Reasons to Defer?

[cvanthof]

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I was wondering if anyone has deferred and for what reason? My understanding is that the exceptions vary based on the school...there are multiple little reasons I want to defer:

1. My SO is graduating from West Point this year, and we have had a LDR for the entire time we have been together. He owes 5 years to the army now, but he isn't likely to be deployed in his first year of active duty. Therefore, I would like to spend a year with him before we have to go back to an LDR for 4 more years.

2. During my undergrad career, I have set out to lose weight and lost about 25 lbs, once in my freshman and once in my junior year. The problem is I keep gaining it back- which I attribute to my lack of resources once the semester ends and I don't have a "free" gym 5 minutes away. I am not a big runner, so I was never good at focusing on that when home for vacation. I am also an emotional eater, which I am actively working on but it is a large reason why I haven't been able to keep weight off. With vet school coming up, this worries me. I don't want to leave school with a DVM and a whole lot of extra bulk, I want to stay healthy. I want a year to get myself back on track and in really good habits, proving to myself that I can keep a routine and not just get healthy, but stay healthy.

3. I need to arrive at vet school with some cash in my pocket. I have literally spent everything I have on my undergrad, and I know that Financial Aid will cover tuition/living expenses ( at least where I have been admitted so far), but I would rather not live like a hermit while at school- not in the way that I can only afford to cook for myself and never go out. I want to use my bachelors to get a job that I can make some money at for a year.

That is the gist of it. Anyone's input who knows a little something about trying to defer is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[heylodeb]

#1 is the only one that a vet school MIGHT consider, but quite honestly - why would you even apply if you weren't ready to go?

People usually defer because of medical issues that don't allow them to continue school, family emergencies, things that are much bigger than wanting to lose weight or save up some money. (You'll never have enough....regardless of how much you go in with) - If these things are really that important to you then you probably do need to defer but you are going to have to think of a much better reason than the ones given.

I was wondering if anyone has deferred and for what reason? My understanding is that the exceptions vary based on the school...there are multiple little reasons I want to defer:

1. My SO is graduating from West Point this year, and we have had a LDR for the entire time we have been together. He owes 5 years to the army now, but he isn't likely to be deployed in his first year of active duty. Therefore, I would like to spend a year with him before we have to go back to an LDR for 4 more years.

2. During my undergrad career, I have set out to lose weight and lost about 25 lbs, once in my freshman and once in my junior year. The problem is I keep gaining it back- which I attribute to my lack of resources once the semester ends and I don't have a "free" gym 5 minutes away. I am not a big runner, so I was never good at focusing on that when home for vacation. I am also an emotional eater, which I am actively working on but it is a large reason why I haven't been able to keep weight off. With vet school coming up, this worries me. I don't want to leave school with a DVM and a whole lot of extra bulk, I want to stay healthy. I want a year to get myself back on track and in really good habits, proving to myself that I can keep a routine and not just get healthy, but stay healthy.

3. I need to arrive at vet school with some cash in my pocket. I have literally spent everything I have on my undergrad, and I know that Financial Aid will cover tuition/living expenses ( at least where I have been admitted so far), but I would rather not live like a hermit while at school- not in the way that I can only afford to cook for myself and never go out. I want to use my bachelors to get a job that I can make some money at for a year.

That is the gist of it. Anyone's input who knows a little something about trying to defer is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[orca2011]

I deferred my acceptance from Glasgow for a year for financial reasons. When I was accepted I had just been laid off for month from a PT job that paid just above minimum wage. And while I knew I would have enough for tuition and living expenses, I was worried about what might happen if the exchange rate changed drastically in the next 5 years. My loans wouldn't be able to cover that and I have literally no savings. My plan was to keep working at my job (which I had gotten back ) as well as an additional one to try to put some money away.

I explained that to them, they offered me that option, no problem. Not sure if it's that easy at other schools or not.

Things ended up working out in the end though. I got accepted to some schools state side and even to my IS by complete surprise. By deferring, I ended up preventing myself from losing $2,000 in a deposit. I ended up losing $500 instead.

