Deferring

[ApplyingSLP]

Hi, I'm wondering about deferring grad school for a year.

Let's say I apply to Fall 2016 for a masters in speech-language pathology, but then decide I want to go in Fall 2017.  Is it possible to defer?  How likely will the request be granted?   I know this is possible with med school and dental school through some of my friends but I'm not sure if the situation is different for SLP.  Should I just not apply for Fall 2016 if I'm not sure?

[Puffer Fish]

I think it depends on the school. I asked several schools if deferral was possible for the purpose of taking a year to take prerequisites. Only one school insisted that deferral was not possible, and that was Gallaudet University in Washington DC. Their reason was that they have over 300 applicants for 15 seats a year and it is not fair to do deferrals.

The real way to know is to email and ask! The worst they can say is no.

[ApplyingSLP]

That makes sense, thanks!

[juilletmercredi]

It's true that different schools have different policies, and you should ask.

However, generally you shouldn't apply to graduate school unless you're relatively sure that you want to attend the following fall. I mean, stuff always happens, but if you are already contemplating whether you actually want to attend next year or the year after, it might be best to wait.