Defer admission

[cmliu]

Hello guys,

 

I have already accepted a grad school's offer.

However, recently I'm thinking asking for one year deferral due to some family issues.

Just wondering, if the school do grant me the deferral, can I apply to other schools this year?

 

Thanks

 

[ahlatsiawa]

Of course you can but you will need to get another I20 issued (from the school you get admitted to) and appear for the visa interview again with that I20. There is a way to avoid this but that involves going to the US on your current I20 and then applying for a transfer to the school you want to attend. It's not as easy as it sounds and you can face setbacks at any step.

[TakeruK]

Generally, when you get a deferral, you are making a good faith agreement that you do want to attend the school but cannot do so at the moment. It may not be illegal, but it would be a bad faith move for you to also use your deferral as a way to apply to more schools in the meantime. 

 

Obviously, it's up to you what you want to do and I don't think anyone will actually stop you from applying to other schools. I am just letting you know that I think many people will frown upon this action and it might have negative consequences for you!