paul poenicke

Actually, a deferring is perhaps the best move. Talk to your letter writers and other trusted faculty first. Some programs won't accept deferrals, but if you explain to them why you need to defer, then they are more willing to give you a shot the second time around. I asked for a deferral for a philosophy PhD program last year, due to a medical issue; the department denied the deferral, but wait-listed me after my application this year. Moral of the story: if you're honest with faculty at your home institution and CMU, then things will probably turn out for the best. I almost lost a good faculty friend because of my lack of informing him about my decision to ask for a deferral and then reject the school's offer. (The offer also came on May 5th, three weeks after the deadline for philosophy.)