I've been applying in this current cycle, while on a gap year, and my gap year research position was initially only a one year position. Recently we found out that our project will be funded, and so my position will exist for another year. However, I'm also fortunate enough to already have acceptances to several MD programs. I would love to stay the extra year in my position, because the project is very interesting to me, I intend to be involved in research throughout my career and this is a good opportunity w/r/t that, there's a better chance that we'll have publications accepted, etc.
So my questions are:
1. I know that schools are certainly not obligated to grant me a deferral, but is there any chance that this reasoning will convince them? I think I could make a decently compelling case for it, and my supervisor is willing to write a letter/communicate with any schools in support of this.
2. When does one request the deferral? Is it better to do it ASAP and send it to all of my schools, or do I need to wait until I've chosen which school I'll be attending? My gut says schools might be more receptive the sooner that I do it, since they'll be able to admit someone else for my slot for the coming year before everyone has made their decisions, but I don't know if that's how it works?
I'm open to any feedback/suggestions!
So my questions are:
1. I know that schools are certainly not obligated to grant me a deferral, but is there any chance that this reasoning will convince them? I think I could make a decently compelling case for it, and my supervisor is willing to write a letter/communicate with any schools in support of this.
2. When does one request the deferral? Is it better to do it ASAP and send it to all of my schools, or do I need to wait until I've chosen which school I'll be attending? My gut says schools might be more receptive the sooner that I do it, since they'll be able to admit someone else for my slot for the coming year before everyone has made their decisions, but I don't know if that's how it works?
I'm open to any feedback/suggestions!
