Deferring admission at University of Arizona

Has anyone gone through the process of deferring admission at the University of Arizona? I'm thinking of taking a gap year and would like to know what steps are involved in deferring my admission.

The process of deferring admission can vary by school, but typically involves a few standard steps.

First, you'll need to ensure that you meet the criteria for deferral. As of this year, the University of Arizona allows students to defer their admission for up to one academic year, with the exception of nursing and pharmacy applicants, who are not allowed to defer admission because of the competitive and sequential nature of those programs.

Next, you'll want to reach out directly to the admissions office to let them know you're planning to take a gap year. It's crucial not to assume that you have a deferral until there's explicit approval from the university. Reach out early, as schools will often have a deadline to request a deferral, and that deadline can be several months before the start of the semester.

Lastly, every school has a different policy on tuition deposits. Some may allow you to carry it over to the following year, but others may require another deposit when you're ready to attend.

Once you've secured your deferral, remember that the school may have conditions you need to follow. At the University of Arizona, you're allowed to take college-level courses during your gap year, but must report any coursework taken during the deferral period by sending an official transcript. Failure to do so could impact your status on return to Campus.

It's a good idea to stay connected with the university during your gap year, perhaps by periodically checking in with your admissions counselor or attending a remote event to stay in the loop.

Remember, taking a gap year is all about personal enrichment and fulfillment, so don't feel rushed into college if you believe a year off will better serve you.