question about deferrals

[crazyhappy]

I am curious about the protocol for deferring admission to a PHD program.  If it is allowed, and you do defer, can you still apply to other programs as well for the next cycle or are you committing to that school. 

Thanks in advance for any info on the proper etiquette here.

[ProfLorax]

Is the offer funded? If so, I imagine a PhD program would not be willing to set aside money for you without (1) an extenuating situation and/or (2) a guarantee that you will attend the program next year. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable asking to defer a funded offer if I didn't know for sure I would attend next year, especially since that would potentially take away a spot from another applicant. 

 

If there an extenuating situation, or do you just watch to try again? If it is the former, you should contact the program ASAP. If it is the latter, I'd suggest either accepting the offer for Fall or declining and committing your energy to re-applying. 

[crazyhappy]

Thanks, Proflorax!  It is an extenuating circumstance, and I am on the wait list for funding (in addition, the information about deferral from the program indicates that financial aid can not be deferred but must be reapplied for each year).  I am just worried about committing to the program and then not receiving funding for 2015--that would make it impossible for me. 

[ProfLorax]

Thanks, Proflorax!  It is an extenuating circumstance, and I am on the wait list for funding (in addition, the information about deferral from the program indicates that financial aid can not be deferred but must be reapplied for each year).  I am just worried about committing to the program and then not receiving funding for 2015--that would make it impossible for me. 

Oh, that is a tricky situation! I would suggest reaching out to the program and asking about deferral policies and funding. If the deferral is allowed, I think it's fair to stipulate that your future enrollment would be dependent on funding. This is a job, and I think more applicants should feel empowered to make basic demands in this process-- it's the only way our working conditions will improve!

 

One last observation: you never mentioned really wanting to attend this program. Are you stoked about the program? Or are you just holding onto it out of fear that it is your only option?

[crazyhappy]

Thanks again, Proflorax.  I am in a rather unique situation in that I am unable to move, so I have a very limited number of options within commuting distance. Luckily, these programs are excellent fits for my research interests.  I am waitlisted at my dream program, and I have been accepted to the other programs without funding at this point.  These acceptances allow deferrals but stipulate you must reapply for financial aid.  I am just trying to figure out the best course of action since I may need to wait until 2015.  I would like to reapply to my dream school (the one I am currently waitlisted at), so I am trying to figure out if it is best to simply reapply to all of the schools and hope for an acceptance from top choice or funding from the other schools or if it makes sense to defer one of the schools (good fits, just not my dream school).  Argh, it's just all so confusing, and I definitely want to do this right and maintain good relationships with my contacts from all of the schools.  Maybe I will be able to attend this year, and this is all for naught--- this will definitely be a stressful wk. Thanks for your help.