I'm not sure where you've been accepted to, but I know, as of right now, my loans at Penn give me more then enough. I actually have a good bit left over from this semester which I'm saving to either use for summer rent, or maybe pay off one of my smaller undegrad loans. And that's not because I live in a really s***** apartment either. Maybe it's just cause Philly rent has quite a range, but I think for the most part, you are given a bit more than you need especially if you're conscientious of what you have. I don't stay in or never eat out, but I also don't buy lunch/dinner every day like some of my classmates. I take full advantage of any lunch/dinner talks and often pack/bring snacks. You don't necessarily have to live like a hermit, but you can't be throwing your money away either.

Not sure if that's the same for everyone else, but that's my experience so far.

 

[heylodeb]

I deferred my acceptance from Glasgow for a year for financial reasons. When I was accepted I had just been laid off for month from a PT job that paid just above minimum wage. And while I knew I would have enough for tuition and living expenses, I was worried about what might happen if the exchange rate changed drastically in the next 5 years. My loans wouldn't be able to cover that and I have literally no savings. My plan was to keep working at my job (which I had gotten back ) as well as an additional one to try to put some money away.

I explained that to them, they offered me that option, no problem. Not sure if it's that easy at other schools or not.

Things ended up working out in the end though. I got accepted to some schools state side and even to my IS by complete surprise. By deferring, I ended up preventing myself from losing $2,000 in a deposit. I ended up losing $500 instead.

I'm not sure where you've been accepted to, but I know, as of right know, my loans at Penn give me more then enough. I actually have a good bit left over from this semester which I'm saving to either use for summer rent, or maybe pay off one of my smaller undegrad loans. And that's not because I live in a really s***** apartment either. Maybe it's just cause Philly rent has quite a range, but I think for the most part, you are given a bit more than you need especially if you're conscientious of what you have. I don't stay in or never eat out, but I also don't buy lunch/dinner every day like some of my classmates. I take full advantage of any lunch/dinner talks and often pack/bring snacks. You don't necessarily have to live like a hermit, but you can't be throwing your money away either.

Not sure if that's the same for everyone else, but that's my experience so far.

and apparently I'm a hard ass, lol

 

[orca2011]

and apparently I'm a hard ass, lol

Hahaha. Honestly, I was very surprised that they were okay with it. I didn't think it would happen. I think it might have been how I presented myself too since I had studied abroad in the UK for 9 months and was able to talk about exchange rates, flights, groceries, more easily and be accurate in prices and things like that.

 

[BlackDog17]

#1 is the only one that a vet school MIGHT consider, but quite honestly - why would you even apply if you weren't ready to go?

People usually defer because of medical issues that don't allow them to continue school, family emergencies, things that are much bigger than wanting to lose weight or save up some money. (You'll never have enough....regardless of how much you go in with) - If these things are really that important to you then you probably do need to defer but you are going to have to think of a much better reason than the ones given.

👍 Agreed . These are all things that you have likely been aware of for some time now, and should have considered before applying this cycle. Deferrals are usual reserved for extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or extreme illness . You're probably going to get very little sympathy from the adcoms.

 

[cvanthof]

👍 Agreed . These are all things that you have likely been aware of for some time now, and should have considered before applying this cycle. Deferrals are usual reserved for extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or extreme illness . You're probably going to get very little sympathy from the adcoms.

These are the answers I was expecting- and I can get over this stuff if I have to. The situation was just a little different when I applied (aka the army is a very unpredictable career).

I only bothered asking because I have a friend who was allowed to defer simply because he wanted to study art for a semester. He was able to defer a whole year to take one semester of art classes.

...so it isn't impossible to defer for non- life threatening reasons.

 

[nyanko]

2. During my undergrad career, I have set out to lose weight and lost about 25 lbs, once in my freshman and once in my junior year. The problem is I keep gaining it back- which I attribute to my lack of resources once the semester ends and I don't have a "free" gym 5 minutes away. I am not a big runner, so I was never good at focusing on that when home for vacation. I am also an emotional eater, which I am actively working on but it is a large reason why I haven't been able to keep weight off. With vet school coming up, this worries me. I don't want to leave school with a DVM and a whole lot of extra bulk, I want to stay healthy. I want a year to get myself back on track and in really good habits, proving to myself that I can keep a routine and not just get healthy, but stay healthy.

