted to my #1 school, something I am very fortunate for. I also found out about a month ago that I am pregnant and I will be due to deliver around the end of August so right after school starts. I am #1 wondering if this is a legit reason to request deferral for a year (I know this depends largely on the institution this school in particular says they discourage granting deferrals except in cases of medical emergency or events of comparable significance). I will contact the dean of admissions but I wanted to let my acceptance sink in for a little and get some input from the SDN community as to whether this sounded significant enough). I am also questioning if there has ever been a case in which deferral was granted but then you did not get your spot in the next years class, I know that technically the deferral is suppose to save you a seat but I am terrified of taking the year off and then for some unexpected reason not being admitted the following year. I also have read that delayed matriculates have to submit an AMCAS for the next cycle stating deferred or delayed, does anyone know if the entire application has to be filled out again with LORs and everything? I am also contemplating starting school this year even though I do understand I will have to take some time off in the beginning, I am nervous about this decision because I feel like the beginning of medical school might be crucial in forming relationships and getting adjusted. Thanks for any advice, sorry for the long post, and very sorry if this has been posted elsewhere.

 

[jamcat]

I think the best thing to do would be to discuss this with the med school. They admitted you, so they want you, so it's not like they're going to yank your spot away. They may or may not allow the deferral.

My personal perspective is if I were you, I would go for the deferral if it's possible. I don't think having a baby in August is the best way to start med school. Obviously med school is an adjustment for everyone, so even the most prepared pre-med will probably be struggling a bit during that time. I just can't imagine doing that a) right after giving birth and b) with a newborn at home!

You may be able to take some time off (i.e. not go to classes), but it's not like you're excused from learning the material. And if you try to do both and you don't do well academically, which is a very real possibility, that's not gonna be good. Med school is too important to mess up. For whatever it's worth, I would personally be much, much more afraid of starting med school with a newborn than risking losing my spot after a deferral has been granted to me. I don't think the risks there are similar at all.

At the same time, I am sure the dean/officials at your school would have much better insight into this. They want you to succeed just as much as you do, and I wouldn't be afraid of talking to them!