Would you defer or wait a year to apply?

[mshheaddoc]

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I was just wondering if anyone out there applied then asked for a deferral. Or if anyone just waited to apply. I have personal reasons for withdrawing my apps this year (before interviews) but I'm looking forward to applying either this coming year and asking for a deferral or just waiting out another year.

*added* My grades won't change that much in the year but I do plan on retaking a few science classes and doing the obligatory biochem/genetics that some schools will require.

Also, anyone know of schools that give the option of deferral? Making a list might be a good thing of schools that do not allow this option and those that do.

 

[Flushot]

Well, I voted and I would wait a year, but it really depends on what that year is for. I still feel that I am a marginal candidate, so that year off I would do what I could to improve my situation, get more experience, etc.

So in my situation, waiting is probably what I'd HAVE to do 😳 But, if I was accepted, I'd go right away, so it's hard for me to fathom deferring.

Although, it would be nice to travel or something before the eventual grind.

 

[123880]

Mushy, I voted to defer. Why? It seems the adcomms are a finicky bunch. What works this year might not work next year. If your overall application won't change much, go on and get started on the application process.

Unfortunately sometimes people have to do this thing called applying more than once. Best case is you won't. Worst case scenario is that you will. Looking at best case scenario, you get in and defer and you're entering med school when you want. Worst case scenario is you wait this year and apply next cycle and maybe have to do it again-this puts you entering a year behind when you wanted to. Middle of the road scenario is you apply this cycle, don't get picked, and have to do it again next year.

Idk if this makes sense. The point I'm trying to make is that I think, if all things are the same on your application now vs 1 year from now, it's better to do it this round.

Do schools ever deny requests for deferment? If your request to defer were denied, what would you do?

 

[Kateb4]

I said to wait... I'm not sure which ones do, but I know that no schools like to defer admissions. You would have to give them a good reason, and they may not look favorably upon it if it seems that you knew about it before your application.

Also, since you are waiting to attend anyways, you may be able to improve your application continually, therefore putting forth the best application after waiting the year.

 

[Punchap]

If you were accepted to your dream school and know for sure that is where you want to be, I would try my best to defer...this might avoid the awkwardness in your next interview when they ask..."Why did you not attend last year after being offered an acceptance?"...go with your gut.

 

[EEL08]

Oooh tied! We are so helpful aren't we? 😛

 

[Omashu]

I say defer... I agree with what Punchap said....

 

[scpod]

If every school would automatically give you a deferral.....well, it would be a no brainer. Go ahead and get that acceptance while you can. That way, if you don't make it in this year, the worst case scenario is that you're applying again the following cycle anyway.

However, what would happen if your favorite school or only school you were accepted to didn't allow the deferral? Would they look at your app a scond time? Would other schools look at you differently knowing you turned down an acceptance? Just the uncertainty of those types of questions makes me think that I would wait a year, until I could give it my best efforts, knowing that I would matriculate in the same cycle.

Someone will undoubtedly say, "Call the schools you are interested in and ask them." If there isn't a written policy in effect, I'd also beware of what someone at the school tells you too. People in the admissions office are pretty much paid to lie, cheat and steal to get you to apply to their school. They may tell you one thing and, in the end, you may be told another. Get it in writing.

Your idea of a list may be a good thing. I know some schools over-accept, then ask people to sit out a year. I've heard people say that they were even offered a tuition reduction for the following year if they'd sit out. I just can't remember where they went right now. I know it's a tough decision.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Oooh tied! We are so helpful aren't we? 😛

Yep 😛

I think we should compile a list of schools that do have academic policies on deferral as well as schools that over-accept. Although I think some schools have overaccepted lately only because they usually have a percentage matriculation less than acceptance. Maybe with competition rising they will be lowering this in the future?

 

[scpod]

Here's on of thse threads I remembered:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=217369

 

[123880]

Here's on of thse threads I remembered:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=217369

That would be quite a position to be in. If I were offered 2 years free tuition if I deferred a year, I don't have to think about it. I'd defer and go travel for a year. I wonder if that issue is becoming more of a trend or if it was some kind of fluke for that 1-2 year period?

Mush, what schools are you thinking of applying to?