As far as this one goes, I don't think this is the sort of reason worth deferring for. In an ideal world perhaps, but if you are able to stay on track with diet and exercise for one year where the only stress you have is whatever job you're doing (and yes, I know that can be a huge stressor but it isn't the constant day-in and day-out crazytown that vet school can be) that really isn't much of a predictor of how well you would manage to do so in vet school in my opinion. It'd be giving up time and future income for a low likelihood of working out the way you want it to. If you're applying this cycle, you still have plenty of time to establish good health habits and I don't think an extra year of them will make a difference for when you are placed in a completely different environment.

 

[BlackDog17]

These are the answers I was expecting- and I can get over this stuff if I have to. The situation was just a little different when I applied (aka the army is a very unpredictable career).

I only bothered asking because I have a friend who was allowed to defer simply because he wanted to study art for a semester. He was able to defer a whole year to take one semester of art classes.

...so it isn't impossible to defer for non- life threatening reasons.

It definitely depends on the school. I've heard that the Caribbean schools are very lenient with deferrals and will barely even bother to ask for an explanation . There are also some schools that will not give a deferral for any reason. It can't hurt to ask, but don't expect them to say yes.

 

[equineconstant]

At one point last year, I was going to apply for a Fulbright and would have deferred vet school if I'd gotten into both. Ended up not applying for the Fulbright, though--too much effort when I probably wasn't going to get it.

 

[cs5910]

I had a friend who deferred for family issues... But the schools did ask that you notify them as soon as possible so that they can give others a chance for this cycle....those that are ready and waiting for a chance to start vet school for this cycle.

 

[cvanthof]

As far as this one goes, I don't think this is the sort of reason worth deferring for. In an ideal world perhaps, but if you are able to stay on track with diet and exercise for one year where the only stress you have is whatever job you're doing (and yes, I know that can be a huge stressor but it isn't the constant day-in and day-out crazytown that vet school can be) that really isn't much of a predictor of how well you would manage to do so in vet school in my opinion. It'd be giving up time and future income for a low likelihood of working out the way you want it to. If you're applying this cycle, you still have plenty of time to establish good health habits and I don't think an extra year of them will make a difference for when you are placed in a completely different environment.

you have a very good point. I am getting surgery on my foot in about a week that has a 2.5 month recovery time, so that will not allow me to start exercising for quite a while, but the summer is also a good amount of time.

i could just work for the time i have left, and see where that gets me. and finally, suck it up with the SO and power through it. It sounds like vet school will go by quickly 😛 (not that I don't want to enjoy it while I am there).

thanks for the advice, everyone 🙂

 

[orcagirl]

I do want to add that since starting vet school, I've found the time to eat better and exercise more. I love it. I live close enough to school and drive to school now (as opposed to taking a bus in undergrad) that I can get up and I have time for a small workout in the morning. My husband and I take turns cooking, but there's always ways to make a lot of food over the weekend. I was extremely obsessed with doing everything I could, the best I could, in undergrad that I'd be on campus for 12 hours most days. I've found there's less pressure with vet school. I don't need to make As all the time. I ended up with decent grades this semester, and I did have to work for them, but since starting vet school I've been able to find a much better balance between school, myself, my marriage, and even my social life. It's all about how you put it together.

 

[Elliott Garber]

I deferred for a year at Tufts basically because I was tired of school and wanted to do some adventuring. I'm not sure why a school would really care either way -- once they've decided they want you it shouldn't make much of a difference if it is one year or the next. Tufts was reluctant at first but finally gave me the go-ahead.

I spent the first eight months working a variety of random jobs (handyman on cattle ranch, waiter in fancy restaurant, carpenter's assistant, grocery store warehouse supervisor) and earned enough to support myself and pay back $16k in undergrad student loans.

I then spent the next few months traveling through Europe and volunteering with a conservation organization in Lebanon.

Overall it was very worthwhile and made me much more ready to get back into classes by the next fall! I recommend that everyone take time off if they're able to.

 

[grumpycat]

I had a friend who deferred for family issues... But the schools did ask that you notify them as soon as possible so that they can give others a chance for this cycle....those that are ready and waiting for a chance to start vet school for this cycle.

