Deferral

[Coloradogirl]

I need some advice. I completed my application to a Masters program at an Ivy League back in October. My husband is in medical school and at the time of applying we were told he would be sent all over the midwest for rotations. We both agreed it would be a good time for me to complete the one year program. However, now his school is talking about adding rotations for next year locally and making fourth year much more transient. He will find out in February and my school will send admission decisions in March.

Their deferral policy is to write an explaination of the change in circumstances, although deferrals are rarely granted. Should I wait and find out my decision and then request a deferral or should I request to have my application moved to next year? I don't want to hurt my chances of admission since this is a dream program for me. But I also would prefer to only spend one year away from my husband.

Thanks for the advice.

[Usmivka]

Deferrals are granted after admission. Write in advance and they are likely to simply not admit you. And if they deny the deferral at that point, so what? Just decline and reapply later.