Hi all, could someone please explain to me what 'deferral' means in the context of university admissions? Is it an option available to all students or just specific cases? Thanks a bunch!
Deferral in the context of university admissions generally refers to two different scenarios:
1. Deferred admission decision: When a student applies Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) to a college, the admissions committee may choose to defer their application. This means that the college hasn't made a decision on the application yet, and they will reevaluate it during the Regular Decision (RD) timeline along with the rest of the applicants who applied RD. It's important to note that deferral in this context only happens in the ED or EA application rounds and does not guarantee admission.
2. Deferred enrollment: In this case, an admitted student requests to delay the start of their college enrollment by a semester or academic year and is granted permission by the university. Students request deferred enrollment for various reasons, such as taking a gap year, completing mandatory military service, or focusing on a special project or travel opportunity. The availability and rules regarding deferred enrollment vary by college, so it is essential to check with the specific institution's policies and procedures.
In both scenarios, it's important to communicate with the university and follow their guidelines if you're considering requesting a deferral. Ensure that you understand the conditions and requirements for maintaining the deferral, such as submitting a deposit or completing specific paperwork.
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