What does it mean to defer a university application?

I'm a bit confused about what it means to defer a university application. Does it mean delaying my enrollment, or is it more about pausing my current application process until I am ready to proceed?

Great question! The term "deferring" in the context of college admissions generally refers to postponing your enrollment in the university for a specific period of time. This typically means you've been accepted to the university, but you're choosing to delay your start date, perhaps taking a "gap year" before beginning your studies.

The length of deferral can vary, but is usually for one academic year. At some universities, you might be obligated to explain the reason for the deferral and the activities you plan to engage in during the deferral period.

It's important to note, though, that deferral policies aren't uniform across all universities. Some institutions may be flexible with deferrals, while others might be more strict or not allow them at all. If you're considering deferring, it would be wise to reach out directly to your university's admissions office to understand their specific deferral policies.

Remember, if you decide to defer, it doesn't mean your place is held indefinitely. You need to formally indicate your intent to enroll in the future (usually by paying a deposit) and you're typically expected to not apply to any other colleges during that gap year.