This is slightly OT but... say that someone who is admitted during Cycle X defers his admission so that he is to begin with those who are admitted during Cycle Y. Does that mean that there is actually 1 less spot to fill during Cycle Y? 😕 So if 5 people defer their acceptances, are there 5 less spots the next cycle? Might sound irrelevant, but when there are hundreds of OOS students applying for a handful of OOS spots, I'm just curious..

 

[bunnity]

This is slightly OT but... say that someone who is admitted during Cycle X defers his admission so that he is to begin with those who are admitted during Cycle Y. Does that mean that there is actually 1 less spot to fill during Cycle Y? 😕 So if 5 people defer their acceptances, are there 5 less spots the next cycle? Might sound irrelevant, but when there are hundreds of OOS students applying for a handful of OOS spots, I'm just curious..

Yeah, there could be a new spot in cycle X and one less spot in cycle Y. But I know each class at Penn doesn't have exactly the same # of people in every class so schools may not all cut a spot from the next year.

 

[primatevetjess]

I'm not sure why a school would really care either way -- once they've decided they want you it shouldn't make much of a difference if it is one year or the next. Tufts was reluctant at first but finally gave me the go-ahead.

Some schools see it as lack of commitment to vet school. They're afraid if you defer one year, you'll want to defer the next or you'll never come back, etc. If you apply to vet school, you should be ready to go that year - why else apply? I'm not asking you this question, just putting it out there why some schools don't grant deferments except in extreme circumstances.

And you say once they decide they want you it shouldn't matter... but there are plenty of qualified candidates that they would happily offer your spot to. It's not like any candidate is so amazingly special and rare that they'll indefinitely hold their spot.

Overall it was very worthwhile and made me much more ready to get back into classes by the next fall! I recommend that everyone take time off if they're able to.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking time off. Hell, I took 5-6 years off! But if you know you want to take some time, do it BEFORE applying to vet school.

To the OP, I agree with others here. It does depend on the school, but for many they will not grant a deferment for the reasons you mentioned.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Penn told me I could basically defer without having to explain myself.... just ask. but that was a few years ago and things may have changed.

If you want to, can't hurt to ask.

 

[orca2011]

Penn told me I could basically defer without having to explain myself.... just ask. but that was a few years ago and things may have changed.

If you want to, can't hurt to ask.

I was kind of given that impression when I was waitlisted during my first cycle. They said I could defer if I got in off that list. I know a guy who was supposed to be in my class deferred. I don't know why he did but he comes to Happy hour and hangs out with us at events since hr lives in the area.

 

[LetItSnow]

They're afraid if you defer one year, you'll want to defer the next or you'll never come back, etc

I was under the impression most schools only allowed a one-time deferment. Is that inaccurate?

Cvanthof, the only thing I have to add is that in my experience honesty and forthrightness are usually appreciated. If you get accepted and are wavering (for whatever reasons), set up a meeting with the dean of students and director of admissions at the school and lay it out. They will be able to clearly articulate the school's policy and they may be able to offer some counseling based on their experience. They aren't going to retract their offer simply because you're having second thoughts about when to start.

 

[FutureZooVet]

I'm glad you posted this, I've been wondering for a time what will happen if I decide to go for peace corps. In the event that I get in, I'll be abroad for 27 months, with a high chance of ending up in an area without regular access to the internet. Ideally, I'd like to apply two years ahead of time so that when I got back I'd be a month or two away from starting vet school. At least that way I'd be able to interview as well...

I know this a rather unique scenario, but does anyone think they might go for it? I'd try to be upfront if I knew ahead of time, otherwise I'd request a two year defer if I found out mid year I'd been accepted to the peace corps.

(ps. in case anyone's doing the math, I'll be graduating in the Fall of 2014, so 27 months would put me coming back during the summer sometime depending on when I left).

 

[primatevetjess]

I was under the impression most schools only allowed a one-time deferment. Is that inaccurate?

If you're under that impression then I'm sure it is accurate; I was just using it as an example. My point was just that some schools see a deferment request as not being committed (whether or not that's true) and that may be why they don't grant them. I think actually sitting down and talking to someone in person at the school is a great idea.

I know this a rather unique scenario, but does anyone think they might go for it? I'd try to be upfront if I knew ahead of time, otherwise I'd request a two year defer if I found out mid year I'd been accepted to the peace corps.

