What are acceptable reasons for deferring admission into a PhD program?

[sheabutter]

I was finally granted admission into a doctorate program, however I was granted an opportunity to participate in a year program sponsored by Americorps.  It's a great opportunity and has decent benefits.  Also, the university has not offered any funding.  I know it wouldn't be wise to enter a program with intentions of 'transferring' (that word in itself sounds impossible with a phd program...who would write those L.O.R.?? ...yeah no one).  This is a different ball game, from my masters. Is deferring admission almost nonexistent?? 

[Guest |||]

Deferring for international students is somewhat common, in that universities often understand that a great move requires money, time, etc etc.

 

 

Local schools might be a bit less reluctant.  But, as a whole, schools arent robots, and if they admitted you, they are interested.  Explain to them your situation, if youre very serious about eventually attending, perhaps meet with the PI (should you have one) or speak with an adviser.  Let them know youre interested and why you will come back

[juilletmercredi]

It depends on the school.  Some schools don't defer for any reason (like Columbia; they state on the GSAS page that they don't do deferrals, although they are required by law to do so for military service and would probably do so for extreme illness or family issues).  Other schools will only defer for things like illness and military + research awards, like an NIH post-baccalaureate or a Fulbright.  Still other schools will defer for things like Americorps or Peace Corps or whatever.  You have to ask your department.  Generally they are more amenable to anything that is going to make you a stronger grad student, like a year of research or a prestigious award or something.