I was accepted to a PhD program for counseling psychology. I want to defer because I am awaiting notification to see if I will receive a Fulbright award. I have to respond to the admissions offer by Monday but may or may not get word from Fulbright next week. If I get the Fulbright, I'll have a good excuse to defer and will take the Fulbright and start the PhD program next year. (This school permits deferrals for special circumstances and I'm sure Fulbright will count)
Even if I don't get the Fulbright, I still want to defer but I don't know if deferring to work (get some experience and hone my practical skills) is a good enough excuse. This is my main concern. How do I furnish this request? I don't know how to inquire about deferring. I want them to know that I'm serious about the program.
Any thoughts?