I've personally never heard of a two year deferment, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. The best thing is to contact the school or schools you'd want to apply to and ask them.

 

[LetItSnow]

I know this a rather unique scenario, but does anyone think they might go for it? I'd try to be upfront if I knew ahead of time, otherwise I'd request a two year defer if I found out mid year I'd been accepted to the peace corps.

I've never heard of a two-year deferment either. I think what you want to do is contact the schools ahead of time (i.e. before application) and ask if there is room within their policies for that. If I had to guess, you're going to get asked to apply midway through your Peace Corp time, instead.

If the scenario is that you're considering applying to both (vet school + Peace Corp) with the intent of taking PC if you get accepted ... hm. I don't know what to tell you. 🙂 I suppose there's nothing wrong with that approach, but if it were me I'd plan to withdraw my applications rather than ask for a two-year deferment.

 

[FutureZooVet]

Thanks, yah it will be a hard one if I it happens, I just want to see the world a bit, make a difference before I'm bogged down by debt and possibly a family. If I go on the peace corps though, unless I manage to apply while over seas (not impossible), I'll have to wait another year doing who knows what. There could be worse things 🙂

 

[CanHardlyWait]

Thanks, yah it will be a hard one if I it happens, I just want to see the world a bit, make a difference before I'm bogged down by debt and possibly a family. If I go on the peace corps though, unless I manage to apply while over seas (not impossible), I'll have to wait another year doing who knows what. There could be worse things 🙂

If you do apply while in the PC, you could apply to schools that don't interview. UGA is one, they just call your references. I think Michigan also doesn't interview.

What about PC after you graduate vet school? Is that a possibility-meaning do they take medical personnel?

 

[FutureZooVet]

It would actually be easier to get into the Peace Corps, but I'd be concerned about the skyrocketing debt. When you enter, you can get your loans defered, and if you have subsidized loans, your interest is paid too. Unfortunately, subsidized loans for graduate loans are no longer available and I'd have a lot of compounding interest.

I just did the math in an online calculator, and it showed only an additional 15000, which I guess isn't much when you compare it to 150000. I'll have to seriously consider going that rout.

 

[Frozenshades]

If you do apply while in the PC, you could apply to schools that don't interview. UGA is one, they just call your references. I think Michigan also doesn't interview.

What about PC after you graduate vet school? Is that a possibility-meaning do they take medical personnel?

OKstate doesn't do interviews for OOS applicants.

 

[Museum Nerd]

I believe it depends on each school. Some schools list right on their web site that they will not defer. (Auburn at least last cycle did)

 

[CanHardlyWait]

It would actually be easier to get into the Peace Corps, but I'd be concerned about the skyrocketing debt. When you enter, you can get your loans defered, and if you have subsidized loans, your interest is paid too. Unfortunately, subsidized loans for graduate loans are no longer available and I'd have a lot of compounding interest.

I just did the math in an online calculator, and it showed only an additional 15000, which I guess isn't much when you compare it to 150000. I'll have to seriously consider going that rout.

Would 2 years in the PC count towards the 10 years public service requirement to apply for loan forgiveness?
I've always been interested in the PC and my husband is a carpenter, so I think we could both get accepted and placed together...

 

[Kibo]

I'm glad you posted this, I've been wondering for a time what will happen if I decide to go for peace corps. In the event that I get in, I'll be abroad for 27 months, with a high chance of ending up in an area without regular access to the internet. Ideally, I'd like to apply two years ahead of time so that when I got back I'd be a month or two away from starting vet school. At least that way I'd be able to interview as well...

I know this a rather unique scenario, but does anyone think they might go for it? I'd try to be upfront if I knew ahead of time, otherwise I'd request a two year defer if I found out mid year I'd been accepted to the peace corps.

(ps. in case anyone's doing the math, I'll be graduating in the Fall of 2014, so 27 months would put me coming back during the summer sometime depending on when I left).

