Deferring an offer

[pinot noir]

I would like any advice on deferring an offer. I was accepted to dream school, but the thought of tuition and debt has given me an ulcer. I am thinking about asking for a deferral so I can have time to

research scholarships/external funding options. Does anyone know anything about deferral policies? Are schools favorable to students who are honest about their financial situation? Will they defer an admission if they are interested in the student? It just doesn't make sense to dig myself into that kind of debt for a graduate writing degree All advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[fuzzylogician]

I think you need to contact your school and ask. I agree that it makes no sense to go into debt for a graduate writing degree and I think that you're making a sensible choice in trying to find other sources of funding. Deferral policies change from school to school, though, so it's hard to tell what your school will say. One would think that if they're not offering you any funding then it shouldn't be a problem for them to let you defer, but who knows. There may be different policies for before and after April 15 (although it shouldn't make a difference for unfunded offers) -- so I'd suggest not waiting too long before you contact the school.

[pinot noir]

I think you need to contact your school and ask. I agree that it makes no sense to go into debt for a graduate writing degree and I think that you're making a sensible choice in trying to find other sources of funding. Deferral policies change from school to school, though, so it's hard to tell what your school will say. One would think that if they're not offering you any funding then it shouldn't be a problem for them to let you defer, but who knows. There may be different policies for before and after April 15 (although it shouldn't make a difference for unfunded offers) -- so I'd suggest not waiting too long before you contact the school.

Thanks, fuzzylogician!