Can You Apply to Other Colleges If You Defer?

If I defer my admission to a college, can I still apply to other schools during that deferment period? Or would I be obligated to attend the original school once the deferment is over?

Deferring your acceptance to a college usually means that you're postponing your attendance for an agreed upon period of time, often up to a year. Deferrals are typically agreed upon with the understanding that the student intends to attend that school once the deferment period is over. Therefore, in most cases, if you have deferred your admission, it is expected that you'll enroll in that institution at the end of your deferment period.

However, the specifics can vary from college to college. Some schools may specifically state in their deferment policies that students who defer are not permitted to apply elsewhere during their gap year, while others may not address this issue at all. It is always advisable to carefully review any policies or agreements related to deferral and to contact the admissions office of the institution to which you have deferred if you have any questions or doubts.

Keep in mind that if you apply to another school during your deferment and get accepted, you might end up losing your spot at the original school. It's important to make an informed decision about whether or not to take this potential risk.