As someone who did the Peace Corps before vet school, I would STRONGLY suggest allowing yourself more than a month or two between your return to the U.S. and the start of vet school. You will be in serious reverse culture shock, and PC itself is a huge wave of emotions that you will still be processing for months and even years afterwards. When you first get back, you will want to cry in grocery stores. You will have to try hard to remember things as simple as driving on the right hand side of the road, how to use a credit card, speaking *American* English, relearning American cultural norms, etc. You will want to marvel at all that is American life and catch up with friends and family. You will NOT want to jump right into something as challenging as vet school without giving yourself a breather/readjustment period first. I got back from PC last December and have really enjoyed this past year working full-time in a small animal clinic, getting lots of hours and saving lots of money to boot, really doing a great job on my apps, meeting my SO, and just enjoying American life after being away from it for so long and before being too busy/too poor as a vet student to enjoy anything. I know I'll feel very ready to start class in August. 🙂

 

[anotherbusybee]

Serious question: In the case that your college stops offering the last pre-requisite you need but have already been accepted to a school, can you defer?

 

[NStarz]

Serious question: In the case that your college stops offering the last pre-requisite you need but have already been accepted to a school, can you defer?

Can you independent study it/take it online/take it at a CC/take it at another university?

 

[LetItSnow]

Serious question: In the case that your college stops offering the last pre-requisite you need but have already been accepted to a school, can you defer?

Wow, that would suck.

But, most schools publish their schedules sufficiently far in advance that if that were to happen you should have enough warning to find an alternative at another nearby school because of course you've been watching the schedule and planning ahead, right? 🙂

That said, if something really weird did happen, like they canceled a class last minute .... I have no idea what a vet school would do. My *guess* is they'd offer you a deferment. I kinda doubt they'd let you matriculate without the pre-req, but I suppose it's possible, depending on what it is.

Dunno. This is one of those hypotheticals that in the end probably just depends on the vet school in question.

I think at worst they'd make you defer and at best they'd let you matriculate. I don't think they'd say "sorry, your acceptance is withdrawn" even though I'm sure the fine print gives them the leeway to do that.

*shrug*

 

[anotherbusybee]

I think at worst they'd make you defer and at best they'd let you matriculate. I don't think they'd say "sorry, your acceptance is withdrawn" even though I'm sure the fine print gives them the leeway to do that.

*shrug*

This is my greatest fear...

It's a microbiology lab. UGH. My stupid major requirements are making it really really difficult for me to graduate on time and take the very very very few microbio labs available this spring.

I guess it'd be possible. Worse comes to worst, I'll have to sign up for conflicting classes and ask someone to take notes for me? Ugh. C's get degrees. Whatever...🙁

 

[Frozenshades]

This is my greatest fear...

It's a microbiology lab. UGH. My stupid major requirements are making it really really difficult for me to graduate on time and take the very very very few microbio labs available this spring.

I guess it'd be possible. Worse comes to worst, I'll have to sign up for conflicting classes and ask someone to take notes for me? Ugh. C's get degrees. Whatever...🙁

The first thing that comes to mind is what if you had tests scheduled for the same time? But can you even do that? My school's system won't let you register for classes with time conflicts.

Since it's a lab I suppose you're stuck taking it there, but there's no other class you could take online or at another school to free up your schedule a bit? Or worst case, if you had to, could you not make sure to take that micro lab so you can start vet school, and just not finish your bachelor's?

 

[Minnerbelle]

Is the microbiology WITH LAB a prereq? Or can you just take online microbio elsewhere online or something?

 

[Museum Nerd]

Serious question: In the case that your college stops offering the last pre-requisite you need but have already been accepted to a school, can you defer?

For the schools that i researched when i was applying the answer is NO. (granted it was only 3) I am sure each school is a little different but if you dont have the prereq you most likely are out of luck. I would know the answer before classes start again. Call the schools you applied to and ask the question! Some schools you cant take a pre req even the summer before you start it must be done in the spring. However since you dont have to have a degree to get into Vet school just the pre reqs. You may need to take the lab and finish yiour degree in the summer if you cant find a way to fit both in. Just a thought.

 

[anotherbusybee]

I wish it was just the class! Unfortunately, it's that pesky 1-2 unit microbio lab. I found a terrible way, but it works. There's a couple class conflicts and a CC involved and somewhere in the region of 20-ish credits involved.🙄 It's terrible, but it works. I figure it's one last sacrifice to make before I head off to vet school!